As the final moments of Governor Jim Justice’s eight-year tenure in West Virginia come to a close, it is not easy to summarize his many significant accomplishments, and this commentary will fall short of highlighting so many outstanding achievements. However, he has been a transformative leader during this period, leaving West Virginia in a stronger, more prosperous standing than when he took office. Under his leadership, along with First Lady Cathy Justice, West Virginia has broken records, achieved significant milestones, and garnered national awareness.
Governor Justice is a big thinker. During his term, he has never been afraid to break the mold or throw out the playbook, is always willing to challenge the status quo, and never confuses effort with accomplishment. When Governor Justice walked in the door in January 2017, West Virginia faced a financial crisis, and its budget shortfall looked destined to worsen in the years ahead.
One of his first major initiatives was the Roads to Prosperity program, which received overwhelming support from 73% of voters. This program allocated $2.8 billion, marking the largest infrastructure investment West Virginia had ever made for highways, roads, and other infrastructure projects. As he runs through the finish line of his eight years in office, Roads to Prosperity has successfully completed over 1,320 projects, creating tens of thousands of jobs across every corner of West Virginia.
Governor Justice’s balanced and commonsense approach to managing the COVID-19 pandemic will undoubtedly be an essential chapter in his legacy. As the virus spread across the country, he acted swiftly to keep it out of our state for as long as possible. Once COVID-19 reached West Virginia, Governor Justice implemented measures that saved lives. With guidance from healthcare and medical professionals, he took decisive actions to protect our older citizens in nursing homes, our children, and those who were most vulnerable. He strongly encouraged all West Virginians to receive the lifesaving vaccines alongside his beloved Babydog, but he also respected rights and deeply held personal beliefs. His leadership and innovation in addressing the pandemic and vaccine deployment garnered national attention for West Virginia.
A defining achievement of Governor Justice’s term in office is the return of over one billion dollars to the people of West Virginia through tax cuts. He can take pride in having championed and enacted the largest tax cut in state history, which included a reduction of over 20% in the personal income tax. Furthermore, he eliminated taxes on Social Security and military pension income, removed the tax on soft drinks, and lowered severance taxes on coal and natural gas. Additionally, he enacted rebates on taxes on cars and small business properties.
Governor Justice’s responsible management of the state’s finances has resulted in multiple record-setting billion-dollar budget surpluses, record-low unemployment rates, and noteworthy economic growth and job creation, starkly contrasting the near-bankrupt situation he inherited. This solid financial management and economic development lays the groundwork for eliminating the personal income tax.
Governor Justice made significant investments in West Virginians by approving four salary increases for state employees, teachers, service personnel, and the West Virginia State Police. He prioritized investments in our senior citizens and our veterans. Governor Justice allocated over $250 million to enhance our state parks and tourism, which has elevated West Virginia to a premier travel destination. He and First Lady Cathy Justice expanded the Communities in Schools program to all 55 counties, providing valuable support and pathways to prosperity for nearly 120,000 students.
Governor Jim Justice’s tenure has been unconventional. It is characterized by his beloved dog, Babydog, and a large wooden stool, which often accompanies him. He is a leader who prefers to drive himself and engage directly with West Virginians rather than remain behind the wooden-paneled walls of the Governor’s office. Without a doubt, Governor Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice are leaving West Virginia a much stronger and more prosperous place than when they took office. Thank you, Governor and First Lady Cathy Justice, for eight years of sacrifice, love, and improving West Virginia.
Roman Stauffer serves as a senior advisor and campaign manager for Governor Jim Justice.
Thank you,
Roman
