West Virginia Lawmakers Grill Health Department on Budget Cuts

Legislators raise concerns over impact on Medicaid, childcare, and other social services

Jan. 30, 2026 at 10:39pm

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Lawmakers in the West Virginia House of Delegates grilled the state's Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Mayer over the department's budget proposal, which includes a 2% cut as part of the governor's overall budget plan. Legislators expressed concerns about the lack of specifics on how many Medicaid recipients could lose coverage and the potential ripple effects on the state's workforce if childcare programs are impacted.

Why it matters

The Health and Human Services budget is a critical part of the state's overall spending plan, funding key social services like Medicaid and childcare assistance. Lawmakers are worried that proposed cuts could have significant consequences for vulnerable West Virginians and the state's economy.

The details

During a lengthy hearing, members of the House Finance Committee pressed Secretary Mayer on a range of issues, from the potential impact on Medicaid enrollment to the status of outdated technology systems costing millions. Lawmakers said they were alarmed by the administration's inability to provide specific numbers on how the cuts could affect residents.

  • The House Finance Committee questioned Secretary Mayer on the budget proposal on Friday, January 31, 2026.
  • Gov. Patrick Morrisey's overall budget plan includes a 2% cut to all state departments.

The players

Patrick Morrisey

The governor of West Virginia who proposed the 2% budget cuts across all state departments.

Alex Mayer

The Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services, who testified before the House Finance Committee.

John Williams

A Democratic member of the West Virginia House of Delegates who expressed concerns about the lack of specifics on Medicaid enrollment impacts.

Bob Fehrenbacher

A Republican member of the West Virginia House of Delegates who raised worries about the potential effects on the state's workforce if childcare programs are cut.

Daniel Linville

A Republican member of the West Virginia House of Delegates who questioned the department's outdated technology systems.

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What they’re saying

“I asked the secretary if he knows how many Medicaid recipients are going to be kicked off Medicaid, and they couldn't even give me a number. That's terrifying to not even know how many people are going to be kicked off of their health insurance in the next year or so.”

— John Williams, Delegate, West Virginia House of Delegates

“If we tighten down on this too much to where childcare providers stop offering those programs, there will be a ripple effect on people being able to work. If a company is going to come to West Virginia or an existing company, West Virginia is going to expand. One of the questions they may ask naturally is who's going to come to work for me? And if people aren't able to find childcare for their children, can they apply for, perform those jobs?”

— Bob Fehrenbacher, Delegate, West Virginia House of Delegates

“I think I want to make sure that I just heard you correctly, they're just finishing programming for $400 million, and it is not a modern program.”

— Daniel Linville, Delegate, West Virginia House of Delegates

What’s next

The governor and the secretary have been adamant about working closely with the legislature moving forward to address the concerns raised during the budget hearing.

The takeaway

The West Virginia Health and Human Services budget proposal has sparked intense scrutiny from state lawmakers, who are worried that the proposed 2% cuts could have significant impacts on vulnerable residents and the state's economy. Legislators are pressing for more specifics on how the cuts could affect Medicaid enrollment and childcare programs, underscoring the high stakes involved in these budget decisions.