AGP Executive Report

Election: West Virginia Democrats more than doubled their House of Delegates seats, from 9 to 21, and doubled their Senate membership to 4, though Republicans will keep their legislative supermajority. Riley Moore, Carol Miller and Shelley Moore Capito all won reelection as Democrats took control of Congress nationally. Public Benefits: PEIA is proposing premium increases for fiscal 2028, including 2% for state workers and 4% for many non-state plans; one non-state plan faces a 24% hike. Public hearings are planned this month. Public Trust: A former Berkeley County sheriff’s office employee pleaded guilty to a nearly $3 million fraud scheme involving hundreds of transactions and agreed to repay about $2.74 million. Weather Risk: A new national ranking places West Virginia fourth for property exposure to extreme weather, with inland flooding and severe storms among the major threats.

Election Results: Shelley Moore Capito won a third Senate term, while Republican U.S. Reps. Riley Moore and Carol Miller also held their seats. Democrats made gains in local and legislative races, including a House District 5 win and upsets in Jefferson County’s commission contests. Voters also approved a constitutional amendment requiring U.S. citizenship to vote in state elections. Public Funds: Former Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office employee Lisa Lee French pleaded guilty to a fraud scheme involving nearly $3 million and more than 700 transactions over 17 years. State Finances: West Virginia’s October tax collections fell nearly $8 million short of estimates, though revenues for the fiscal year so far remain above projections.

Election Day: West Virginia voters are testing the state’s Republican stronghold as Democrats hope early turnout can bring gains. More than 162,000 residents voted early, while both parties say affordability is a major concern. State Finances: October general revenue collections fell $8 million short of estimates, but year-to-date receipts remain $54 million ahead. Food and Health Benefits: Starting Jan. 1, 2027, many residents may face work requirements for both SNAP and expanded Medicaid; about 84% of SNAP households include someone on Medicaid. Mine Safety: Miners and the United Mine Workers are asking the state Supreme Court to require action toward limits on toxic silica dust, linked to severe lung disease.

Salmonella Outbreak: West Virginia health officials are investigating 41 Salmonella Typhimurium cases statewide, including five hospitalizations. They have not identified a common source. Cost of Living: The state’s chief economist says affordability remains on voters’ minds, even as West Virginia’s economic outlook appears stable. WVU and AI: WVU plans to offer an AI course attribute in spring 2027, requiring at least 20% of graded work to address AI, while also revising its academic integrity policy. State Finances: October tax collections came in nearly $8 million below estimates, but revenues for the first four months of the fiscal year remain $54.4 million above projections. School Funding: State officials have asked the West Virginia Supreme Court for more time in a school funding lawsuit, citing a planned legislative overhaul.

AI Investment: Nvidia is reportedly discussing more than $5 billion in credit backing for Nscale’s West Virginia data-center project for Anthropic. The first phase at the Monarch campus is planned to reach 2 gigawatts, with service expected in 2028. Health Care: West Virginia clinics warn a federal change to the 340B drug discount program could sharply raise upfront costs, threatening affordable prescriptions for low-income and uninsured patients. Separately, Gov. Morrisey announced $3.9 million for rural health-care training and workforce programs. Industry: Nucor says its Apple Grove steel mill remains on schedule, with production set to ramp in early 2027. Opioid Settlements: A commentary criticizes state and local officials for using settlement funds to cover government debt rather than invest in public health solutions. State Life: The DMV has released a new cryptid-themed plate featuring the Flatwoods Monster, Mothman and seven other West Virginia legends.

School Funding: West Virginia officials asked the state Supreme Court for more time in a school-aid formula case, citing a planned legislative overhaul. Gov. Patrick Morrisey says the issue will dominate the 2027 session. Courts & Free Speech: A federal judge blocked Attorney General John McCuskey’s subpoenas to environmental groups, ruling the investigation chilled their speech. Jobs & Infrastructure: The state launched a one-stop permitting portal, while Morrisey announced $3.9 million for rural health-care training and more than $3.3 million for Beech Bottom water improvements. Flood-affected residents can also seek SBA loans. Election 2026: More than 115,000 ballots had been cast through absentee voting and the first week of early voting. WVU Football: The Mountaineers head to No. 13 Texas Tech, which rallied to beat Arizona and remains in the Big 12 playoff race.

