Gov. Jim Justice Delivering Final State of the State Address

Wednesday will be Gov. Jim Justice’s eighth State of the State address to a joint session of the West Virginia Legislature. The two legislative bodies, cabinet secretaries, agency leaders, supreme court justices and invited guests will gather for the address in the newly renovated House Chambers.

Justice gave a general preview of his address during a media briefing last week. He said he would talk about some of his achievements – a 21.25 percent personal income tax cut, a state revenue surplus that currently stands at more than $400 million and billions of dollars in economic development projects from major corporations like LG, Nucor Steel and Berkshire Hathaway. 

Judging from past addresses, it’s likely that Justice will announce another economic development project or two.

He also mentioned in the briefing some of his more personal political accomplishments.

“We’ve delivered from a conservative, very conservative mindset, whether it be you know, the protection of our guns or standing up for life,” Justice said.

Justice recently voiced his support for another five percent pay raise for school teachers, staff and all state employees. Last week, Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, and Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw, R- Clay, said they would support the raises. 

There are often surprises in a Justice State of the State address, like bringing in a high school cheerleading squad or holding up Babydog’s hind end.

The event begins at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast live on West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s television and radio stations.