Morrisey Fumes About Delay In Accessing Federal Health Funds

Flanked by health care leaders, Gov. Patrick Morrisey called the federal government’s Rural Health Transformation fund a “transformative opportunity” for healthcare in West Virginia. 

The state is closer to tapping into those funds – but not fast enough for Morrisey.

The West Virginia Legislature has to pass a bill to receive and appropriate more than $199 million before the state can begin to implement the program. 

And that hasn’t happened yet.

The governor first emphasized the need for legislative action on the federal funds two weeks ago during a Feb. 24 press conference advocating for a 10% income tax reduction.

Tuesday, Morrisey made it clear: he is frustrated with the legislature’s slow pace.

“I think it’s outrageous that here we are at the end of session, and something that should have happened in the first week hasn’t occurred yet,” Morrisey said. “Terrible on every level. We may very well pay a price for the delay.” 

The House Finance committee is scheduled to consider the legislation in question, Senate Bill 570, on Wednesday.