Free-Speech Ruling: A federal judge blocked West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey’s subpoenas to environmental groups, finding his investigation chilled free speech. Election Watch: Nearly 67,000 ballots had been cast through absentee voting and the first four days of early voting, as candidates make their final push ahead of Election Day. Rural Investment: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $3.9 million for rural health-care training and workforce programs, alongside state funding for water projects in Beech Bottom and Mingo and Wyoming counties. Permitting and Data Centers: West Virginia launched its online permitting portal ahead of schedule, with fast-track options set to begin Jan. 1. The rollout comes as local governments and community groups press for more oversight of data-center development.

First Amendment: A federal judge blocked Attorney General John McCuskey from enforcing subpoenas against two environmental groups, ruling they violated the groups’ constitutional rights and could chill free speech. Election 2026: Nearly 67,000 West Virginians had voted absentee or during the first four days of early voting; Monongalia County also reported a record-setting pace. Power-Line Fight: Hearings ended on the proposed 100-mile MARL transmission line, which would cross four West Virginia counties. The Public Service Commission will review the testimony before deciding. Growth and Investment: Gov. Patrick Morrisey launched the state’s one-stop permitting portal ahead of schedule, while local groups and governments continue pressing for oversight of data-center development. The state also announced $3.9 million for rural health-care training and workforce programs. Flood Recovery: A Lewis County community event provided more than 900 winter clothing items and meals for over 500 people still recovering from July’s flooding.

Election Watch: Monongalia County’s early-voting turnout is on a record pace: nearly 11,700 voters, or 17% of registered voters, had cast ballots by Friday, and the county clerk expects totals to top 2022. Free Speech: A federal judge temporarily blocked Attorney General J.B. McCuskey from enforcing subpoenas against the West Virginia Rivers Coalition and 350.org, finding the investigation violated their First Amendment rights. Data Center Debate: Nvidia is reportedly considering a debt guarantee for a planned 460-megawatt West Virginia data center tied to Anthropic, as local governments and residents seek more oversight. Berkeley County adopted a new comprehensive plan and plans to develop rules for data centers and renewable-energy projects. Rural Health: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $3.9 million to expand rural health-care training and workforce programs.

Election Watch: West Virginia’s Nov. 3 races are drawing attention, including the 2nd Congressional District contest between Republican Rep. Riley Moore and Democrat Ace Parsi, along with closely watched House of Delegates races. Courts & Climate: A federal judge has blocked Attorney General John McCuskey’s subpoenas seeking records from environmental groups, finding the probe raises serious First Amendment concerns. Rural Health: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced more than $3.9 million for rural healthcare training and programs to help people with chronic conditions stay employed or return to work. Infrastructure & Business: The state has completed funding packages for more than $58 million in water and wastewater projects, while a new one-stop permitting portal aims to streamline development. West Virginians affected by August flooding can also seek low-interest SBA disaster loans. WVU Football: The Mountaineers are 5-3 and one win from bowl eligibility, with three ranked opponents among their final four games.

Rural Health: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced more than $3.9 million for CAMC programs to train rural health workers and help people with chronic conditions stay employed. Election Watch: West Virginia has counted 115,855 early and absentee ballots—30% more than at this point in 2022. Republicans hold a narrow statewide lead, while Democrats are ahead in several closely contested districts. Legal Fight: A federal judge temporarily blocked Attorney General John McCuskey’s investigation of environmental groups, including subpoenas seeking their communications. Water Investment: Beech Bottom is set to receive more than $3.3 million in state funding for water-system improvements. Schools: Morrisey says school funding will dominate the 2027 legislative session as districts face closures and enrollment declines.

