West Virginia Lawmakers Approve 5% Personal Income Tax Cut in 2026 Budget

Majority of residents to see modest savings, while top 1% benefit most

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:19am

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West Virginia lawmakers have approved a 5% personal income tax cut in the state's 2026 budget, a $125 million hit to revenue. While most residents will save just $4 to $144 per year, the top 1% will save around $2,300 annually. The budget also includes significant funding for the state's expansive Hope Scholarship program, while proposals to increase funding for public education and address water infrastructure issues in the Southern Coalfields faced challenges.

Why it matters

The state budget reflects the priorities of lawmakers, with the personal income tax cut and education funding decisions highlighting the divide between supporting the wealthiest residents versus investing in public services and infrastructure that could benefit lower- and middle-income West Virginians. The budget also reveals the challenges in addressing long-standing issues like water quality and public school funding.

The details

The personal income tax cut was a key priority for Republican Gov. Patrick Morrisey, who originally called for a 10% reduction. Lawmakers ultimately settled on a 5% cut, which will cost the state $125 million in revenue. While most residents will see modest savings, the top 1% will benefit the most. Democrats unsuccessfully pushed for tax cuts targeted at lower-income West Virginians. The budget also includes nearly $300 million for the state's Hope Scholarship program, which provides tuition assistance for all eligible students, despite efforts to cap the program. Meanwhile, proposals to increase public school funding and address water infrastructure issues in the Southern Coalfields faced delays and setbacks before the legislative session ended.

  • The 2026 state budget was approved by lawmakers in March 2026.
  • Gov. Morrisey called for a 10% personal income tax cut in his State of the State address earlier in 2026.

The players

Patrick Morrisey

The Republican governor of West Virginia who called for a 10% personal income tax cut in his budget proposal.

Vernon Criss

The Republican chair of the House Finance Committee who questioned how Morrisey planned to pay for the tax cut.

Sean Hornbuckle

A Democratic delegate who proposed tax cuts targeted at lower-income residents, which was voted down.

Marty Gearheart

The Republican House Majority Whip who opposed favoring the poor over the rich in tax policy.

John Williams

A Democratic delegate who argued that "class warfare has already been declared in West Virginia" through cuts to government services to fund tax cuts for the wealthy.

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What they’re saying

“He's never come to us to talk to us about exactly what he has done on his budget. So it appears that he's cut his revenue estimate to obtain the 5% tax cut within his revenue estimates.”

— Vernon Criss, House Finance Chair

“I have absolutely no intention of voting in favor of class. There is no reason for us not to value every single West Virginian with regard to our tax policy.”

— Marty Gearheart, House Majority Whip

“Class Warfare has already been declared in West Virginia. When you see government services that middle class and poor people are completely dependent upon being cut so that we can give these tax cuts out to the wealthiest among us, that war has already been declared.”

— John Williams, Democratic Delegate

What’s next

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The takeaway

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