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.
UPDATE AS OF 2/4:
Gov. Patrick Morrisey is distinguishing his administration from the previous.
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.”
He added two more orders after his initial day in office.
Multiple orders focus on the economic status of West Virginia, and others focus on educational issues.
Morrisey dismantled all diversity, equity and inclusion departments, saying, “Theories of DEI are contrary to equal protection guarantees of the West Virginia and United States Constitution.”
Listed below are all the recently signed executive orders with explanations:
The first EO establishes an economic “Backyard Brawl” with West Virginia’s neighboring states, working to reduce taxes, fees and regulations that discourage population and economic growth.
The second EO prioritizes school choice for the Morrisey administration. It includes collaborative measures with legislative leaders to ensure that West Virginia has broad school choice laws.
The third EO dismantled all diversity, equity and inclusion programs, declaring no entity receiving state funds should use that money toward those programs.
The fourth EO orders the review of past, present and projected spending decisions to ensure the wise use of West Virginia tax dollars.
The fifth EO directed agencies to develop plans for efficient government and better utilization of public tax dollars.
The sixth EO planned to simplify and reduce inconsistent rules that burden the workforce and businesses, making it easier to do business.
The seventh EO allowed for religious exemptions for school vaccines, citing the First Amendment.
The eighth EO called for the review of outdated executive orders signed into law by previous administrations.
The ninth EO directed the Department of Revenue to address issues with the Office of the Governor to avoid ethical conflicts of interest and “even the appearance of impropriety.”
The 10th EO demanded the illegal immigrant deportation executive order, signed by President Trump, to be implemented in the state.
Holly Belmont can be contacted at [email protected].