CHARLESTON W.Va. (WVDN) – As Governor Patrick Morrisey prepares to deliver his first State of the State Address tonight, West Virginians deserve real answers—not empty rhetoric—on the challenges facing our state. The West Virginia Democratic Party is calling on Governor Morrisey to address the pressing issues that impact working families, teachers, children in foster care, and those struggling with addiction rather than catering to special interests and political allies.
First and foremost, the Governor must explain West Virginia’s financial crisis. Outgoing Governor Jim Justice claims he left office with a $2 billion surplus, while Governor Morrisey now says we have a $400 million deficit. They both can’t be right. If Morrisey is telling the truth about a deficit, then he must explain how he plans to close a $400 million budget gap without gutting essential services for West Virginians.
House Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle (D-Cabell) said, “West Virginians are tired of being lied to. If there is a deficit then our ask of Governor Morrisey is to explain to us why he doesn’t believe Senator Jim Justice’s budget analysis and why he doesn’t trust the work of the Republican majority. If what he is saying is true we want to work with him to help fix the issues in a way that doesn’t hurt public education, healthcare, current economic development projects and jobs, or vital programs. The people of West Virginia need real leadership, not more political spin.”
Governor Morrisey also must outline a plan to grow West Virginia’s economy. After 14 years of Republican rule, West Virginia’s population continues to decline as young people leave the state in search of better opportunities. West Virginians deserve real investment in good-paying jobs, infrastructure, and workforce development.
Delegate Shawn Fluharty (D-Ohio) stated, “For years, Republicans have promised economic growth, yet West Virginia keeps losing population and jobs. If Governor Morrisey is serious about turning this around, he needs to lay out a real plan to attract investment and create opportunities—not just throw out more empty slogans.”
Governor Morrisey must also address the growing foster care crisis. West Virginia has one of the highest rates of children in foster care per capita, yet past Republican budgets have consistently underfunded critical services.
Delegate Kayla Young (D-Kanawha) said, “The foster care crisis in West Virginia is not just a statistic—it’s real children suffering because of government inaction. If Governor Morrisey truly cares about children, he will show us a plan to fund and fix our broken system instead of ignoring the problem.”
Finally, West Virginians need to hear a serious plan to tackle the opioid crisis, which continues to devastate families and communities across the state. Given Governor Morrisey’s past ties to Big Pharma, he must prove that he is working for the people of West Virginia, not the drug companies he once lobbied for.
Delegate Evan Hansen (D-Monongalia) added: “West Virginia remains ground zero for the opioid crisis, and Governor Morrisey’s record raises serious concerns about whether he will truly stand up to Big Pharma. Tonight, we need more than just talk—we need action and accountability.”
West Virginians deserve a governor who will address these pressing issues head-on rather than offering vague platitudes and partisan distractions. The Democratic Caucus will hold Governor Morrisey accountable for the promises he makes tonight and ensure that West Virginia’s working families—not wealthy special interests—remain the top priority.
For more information call Mike Pushkin 304-989-6856.
