Governor To Outline Legislative Priorities In First State Of The State Address

On Wednesday, the West Virginia Legislature gaveled in for the start of this year’s legislative session, which runs until April 12. Over the course of 60 days, state lawmakers will have the opportunity to propose and pass bills that affect West Virginia residents.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey will join the legislators in the State Capitol for his first State of the State address Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. Each year, West Virginia’s governor opens the legislative session with a speech addressing members of the state legislature, typically outlining ideas and legislative priorities for the session ahead.

West Virginia Public Broadcasting will be streaming the governor’s address via a YouTube live stream and televising it on the West Virginia Channel.

For his final state of the state address last year, Gov. Jim Justice advocated for income tax cuts, the creation of new tax credit programs and an increase in school funding.

In the weeks leading up to the state legislature’s 2025 session, Morrisey and his staff have emphasized their concern over West Virginia’s state budget, making it a likely topic of focus. The state budget provides funding for public institutions, social services, state programs and more.

At a Jan. 28 press briefing at the State Capitol, Morrisey said his office projects a deficit of $400 million in state funding for the upcoming fiscal year, with the figure projected to grow in the following years.

The projected deficit follows years of personal income tax cuts led by Justice. Personal income tax dollars go toward the state budget, and are a main source of revenue for the state.

The governor is slated to provide a rundown of his annual budget proposal during his address Wednesday, West Virginia Public Broadcasting previously reported. This proposal details the governor’s suggested budget allocations for various state programs.

During his January inauguration speech, Morrisey also spoke against diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and in favor of government deregulation. He said he aims to make West Virginia a more enticing place for new residents and businesses than surrounding states, an effort he dubbed West Virginia’s “backyard brawl.”