Setting himself apart from his predecessor, Gov. Patrick Morrisey is setting his bold agenda in motion.
On day one, Morrisey signed eight executive orders as part of his mission to restore and transform West Virginia into that “shining state in the mountains.”
The orders notably included the call to dismantle Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, or DEI.
Executive Order No. 3-25 states, “Theories of DEI are contrary to equal protection guarantees of the West Virginia and United States Constitution.”
The order, written broadly, specifies that no entity receiving state funds will be allowed DEI staff positions or educational training, and no one should favor any person because of their race within such entities.
Demolishing diversity initiatives is one way in which Morrisey plans to cut spending.
Mandated childhood vaccinations, Morrisey believes, violate religious freedom.
“We believe that the Equal Protection for Religion Act strongly argues in favor of religious and conscientious exemptions,” he said.
When asked whether vaccine exemptions will only make people sicker, Morrisey said he doesn’t believe there is any compromise to be made.
“Having a religious exemption, I don’t think, is going to lead to any compromise,” he said. “In fact, I think it is going to put West Virginia back into the mainstream where we are recognizing the Constitution.”
West Virginia is set to become the fourth state to introduce religious exemptions from vaccine mandates.
Highlighting his plans for West Virginia, Morrisey held two press conferences during his first week in office.
In the Thursday briefing, he detailed the state of the budget for fiscal year 2026.
“The state will have a projected deficit of approximately $400 million, and that number is projected to rise in the future,” he said.
He said he has already begun cutting spending and committed to fixing structural problems within the budget.
“In West Virginia, the time for spending beyond our means is over,” Morrisey said.
He is working to consolidate government departments but said nothing about potential job cuts.
Morrisey said he intends to focus on tax reductions and hopes for West Virginia to become the lowest in the region.
Holly Belmont can be contacted at [email protected].
