CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — The West Virginia Business & Industry Council (BIC) applauded the West Virginia House of Delegates,and Governor Patrick Morrisey for their recent renewed commitment to advancing economic and workforce development initiatives during the upcoming 2026 regular session of the West Virginia Legislature.
BIC Chairman Mark Polen said BIC strongly supports the legislative focus on economic opportunity, regulatory modernization, infrastructure investment, and workforce participation—issues that closely align with BIC’s 2026 policy priorities.
“Our members are encouraged to see West Virginia’s House and executive leaders recognize the importance of policies that strengthen our economy and improve the competitiveness of our state,” said Polen. “These priorities mirror much of BIC’s 2026 platform, which centers on job creation, workforce readiness, and the continued modernization of West Virginia’s business environment.”
At its core, the West Virginia Business & Industry Council supports and advocates for policies that encourage job growth and statewide economic development. Among the major 2026 priorities shared between BIC and state policymakers are:
Regulatory Modernization: BIC supports Governor Morrisey’s and the House leadership’s focus on reviewing legislative rules to ensure state regulations are not more stringent than federal requirements or those in neighboring states.
Infrastructure Investment: BIC supports appropriations and policies that increase funding for roads, bridges, schools, water and wastewater systems, energy and broadband infrastructure. Continued development and maintenance of West Virginia’s infrastructure are essential to economic growth and quality of life.
Workforce Development: BIC strongly endorses efforts to expand workforce participation and training initiatives to meet growing demands across key industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, trucking, construction, energy, and tourism.
Tax and Tort Reform: The Council continues to support fair, equitable tax policy that encourages business investment, including elimination of the business inventory tax, and champions tort reform initiatives that promote a balanced, competitive civil justice system.
Natural Resource Development and Healthcare Investment: BIC calls for full development of West Virginia’s coal, natural gas, and oil sectors to maximize employment opportunities and state revenues, while also advancing healthcare policies that sustain hospitals, providers, and health-related jobs across all communities.
“State policy makers’ focus on these key areas shows a continued understanding of what it takes to make West Virginia more competitive and attractive to employers,” Polen added. “The West Virginia Business & Industry Council looks forward to working collaboratively with lawmakers and the governor to advance policies that ensure our workforce and economy continue to thrive.”
The West Virginia Business & Industry Council represents a broad coalition of employers and trade associations committed to creating a strong, diversified, and competitive economy for the Mountain State. BIC is comprised of the state’s leading trade associations and employers.
