CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — Another West Virginia legislative session is now in the books.
Lawmakers passed a state budget and hundreds of bills over the past six weeks.
“I’m really grateful that the legislature moved virtually all of our major items. We had a couple that didn’t make it through, but the vast majority of them did,” said Gov. Patrick Morrisey. “It was a very successful session from our perspective. We created a huge economic development project. I think that’s something people are going to be talking about for the next 15 to 20 years.”
Morrisey is talking about the microgrids bill that aims to attract data centers to West Virginia. However, that’s not the only legislation passed that addresses economic development and the state’s workforce.
“We’re also setting up a system with universal licensing where people can come and work right away. We’re trying to delay all delays to work,” Morrisey said. “We also have a one-stop permitting bill so it’s easy for businesses to come and immediately get set up.”
The governor also supported legislation concerning the Mountain State’s education system.
“We’re also looking out for our kids. There’s a provision related to discipline in the schools and no cellphones in schools,” Morrisey said. “We’re going to be coming back later this year to talk more about the school aid formula and how we can reward good teachers. Merit-based pay is a terrific concept that needs to be advanced. A lot of positive things are occurring.”
Despite all the positives, Morrisey wishes lawmakers repealed certificate of need laws in order to create more healthcare competition in West Virginia.
He also wanted to see religious exemptions to the state’s vaccination requirements for school children.
“That’s a tough issue,” Morrisey said. “I hope the legislature is eventually able to get that together. I do think that having a religious exemption matters. When people have deeply held religious beliefs… the government shouldn’t be penalizing them.”
Governor Morrisey said that he prepares to take a long look at the state budget that lawmakers passed once it arrives at his desk.
