Governor Patrick Morrisey announced on Mar. 12 that the FY 2027 state budget includes full funding for the HOPE Scholarship program, increased spending on roads, and continued progress toward an income tax cut.
The new budget aims to strengthen West Virginia’s economic growth and community resilience through targeted investments in education, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness. These measures are intended to support families, improve public services, and prepare the state for future challenges.
According to Governor Morrisey, “The difficult decisions we made last year to start addressing the state’s long term financial liabilities paid off. Our success last year in reducing base program expenditures helped give us the fiscally prudent budget I signed today.”
Key provisions of the budget include $276 million for the HOPE Scholarship program and an additional $125 million for road improvements. The plan also provides a 3% pay increase for state employees such as teachers, highway workers, and law enforcement officers. This increase is designed to help retain experienced professionals who play vital roles in education, infrastructure maintenance, and public safety.
For the first time, West Virginia’s higher education funding formula will be fully funded under this budget. The Flood Resiliency Trust Fund will receive a dedicated $5 million investment to enhance flood preparedness and disaster mitigation efforts across the state. The Mountain State Digital Literacy Program will see a $3 million increase to expand digital skills training partnerships statewide.
Other allocations include $30 million for water and sewer improvements through the Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council and $10 million for the Dilapidated Properties Program created in 2021. In addition, increases in Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) premiums have been limited to 3 percent—down from previous years when they reached as high as 14 percent.
“These investments reflect our commitment to preparing West Virginia for the future while addressing the needs of communities across the state,” said Governor Morrisey. “From expanding digital literacy to strengthening education to improving our roads and building greater flood resilience, we are making smart investments that will help West Virginians succeed and protect our communities for years to come.”
The administration says these initiatives are part of ongoing efforts to modernize infrastructure, support workforce development, and ensure fiscal responsibility.
