West Virginia Governor Calls for Special Legislative Session to Address Critical Issues

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has called for a special session of the Legislature to address critical issues affecting the state’s most vulnerable populations. The session, set to begin on Sunday afternoon, will focus on restoring budgets for the Departments of Health and Human Services, providing much-needed funding for foster kids, individuals with disabilities, and other essential services.

In addition to addressing funding for healthcare and social services, Governor Justice emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure and education. With the state experiencing surpluses in recent years, he highlighted the need to allocate funds for highway maintenance, school choice programs like the Hope Scholarship, and a new agricultural laboratory at West Virginia State University.

The special session will also address the impact of the Federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) crisis on college students in the state. Over $80 million will be allocated to colleges and universities to support students affected by the FAFSA requirements, which were temporarily suspended by Governor Justice in April.

Other supplemental appropriations included in the proclamation for the special session range from funding for emergency food banks to support for veterans’ assistance programs. The session will be held during the May Interim Committee meetings to minimize taxpayer expenses.

Governor Justice urged lawmakers to prioritize these critical issues and take action during the special session. With a focus on meeting the needs of West Virginia’s residents and attracting new businesses to the state, he emphasized the importance of swift and decisive legislative action.

For more information on the special session and the issues to be addressed, contact Greg Jordan at [email protected].