CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) – State Treasurer Larry Pack today released a set of additional policy priorities for the 2026 Legislative Session. Treasurer Pack is calling on the Governor and Legislature to sunset all tax credits, adopt a resolution declaring the national debt a security issue, and update West Virgina’s SMART529 program to align with the Trump Administration’s federal changes. Treasurer Pack announced his initial Legislative Agenda back in November.
“Adding these policies to our agenda will create a focus on reining in out-of-control spending in order to bring much needed relief to our citizens. The goal should be to shrink the size of government so we can continue to lower the tax burden on our citizens,” Treasurer Pack said. “Our Office continues to work with legislative leaders to ensure we remove barriers to economic growth and expand freedom and opportunity for our citizens.”
Additional Legislative Priorities:
- Sunset All Tax Credits: West Virginia gives millions away in the form of tax credits every year. By sunsetting all available tax credits, it will force a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of these credits. The Legislature then will have the ability to determine if the credits are meeting their intended purposes.
- Resolution Recognizing the National Debt as a Threat to National Security: The national debt represents one of the greatest public policy challenges in the United States. It continues to reach historic levels, as annual deficits grow and interest payment crowd out other priorities. The ability of the United States to continue spending at current levels relies on international debt markets, with a large share of national debt held abroad, including in China. Recognizing these concerns, this resolution acknowledges the debt as a threat to national security and urges Congress to commit to establishing an effective regular order for budgeting.
- SMART529 Qualifying Expenses Federal Update: Conforming West Virginia’s SMART529 program to the Trump Administration’s federal updates in the One Big Beautiful Bill, which was signed by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025. In addition to the extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, the bill also expanded the list of qualifying expenses available to SMART529 participants. For example, curriculum, books, online educational materials, tutoring expenses, exam fees, and educational therapies are now considered qualifying expenses under the amended federal 529 law. The updated definition to include public school as an “eligible educational institution” makes clear that these students can take advantage of the updated expenses.
Treasurer Pack and his team will work on securing sponsors for this legislation so it can be considered during the upcoming Legislative Session. Treasurer Pack has already met with House and Senate leadership on the Hope Scholarship, eliminating the state income tax on tips and overtime, a teacher pay raise and other pieces of legislation.
The 2026 Regular Legislative Session begins on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
