CHARLESTON — Gov. Patrick Morrisey on Wednesday called for a 10% income tax cut and average pay raises of about 3% for public employees as he delivered his first State of the State address of the 2026 legislative session.
“Tonight, I can report that we are making real progress. The Mountain State comeback is underway,” Morrisey told lawmakers and guests gathered in the House of Delegates chamber.
The governor used the speech to highlight his administration’s first-year policies and outline priorities for the coming session, including tax relief, employee compensation, child welfare reform and health initiatives.
Morrisey opened the address by honoring families affected by tragedy. He recognized the parents of National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who was fatally shot while on duty in Washington, D.C., last fall, and the father of Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, who was critically injured in the same incident.
“Your strength, your faith, and your love for these heroes inspire us all,” Morrisey said as Evalea and Gary Beckstrom and Jason Wolfe stood to sustained applause.
He later acknowledged Heather Lipscomb, the widow of miner Steve Lipscomb, who was killed in an accident at Rolling Thunder Mine last year.
“At the heart of our state’s story is the courage of those who serve, even in the face of unthinkable danger,” Morrisey said.
Turning to policy, the governor urged lawmakers to support pay raises for state employees, noting they went without an increase last year. He first announced the pay raise priority in December, though he did not specify an amount at that time.
“These state employees are the people who teach our kids, fix our roads and bridges, guard our prisons, and police our streets,” he said. “They show up every day to serve others, often putting the needs of their communities ahead of their own.”
Legislators are expected to review the proposed raises, along with tax cuts and other fiscal matters, during finance committee meetings Thursday. Lawmakers have said the final figures could change during the budget process.
Morrisey also urged passage of a 10% income tax cut, despite existing law that ties future reductions to economic benchmarks that are not expected to be met this year.
“To kickstart economic growth and return money back to the people, I am asking the Legislature to pass a 10 percent income tax cut,” he said.
Senate President Randy Smith, speaking earlier on MetroNews “Talkline,” cautioned against moving too quickly.
“We have to balance a budget, and with that comes a lot of tough decisions,” Smith said.
Addressing child welfare, Morrisey renewed his call to reduce the number of West Virginia children placed in out-of-state facilities, which he said currently stands at about 380. He proposed creating a revolving investment fund to renovate in-state facilities.
“With a modest investment of $6 million, we can rehabilitate existing state facilities, transform them into world-class centers of care, and begin bringing our children back home,” he said.
Morrisey also highlighted health and wellness efforts, noting his daily participation in the Mountaineer Mile walking program.
“I haven’t missed a day yet,” he said. “I’m still grinding — you all know I’m persistent.”
He asked lawmakers to support legislation aimed at improving rural health care through prevention and wellness initiatives.
“We are not here to celebrate the end of a journey,” he said. “We are here to strengthen the foundation for our children for generations to come.”
Morrisey closed by urging continued progress.
