CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Governor Patrick Morrisey used his State of the State address Wednesday evening to outline what he described as a “Mountain State comeback,” highlighting economic growth, tax relief, infrastructure investment, energy expansion, and healthcare reform.
Morrisey opened by acknowledging state leaders, members of the judiciary, and his family, noting a personal milestone.
“Tonight, we stand before you, not only as your governor and First Lady, but as two of West Virginia’s newest grandparents,” he said, adding that the future of the state “belongs to our kids and our grandkids.”
Economic Development and Jobs
The governor reported more than $4.5 billion in new private-sector investment announced in recent months, projecting 4,200 new jobs.
He credited recently passed microgrids legislation, calling it “one of the single biggest economic development drivers in our history,” and said interest from companies could eventually total “tens of billions of dollars.”
Morrisey also highlighted workforce initiatives, including micro-credentialing, portable benefits for independent workers, and faster workforce entry for military personnel. He said the state will need 15,000 to 20,000 new construction workersin coming years and asked lawmakers to increase funding for higher education and technical training.
Infrastructure and Red Tape Reduction
The governor announced plans to invest an additional $100 million to supplement road and bridge repairs and pointed to $74 million already spent on water and sewer projects.
He said his administration has focused on cutting red tape through one-stop permitting and expanded universal licensing reciprocity. “If you are ready to work – West Virginia is ready for you,” he said.
Tourism and Broadband
Tourism now supports more than 60,000 jobs and generates over $9 billion annually, according to Morrisey. He requested $20 million to improve state parks. He also said the state secured $546 million in broadband funding, expanding high-speed internet access to more than 73,000 locations.
Healthcare and Rural Health
Morrisey highlighted a $199 million federal healthcare award, which he said will result in nearly $1 billion in healthcare investments over five years. “We are going to show the nation how to make rural America healthy again,” he said, calling for prevention-focused reforms, nutrition education, and lifestyle changes.
Energy Policy
Declaring West Virginia “America’s energy state,” Morrisey promoted his “50 by 50” plan to increase power generation from 16 to 50 gigawatts by 2050, relying on coal, natural gas, and nuclear power. He said more than $4.2 billion in new energy investments have been secured since announcing the plan.
Government Size, PEIA, and Child Welfare
Morrisey said his administration has reduced bureaucracy, streamlined agencies, and capped PEIA premium increases at 3 percent this year. He also announced a proposed $6 million “Bring Them Home Fund” to reduce out-of-state foster care placements and improve child welfare outcomes.
Drugs, Border Security, and Public Safety
The governor cited a “nearly 40 percent decline in drug overdose deaths” between June 2024 and May 2025 and emphasized continued cooperation with federal law enforcement. “We must not let up,” he said.
Legislative Proposals
Among Morrisey’s requests to lawmakers:
- A 3 percent pay raise for state employees
- A 10 percent income tax cut, which he said the state can afford due to a $128 million surplus
- Permanent funding for the HOPE Scholarship, which he said is now built into the state’s baseline budget
Education and Flood Preparedness
The governor highlighted implementation of the LETRS reading program and digital literacy expansion. He also proposed $10 million for a flood prediction pilot program called SENTRY, designed to provide earlier warnings and protect lives.
