Governor Morrisey Unveils Tax Relief Proposal Ahead of Legislative Session, Ties Plan to Federal Economic Direction

Charleston, West Virginia; January 6th, 2026.

With the upcoming legislative session approaching, Governor Patrick Morrisey has laid out a tax relief proposal he says is intended to keep West Virginia moving in the same economic direction now being set at the federal level, building on what the administration describes as renewed momentum following President Trump’s recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill.”

In a statement released by THE WEST VIRGINIA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, Morrisey outlined a package aimed at reducing tax burdens for West Virginians while positioning the state to take advantage of broader national economic shifts. The proposal, according to the governor’s office, is designed to reinforce growth, attract investment, and put more money back into the hands of residents as lawmakers prepare to convene.

The governor’s announcement frames the tax relief effort as a continuation rather than a departure, pointing to recent federal actions as a signal that states should act decisively to remain competitive. Morrisey’s office emphasized that the plan is intended to align state policy with what it characterizes as a pro-growth federal agenda, while still accounting for West Virginia’s own fiscal realities.

Details released by the governor’s office indicate that the proposal will be formally introduced during the upcoming legislative session, where lawmakers will debate its structure, scope, and long-term impact. While specific dollar figures and legislative language are expected to be addressed once the session begins, the administration made clear that tax relief will be a central priority.

According to THE WEST VIRGINIA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, the proposal is being positioned as part of a broader effort to strengthen the state’s economic footing, encourage workforce participation, and make West Virginia more attractive to families and businesses considering where to live or invest. The administration has argued that lowering tax pressure is a necessary step in keeping residents from leaving the state and in drawing new economic activity inward.

Governor Morrisey’s statement also situates the proposal within a wider national context, referencing federal policy changes as an opportunity rather than a risk. The administration’s view, as presented, is that states willing to move quickly can leverage national economic shifts to their advantage, while those that hesitate may fall behind.

As the legislative session approaches, the proposal is expected to generate debate among lawmakers over fiscal balance, long-term revenue planning, and how best to measure economic success. For now, the governor’s office has framed the announcement as an opening move, signaling priorities before formal negotiations begin.

Whether the package advances unchanged or undergoes revisions will depend on legislative deliberations in the weeks ahead. What is clear from the announcement is that tax relief, and its connection to national economic policy, will be front and center when lawmakers return to the Capitol.

Sources

Primary First-Hand Sources
• WEST VIRGINIA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY — Official statement announcing the proposed tax relief package and outlining its goals ahead of the upcoming legislative session.