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Beckley Today
By the People, for the People
West Virginia Governor Pushes for 10% Income Tax Cut
Locals react to Morrisey's proposal to further reduce state income taxes
Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:56am
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The West Virginia state capitol stands as a symbol of the ongoing political debate over income tax cuts and their impact on the state's residents.Beckley TodayWest Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey continues to push for a 10% income tax cut, even after a compromise 5% cut was reached in the 2026 legislative session. The proposed cuts would affect nearly every West Virginian, including those on fixed incomes who are struggling with rising costs of living. Locals in Beckley, WV express support for the additional tax relief, citing benefits for both working families and retirees.
Why it matters
Income tax cuts are a major political issue in West Virginia, with the governor and lawmakers debating the appropriate level of reduction. The 10% proposal goes further than the compromise reached, potentially providing more financial relief to residents but also reducing state revenue. This debate reflects broader tensions around taxation, government spending, and support for working and fixed-income families in the state.
The details
After the 2026 legislative session resulted in a 5% income tax cut compromise, Governor Morrisey has continued to advocate for a 10% reduction. This would affect the take-home pay of nearly all West Virginians, including those on fixed incomes like retiree Theresa Gregory, who said the extra money would help with rising costs for utilities, healthcare, and other essentials. Locals like Mary Grace Peck, the principal of St. Francis School, also expressed support for the 10% cut, believing it would provide much-needed financial relief amid current economic conditions.
- In the 2026 legislative session, a 5% income tax cut was passed as a compromise.
- Governor Morrisey has continued to push for a 10% income tax cut since the 5% compromise.
The players
Patrick Morrisey
The Governor of West Virginia who is advocating for a 10% income tax cut.
Theresa Gregory
A Beckley, WV resident living on a fixed income who believes a 10% income tax cut would provide significant financial relief.
Mary Grace Peck
The principal of St. Francis School in Beckley, WV who supports the 10% income tax cut proposal as a way to help working families.
What they’re saying
“I'm on a fixed income, so that would help with the higher utility bills, higher healthcare costs, everything's up, up, up. It's so expensive anymore.”
— Theresa Gregory, Beckley Resident
“I think everybody at this time would enjoy having more in their paycheck, especially with the cost increases of everything around us right now. It would be a great benefit.”
— Mary Grace Peck, Principal, St. Francis School
What’s next
Lawmakers who opposed the previous 5% income tax cut compromise have not yet responded to requests for comment on the governor's new 10% proposal.
The takeaway
The debate over income tax cuts in West Virginia reflects broader tensions around the role of government, support for working families, and the tradeoffs between tax relief and state revenue. While the governor's 10% proposal has garnered support from some locals, it remains to be seen whether lawmakers will approve an even deeper cut than the previous compromise.
