CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) Governor Patrick Morrisey signed West Virginia’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The budget approved by the Legislature and signed by Governor Morrisey closely resembles the Governor’s proposal sent at the start of the session.
“When I took office, I inherited a $400 million structural budget gap in the upcoming fiscal year, which would grow to nearly $600 million in the years ahead if it was not immediately addressed,” the governor said. “The fiscally conservative budget I signed tonight makes progress in addressing structural gaps and puts us on a path to long-term financial stability.
Much work remains to be done in the coming fiscal year to address budget shortfalls, but I applaud the Legislature for sending me a budget that is very similar to my original proposal and begins to address long-term issues while funding West Virginia priorities.”
The budget for fiscal year 2026 is intended to provide flexibility to address future uncertainties, such as stock market fluctuations and changes in federal spending, while ensuring that programs are fully funded throughout the year.
In the event of a surplus, up to $100 million will be allocated to fund road maintenance and improvement projects throughout the state. The budget provides full funding for Medicaid, senior services, and the HOPE scholarship, while making targeted spending cuts.
