Governor Morrisey Delivers the 2026 State of the State

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Governor Patrick Morrisey used his State of the State address last night to highlight what he called major accomplishments from his administration’s first year, while outlining a series of proposals aimed at strengthening West Virginia’s economy, workforce, and infrastructure.
Morrisey pointed to more than $4.5 billion in new private‑sector investment announced in recent months, along with an estimated 4,200 jobs tied to those projects. He credited the state’s new microgrids law as a major driver of interest from companies nationwide, saying the policy could ultimately generate tens of billions of dollars in future investment.
The governor said his administration has focused on preparing business‑ready sites and improving core infrastructure. Last year, the state directed $74 million toward water and sewer upgrades and continued work on site remediation. Morrisey also called for increased funding for higher education and technical training, noting the state will need up to 20,000 new construction workers in the coming years.
Infrastructure remained a central theme, with Morrisey proposing an additional $100 million to support road and bridge repairs. He also highlighted growth in the tourism sector, which now supports more than 60,000 jobs and generates over $9 billion in annual economic impact. To build on that momentum, he requested $20 million to improve state parks, including lodging, campsites, and access roads.
Morrisey praised the Trump Administration for awarding West Virginia $199 million to improve healthcare outcomes, part of a five‑year package that could total nearly $1 billion. He urged lawmakers to advance his Rural Healthcare Transformation plan, which focuses on prevention, nutrition education, and wellness initiatives.
The governor also renewed his call to establish the “Bring Them Home Fund,” a $6 million proposal to renovate state facilities and reduce the number of foster children placed out of state. He said the effort would save money and keep children closer to their communities.
Morrisey cited progress in combating drug overdoses, noting preliminary estimates showing a nearly 40 percent decline between June 2024 and May 2025. He attributed the trend to enforcement efforts and partnerships with President Donald Trump.
On education, Morrisey said the state has fully funded the HOPE Scholarship and is expanding literacy and digital learning initiatives, including the LETRS reading program. He said improving student skills is essential to preparing young people for good‑paying jobs.
The governor also announced a new flood‑prediction pilot program called SENTRY, requesting $10 million to deploy sensors and develop models that could provide earlier warnings for flood‑prone communities.
Morrisey closed by emphasizing long‑term planning and investment, saying the state is “building a better West Virginia” for future generations.