Governor Patrick Morrisey announced today that his proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget will include pay raises for state employees, citing West Virginia’s improved financial outlook made possible by his administration’s disciplined, balanced-budget approach over the past year.
“I believe in casting a wide net,” said Governor Morrisey. “Our state employees are the ones who teach our children, fix our roads and bridges, guard our prisons, police our streets, and administer the programs thousands of West Virginians rely on. They enter public service not for their own benefit, but for the benefit of our people. They deserve to share in the positive results of our fiscal progress.”
The pay raises proposed by Governor Morrisey will apply to state employees who are funded through the general revenue budget, which includes the vast majority of state workers. This category covers teachers, State Police, corrections officers, and many other essential public servants.
Governor Morrisey’s proposed pay raise will also address critical vacancies in areas such as Corrections, Child Protective Services, and Education.
“Too often, we lose talented teachers, service personnel, and police officers to neighboring states offering higher pay,” Governor Morrisey said. “We must reverse that trend by ensuring our public servants can build their careers here in West Virginia. Keeping teachers, law enforcement, and other dedicated professionals is essential to maintaining the vital services our communities rely on.”
The plan to provide more competitive wages for state employees is the latest step in the administration’s broader effort to rebuild West Virginia’s economy after securing $5.5 billion in economic development investments that will bring 5,500 jobs. The Morrisey Administration has secured additional wins, successfully championing universal licensing reciprocity to reduce barriers to work and implementing the one-stop shop permitting system to cut red tape and speed up business development. Additionally, House Bill 2014 has positioned West Virginia as one of the most attractive states in the country for data center investment, while supporting microgrids, strengthening the energy grid, lowering income taxes, and helping counties fund critical infrastructure.
