Charleston Report with Delegate Gary G. Howell

West Virginia officially began its 2026 Regular Session on Wednesday, but lawmakers were already hard at work before the gavel fell. In the days leading up to the opening, the Legislature held a full slate of interim committee meetings to finalize reports, advance key studies, and prepare several policy items so they are ready for action once session begins. This advance work helps ensure that when the Legislature convenes, we can move quickly, stay focused, and deliver results for the people of West Virginia.

Before the Legislature officially convened, members of the Joint Committee on Finance and the Joint Committee on Government and Finance received a briefing showing that state revenues are exceptionally strong and running ahead of forecasts. I serve on both committees, and it was great to see those positive numbers firsthand. As of the end of December, West Virginia has collected $2.742 billion in General Revenue, which is $128 million above estimate for the fiscal year to date. That means we are already 52 percent of the way toward our full year revenue projection of $5.323 billion, with six months still remaining. Month after month, our core revenue streams including personal income tax, severance tax, and consumer sales and use tax continue to exceed expectations and reflect a growing and resilient economy. Even better, our Rainy Day A and B reserve funds now total more than $1.42 billion, stronger than the same point last year and providing stability and security for the future. The bottom line is simple: West Virginias finances are strong, and our position continues to improve as we move into the heart of the legislative session.

During the Joint Committee on Energy and Public Works meeting, representatives from PJM explained that significant upgrades to the electric transmission system will be required to maintain reliability, meet future electricity demand, and ensure power can move where it is needed inside West Virginia. PJM outlined several large backbone transmission projects planned across the state, including the Mid Atlantic Resiliency Link, a proposed five hundred kilovolt line serving the northern part of West Virginia, and two seven hundred sixty five kilovolt projects planned for central and eastern regions. PJM stated that these new lines are designed to relieve congestion and increase the ability to move electricity across the grid. According to PJM, expanding transmission will improve reliability, support growing residential and commercial development, and help keep costs stable by allowing lower cost electricity to flow more freely within West Virginia instead of being held back by the limits of the existing system.

On Wednesday, the Governor delivered his State of the State Address before a joint session of the West Virginia House and Senate. One of the most important takeaways from that address was his announcement that West Virginia has secured a $199 million federal grant from President Donald Trump’s administration to improve health outcomes across our state. When fully deployed over the next five years, this investment will total nearly $1 billion in healthcare improvements. It represents the largest rural health commitment in West Virginia history and delivers the highest per capita award in the region, showing strong confidence that West Virginia is ready to use these resources wisely.

This funding will help transform access to care in rural communities, expand preventative health initiatives, and support services that enable families to stay healthier and closer to home. It is a significant win for West Virginia families, patients, providers, and local communities.

The Governor also proposed a 3 percent pay raise for all state workers, including our school personnel. I am encouraged to see recognition of the hard work and dedication of our teachers and state employees who keep West Virginia running every single day.
However, I believe we should go further. I would prefer to see that raise increased to 5 percent, and I will be requesting that our Finance Chair explore the feasibility of expanding the proposal to 5 percent as we move through the legislative process. Our dedicated public servants deserve a raise that truly reflects their commitment to West Virginia, and I will continue to advocate on their behalf.
Thursday was Mineral County Day at the Capitol, and it was great to see so many friends and familiar faces from back home. More than 30 organizations filled the Rotunda to highlight what Mineral County brings to West Virginia, including our schools, city and county leaders, emergency services, parks and recreation, our Chamber of Commerce, and many community groups that serve our residents every day. The school kids were not able to make it due to the snow, but Mineral County was still well represented from start to finish.
It turned into a very busy day for me, splitting time between visiting with folks from home and meeting with companies that traveled to Charleston for the opening of the 2026 session and the State of the State address. These companies are exploring opportunities to locate or expand in West Virginia, and several are looking at partnerships with our local school systems and workforce programs. I always make sure they know that Mineral County is a great place to do business, and that WVU Potomac State College and our public schools stand ready to help train the workforce they need. Mineral County Day is always a highlight for me, and I appreciate everyone who made the trip in spite of the winter weather.

We are now settling in for the 60 day legislative session, which means long hours, a full schedule, and a lot of work ahead as we debate ideas and find solutions for the people of West Virginia. If you have an idea to make our state better, now is the time to share it. If your idea requires a change in state law this is when we can move it. If you simply need help with a state agency or anything related to state government, please reach out. I am here to serve you. You can call my office at (304) 340 3191 or email me at Gary.Howell@WVHouse.gov