CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) – Governor Patrick Morrisey today highlighted several major accomplishments secured during the 2026 legislative session, stronger infrastructure, emphasizing education freedom, and meaningful tax relief as key achievements made possible through responsible financial management.
“Last year we made some difficult but necessary decisions to put our state on a stronger financial footing,” said Governor Morrisey. “Because of those choices, we’re now able to fully fund the HOPE Scholarship, invest more in our roads, and continue delivering tax relief to the people of our state. These are real results that help families today while building a stronger future for tomorrow.”
The session secured an additional $125 million to improve West Virginia’s roads and infrastructure. Maintaining and upgrading the state’s extensive roadway system remains critical for supporting economic growth, improving safety, and connecting communities.
A cornerstone achievement was fully funding the HOPE Scholarship program, with $276 million dedicated to ensuring families across the state have access to expanded educational opportunity.
West Virginians will receive a tax cut this year thanks to a five percent across-the-board income tax cut as well as relief arriving by the alignment of West Virginia’s tax code with the permanent provisions of the Trump Tax Cuts.
“Lower taxes make our state more competitive, attract investment, and help families keep more of what they earn,” said Governor Morrisey. “By aligning our tax code with the permanent provisions of the Trump Tax Cuts, we are making sure West Virginians receive the full benefit of that relief right here at home.”
The session delivered several additional policy victories aimed at strengthening West Virginia’s economy, improving education outcomes, and making state government more efficient:
• Advancing the Governor’s 50 by 50 energy strategy, directing the Office of Energy to develop West Virginia’s first comprehensive statewide energy plan.
• Expanding literacy instruction through the LETRS science-of-reading initiative, providing training and support for kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers to strengthen early reading outcomes.
• Creating new workforce opportunities through micro-credentialing programs that prepare West Virginians for skilled trades, manufacturing, and emerging industries.
• Establishing portable benefits options for independent contractors, allowing gig and freelance workers to access benefits that can follow them from job to job.
• Strengthening rural health care access through the Rural Health Transformation Program, enabling deployment of nearly $199 million in federal funding and expanding telehealth services across the state.
• Eliminating nearly 30 outdated boards, commissions, and councils to streamline government operations and reduce inefficiencies.
The session also included additional investments aimed at strengthening communities and supporting essential services across the state. These include first-ever funding for the Flood Resiliency Trust Fund, increased support for digital literacy programs, $30 million for water and sewer infrastructure improvements, funds to remove dilapidated properties, as well as support to strengthen medical education institutions across the state.