Court Ruling: A federal judge temporarily blocked Attorney General J.B. McCuskey from enforcing subpoenas seeking years of records from environmental groups West Virginia Rivers Coalition and 350.org, finding their First Amendment claims likely to succeed. The order runs through Nov. 12; the case is not settled. AI Investment: Nvidia is reportedly discussing billions in credit guarantees to help finance Nscale’s West Virginia data center, which Anthropic plans to use. The deal is not finalized. Water Infrastructure: Beech Bottom will receive more than $3.3 million in state funding for repairs to two water tanks and a water-main and fire-hydrant project. Victim Services: The state awarded $17.2 million in federal grants to 81 organizations for counseling, shelter, advocacy and other crime-victim services. Schools: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says school funding will dominate the 2027 legislative session as shrinking enrollment and budget pressures put more school closures in view. Remembering a Deputy: Morrisey ordered flags lowered Friday at the Capitol and state facilities in Logan County to honor Deputy Caden Mullins, who died in the line of duty.

State Oversight: Attorney General JB McCuskey is facing court challenges from environmental groups over subpoenas seeking a decade of records on fundraising and climate advocacy. His office also sued TikTok, alleging the app exposes children to harmful content and safety risks. Infrastructure: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced more than $3.3 million for water-system repairs in Beech Bottom and launched a state permitting portal ahead of schedule, aiming to speed approvals for projects and businesses. Flood Recovery: West Virginians affected by August’s flooding can still apply for low-interest federal disaster loans for homes, businesses and nonprofits. Education: Hope Scholarship enrollment grew nearly 38% to 14,486 students in 2025-26; the program’s expansion continues to draw questions about oversight and fairness. Emergency Services: Preston County has collected more than $510,000 in ambulance fees but has yet to distribute the money as it works on service agreements; one local agency is suspended over an insurance issue.

Election Watch: With Election Day nearing, West Virginia had 67,000 early ballots cast in the first four days. In the 2nd House District, Weirton candidates Tony Viola and Daniel Day both raised concerns about data centers as they outlined differing priorities. State Policy: Gov. Patrick Morrisey launched an online permitting portal ahead of schedule, aiming to speed approvals. Infrastructure: Nutter Fort broke ground on a state-funded project to reduce flooding and address drainage from an abandoned mine; Fairmont has also begun a $17.4 million stormwater project. Courts: A federal appeals court struck down West Virginia’s law restricting disclosure of judges’ and law enforcement officers’ personal information, ruling it unlawfully limits speech. Business: First Community Bankshares agreed to buy Ohio-based Main Street Financial for about $243 million, a deal that would expand its reach in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle.

Election 2026: West Virginia’s unaffiliated voter rolls grew by more than 45,000 from 2022 to 2026, reaching 304,390. Nearly 67,000 ballots were cast in the first four days of early voting, as candidates make final appeals before Nov. 3. Energy & Development: EQT’s $13 billion purchase of Range Resources would make it the nation’s largest natural gas producer. The company raised its forecast for Appalachian demand, while state regulators are weighing the local property and rate impacts of major grid expansion and communities press for more say over data centers. Schools & Scholarships: Hope Scholarship enrollment reached nearly 15,000, but the program’s oversight remains under scrutiny as public-school enrollment fell 3.5%. Treasurer Larry Pack said his office does not track how many scholarship students leave public schools. Health & Jobs: Peak Health will join West Virginia’s ACA marketplace for 2027 as CareSource exits, leaving Peak and Highmark as options. The state also announced nearly $1.5 million for workforce and recovery programs to help West Virginians return to work.

Election Watch: Nearly 67,000 West Virginians cast ballots in the first four days of early voting. Kanawha County led in total votes, while Monongalia had the highest share of registered voters participating. Mason County voters are also weighing a school levy, with supporters and critics divided over its cost and expected data-center revenue. Recovery & Jobs: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced nearly $1.5 million for health care, training and employment programs for West Virginians recovering from substance use disorders. Energy & Industry: WVU received a $1 million planning award to prepare students for mining and critical-minerals jobs. The Public Service Commission is also questioning local impacts of a proposed grid expansion as landowners raise concerns about transmission projects. Schools & Scholarships: A new Hope Scholarship report details $68.5 million in spending and renews questions about oversight and fairness as public-school enrollment falls. Mingo County officials approved closing Dingess Elementary after next school year, citing low enrollment and costly repairs. Business: The University of Charleston’s estimated annual economic impact reached $118 million statewide, supporting more than 1,000 jobs.