Governor Morrisey signed West Virginia’s budget bill for Fiscal Year 2026. Although the passed budget closely resembles the Governor’s proposed budget from the beginning of the session, he did exercise line-item veto authority twenty-nine times to reduce spending by approximately $37.7 million. These vetoes adjusted the general revenue budget to $5.280 billion, down from the $5.318 billion approved by the Legislature.
Some key changes included:
Surplus Fund Reductions: Over $110 million in surplus funds were vetoed, with Morrisey citing the need to reserve funds for anticipated gaps in Medicaid, the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA), and potential changes to the federal tax code.
Foster Care and Child Advocacy: Governor Morrisey reduced funding for the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program by 75 percent, cutting it from $1.1 million to $300,000. He encouraged the program to pursue alternative funding sources, such as grants, to help offset the decrease.
Education and Community Programs: Several educational and community initiatives faced cuts, including:
- $250,000 for the West Virginia University College of Law
- $250,000 for the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program
- $50,000 for the Math Counts program
- $300,000 for the Green Acres Regional Center in Cabell County
- $300,000 for Mountwood Park in Wood County
- $100,000 for the Willow Bend Agricultural Innovation Center in Monroe County
- $500,000 from the Martinsburg library.
Infrastructure and Health Services: Governor Morrisey cut $25 million from the State’s road fund and removed $3 million designated for the Ronald McDonald House in Morgantown, citing insufficient documentation to justify the funding for both allocations.
Governor Morrisey underscored the need for a careful and responsible budgeting strategy and highlighted the importance of preserving budget reserves while keeping the growth of baseline spending in check. The fiscal year 2026 budget is structured to offer flexibility in responding to potential uncertainties, including stock market volatility and shifts in federal funding, while ensuring that essential programs remain fully supported throughout the year. If a surplus occurs, up to $100 million is earmarked for road maintenance and improvement projects statewide. The budget maintains full funding for Medicaid, senior services, and the HOPE scholarship, while implementing strategic spending reductions in select areas.
Thirty-one bills have been signed into law by the governor. To see the full list, go to www.wvlegisltaure.gov, select “bill status”, and then “actions by the governor.”
Governor Morrissey appointed Brent Wolfinbarger as PEIA Director. Brent Wolfinbarger is a seasoned attorney with over 30 years of legal experience in West Virginia. Since 2020, he has served as Senior Deputy Attorney General, leading the state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. His prior roles include chief ethics prosecutor for the D.C. Board of Ethics, director of the D.C. Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and a leadership position with Chickasaw Nation Industries on a national Medicaid review project. A native of Belle, Wolfenbarger is a graduate of DuPont High School, West Virginia University, and the Washington & Lee University School of Law.
Governor Morrissey will continue reviewing legislation over the next several days, making decisions on bills passed by both chambers during the session. While the Legislature is in session, he has five days to sign, veto, or allow a bill to become law without his signature. Once the session ends, that window extends to fifteen days.
Just four months into Governor Patrick Morrisey’s administration, West Virginia is already laying the groundwork for a brighter future. With a focus on responsible budgeting, full funding for key services like Medicaid and education, and a commitment to transparency, the state is taking bold steps to address long-standing challenges.
But real progress is not just about government, it is about all of us. Every West Virginian has a role to play in making our communities stronger. Whether it is lending a hand, supporting local efforts, or simply showing up with a positive attitude, each action helps move us forward.
West Virginia is experiencing changes, and although the future may present difficulties, there are reasons to be optimistic. Together, we can build a future that is better than the one we inherited—and that starts with each of us doing our part.
Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.
(Henry Ford)
I look forward to hearing from people in the district and hope to see you out and about enjoying all the great things our area has to offer. I can be contacted at [email protected] or 304-701-8600.
