Charleston, West Virginia — Following Governor Patrick Morrisey’s first State of the State address, those in the West Virginia House Chamber sang John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” together Wednesday night.
“It’s nice to have a Republican governor who is elected as a Republican that comes in and honors our values here in West Virginia,” said Senator Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, following the speech.
After day one of the 60-day legislative session, the West Virginia Senate and House of Delegates gathered to hear their new leader outline the administration’s main goals and priorities. Morrisey discussed education, technology, economic goals, and more.
Marshall University President Brad Smith declares a new era in the Mountain State.
“I think we are entering the dawn of a new era in West Virginia,” Smith told the crowd. “I love Governor Morrisey’s grand challenge and vision. I believe this country has always answered the call, and we will answer it again to power the next generation in an age of artificial intelligence and the need for West Virginia power.”
One of the major talking points of Morrisey’s first month in office has been his projection that the state will face a nearly $400 million budget deficit in fiscal year 2026. Morrisey briefly mentioned the projected deficit during his speech, but he will soon present his budget to the legislature.
While questions about how to combat the deficit remain unanswered, new Senate Finance Chairman Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley, says he is pleased with what Morrisey is providing lawmakers.
“One of the things that the legislature has asked for the last number of years is a six-year plan,” Barrett informed us. “When we make decisions, whether it be tax cuts or other things that really affect our long-term future, it’s helpful when the governor’s office can provide a six-year plan to us, and this governor is doing that.”
Meanwhile, Senator Ben Queen (R-Harrison) says Morrisey’s first month in office has given him a good feeling.
“He’s upbeat and has gotten to work. I believe the governor has assembled a cabinet, and we’ll get started right away,” Queen said. “Several of his bills were introduced today on the Senate side and I think there’s a lot of momentum.”
Morrisey’s announcement of a West Virginia Power Tech Center was one section of his speech that several state leaders mentioned in the State Capitol’s rotunda Wednesday night. Morrisey stated that the center will “help drive state and national thinking on data and energy needs.” He also claims the center will create new opportunities for advanced manufacturing jobs.
“I really like the power program he (Morrisey) put forward,” West Virginia University President Gordon Gee stated. “I think that is helping us enter in the competitive digital world, so that is what we need to do.”
Tarr claims the state is sitting on an energy gold mine that must be properly utilized.
“West Virginia is the energy powerhouse for the United States,” Tarr informed the crowd. “With what sits right under our feet, there is absolutely no reason why we shouldn’t be a dominant state so that any child that grows up in West Virginia should have to look for a reason to leave, rather than a reason to stay.”
Morrisey, like his inaugural address on January 13, focused on education in the state, saying “education must be a top priority,” and “our classrooms must be centerpieces of excellence.”
Morrisey emphasized the importance of fundamentals like reading, writing, and math, but also stated that the state needed to embrace new skills like coding, STEM, and digital literacy. He insisted that he would continue to support school choice and the HOPE Scholarship.
“We have fallen to the bottom in terms of some of our educational attainments and we just need to improve what we’re doing,” Gee told me.
According to Smith, Morrisey’s educational philosophy is inclusive.
“What I appreciate about Governor Morrisey’s definition of education is that it is comprehensive. It’s Vo-tech; it’s learning skills, trades, two- or four-year degrees, and advanced technology,” Smith explained. “It’s all of the inclusion of education that all of West Virginia can participate in.”
Dale Lee, president of the West Virginia Education Association (WVEA), believes that if West Virginia is to significantly improve its education system, words must be translated into actions.
“There’s a lot of talk about competing with our neighboring states, especially in education and education pay. I’m curious to see where the bills end up and how we’re going to make it competitive,” Lee said.
