Governor Patrick Morrisey delivered his State of the State address in Charleston, West Virginia, outlining achievements from his first year in office and proposing new initiatives for the state’s future.
Morrisey reported significant economic growth, stating, “In the last few months alone, we announced more than $4.5 billion dollars in new private sector investment. Let me say that again – $4.5 billion dollars and a projected 4,200 good-paying jobs. We passed a comprehensive microgrids law which is attracting deep interest from companies across the country. That law will become one of the single biggest economic development drivers in our history. Companies are calling – they want in. When all is said and done, the types of investments under our law could total tens of billions of dollars.”
He emphasized infrastructure improvements as part of his administration’s economic strategy: “Our economic development strategy has focused on the fundamentals. That means developing business-ready sites that can accept large-scale projects and improving the infrastructure businesses need to invest, expand, and create jobs in the Mountain State. Last year, we focused on improving site selection and remediation, and put $74 million dollars towards water and sewer infrastructure projects across the state. Clean water and functional infrastructure lift up the standard of living and propel economic growth in our communities.”
The governor highlighted workforce development through legislation: “Through my Workforce Readiness & Opportunity Act, we will encourage micro-credentialing and make portable benefits available for West Virginia’s growing independent worker base. We’ll accelerate military personnel’s ability to enter the workforce.”
He called for increased support for higher education to meet labor demands: “Tonight, I am also asking to increase funding for our higher education institutions. Our state will likely need at least 15,000 to 20,000 new construction workers alone over the next few years. That means more electricians. More plumbers. More skilled trade professionals who can power our growth. That requires investing in the schools that train our workforce. By investing in higher education and technical training, we are ensuring that good-paying jobs are available for all West Virginians.”
Addressing ongoing infrastructure needs beyond current road funds, Morrisey stated: “In years passed, we have also failed to keep up with our infrastructure needs. That’s why my administration placed a new emphasis on infrastructure maintenance – improving roads, bridges, and fixing potholes. Apart from the current road fund, we plan to invest $100 million dollars to supplement our road and bridge repair work. It’s sorely needed.”
Tourism was another focus area: “Our tourism industry now supports more than 60,000 jobs and surpasses $9 billion in annual economic impact. Tourism generated more than $1 billion in tax revenue last year. $619 million goes directly to support our state and local governments. Our investment in tourism is paying off. That is why I am requesting $20 million dollars to improve our state parks. We need better lodging, more campsites, and improved roadways leading to these incredible destinations.”
On healthcare improvements funded by federal grants during President Trump’s administration, Morrisey said: “In December, West Virginia was awarded $199 million by the Trump Administration to improve healthcare outcomes. Over the five years of the grant, we’re looking at nearly one billion dollars in healthcare investments…I want to thank Secretary Kennedy and Administrator Oz for their commitment to West Virginia. And I want to thank President Donald Trump for his leadership.”
He proposed legislative action on rural health care: “Tonight, I am asking lawmakers to support our Rural Healthcare Transformation through advancing legislative initiatives that promote prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility…Our rural health care plan will transform West Virginia…We will make West Virginia healthy again.”
Morrisey addressed foster care reform: “West Virginia has sent too many of our foster kids out of state…That’s why I’ve called for the establishment of the Bring Them Home Fund…With a modest investment of $6 million dollars…we can rehabilitate existing state facilities…This approach will save our state tens of millions of dollars…Let’s bring our kids home where they belong.”
Discussing efforts against drug overdoses as former attorney general working with local governments and President Trump’s administration on settlements with drug companies totaling over one billion dollars for West Virginia he noted: “Preliminary estimates show that between June of 2024 and May of 2025 there was a nearly 40 percent decline in drug overdose deaths.”
Education funding was another topic: “Our dedication to fiscal responsibility is also allowing us to fully fund the HOPE scholarship…We are pre-paying all of next year’s HOPE Scholarship as a commitment to this policy.” He described implementation of LETRS training based on reading science—an approach credited with boosting Mississippi’s national ranking—and efforts toward digital literacy expansion.
Finally addressing flood risks faced by communities statewide he announced a pilot initiative called SENTRY aimed at providing earlier flood warnings using predictive models: “SENTRY promises to modernize how West Virginia detects flood risk…Those forecasts promise to identify flood risk one to six hours ahead with a target accuracy of more than 90 percent.”
