March 12, 2026 Governor Morrisey Highlights Key Investments Secured in Final Budget ...

Charleston, W.Va. - Governor Patrick Morrisey today highlighted several key priorities secured in the FY 2027 state budget he approved today, including full funding for the HOPE Scholarship program, increased funding for roads, and continued legislative progress toward enacting an income tax cut.

"The difficult decisions we made last year to start addressing the state's long term financial liabilities paid off," said Governor Morrisey. "Our success last year in reducing base program expenditures helped give us the fiscally prudent budget I signed today."

The budget delivers several priorities championed by the Morrisey administration aimed at strengthening West Virginia's long-term economic growth and community resilience. Those investments include $276 million to fully fund the HOPE Scholarship program as well as an additional $125 million dedicated to improving West Virginia roads.

The budget also includes money to provide for the 3% pay increase the governor has promoted for state employees, including teachers, highway workers, and law enforcement officers. An increase will help West Virginia retain experienced professionals who educate students, maintain critical infrastructure, and keep communities safe.

The full funding of the HOPE Scholarship program reflects the administration's commitment to making education a top priority in West Virginia, ensuring families across the state have access to expanded educational opportunities and empowering parents to choose the best path for their children. Building on that commitment, the budget fully funds the state's higher education funding formula for the first time, providing greater financial stability for West Virginia's colleges and universities. These investments strengthen education at every level and help prepare the next generation of West Virginians for success.

Also for the first time, the state's Flood Resiliency Trust Fund will receive dedicated funding through a $5 million investment included in the final budget. The funding will strengthen flood preparedness, improve disaster mitigation efforts, and support long-term infrastructure projects designed to better protect communities across West Virginia.

The Mountain State Digital Literacy Program will receive the $3 million increase the Governor proposed in January. The funding will expand partnerships across the state that help West Virginians gain the digital skills needed to participate in today's economy and ensure communities can fully benefit from broadband expansion.

Communities across West Virginia will benefit from $30 million directed to the Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council for water and sewer improvements. These investments will help modernize aging infrastructure and expand access to reliable water and wastewater systems in communities throughout the state.

The Morrisey administration also successfully limited increases in the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) program to 3 percent. In previous years, increases have reached as high as 14 percent, but responsible budgeting and tough fiscal decisions helped keep costs lower for state employees and their families.

Additionally, the Dilapidated Properties Program will receive $10 million in funding. Created in 2021, the program helps communities remove abandoned and unsafe structures by funding work such as title research, asbestos abatement, demolition, and waste disposal. That work helps turn long-standing community liabilities into redevelopment opportunities.

"These investments reflect our commitment to preparing West Virginia for the future while addressing the needs of communities across the state," said Governor Morrisey. "From expanding digital literacy to strengthening education to improving our roads and building greater flood resilience, we are making smart investments that will help West Virginians succeed and protect our communities for years to come."

The Governor also approved the awarding of $72 million to support West Virginia's medical education institutions. The funding will support capital and deferred maintenance projects at the West Virginia University School of Medicine, West Virginia University School of Dentistry, and the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, strengthening the state's ability to train the next generation of healthcare professionals.