Morrisey's State of the State didn't touch on some of West Virginia's biggest problems
West Virginia, I love you so much, but why do you continue to vote for people who won't do anything to help you?
You can't keep voting for the people who say 'Trump' and 'Jesus' the most and claim they know better than experts, then expect West Virginia to take a rocket ship ride to the top.
There are thousands of children in foster care, and we have a shortage of Child Protective Service workers. In 2023, there were 5,286 child abuse and neglect cases filed in circuit courts in West Virginia alone. Gov. Patrick Morrisey didn't mention anything about that in his State of the State address.
However, he did spend a good portion of his speech talking again about how he's going to 'eradicate the woke virus from infecting our schools.'
Morrisey also briefly touched on the state's opioid epidemic, but he placed most of the blame on the 'open southern border and lax immigration enforcement.'
He was correct in saying that more than 80% of overdose deaths in West Virginia were from fentanyl, however, most of it is not coming from immigrants.
More than 85% of people charged with fentanyl trafficking annually are U.S. citizens, according to the U.S. Sentencing Commission. Nearly 82% of all convicted drug traffickers in 2023 were U.S. residents. More than 90% of the fentanyl that is seized at the Mexican border comes through legal points of entry, according to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
Experts say evidence-based harm reduction strategies can minimize overdoses and diseases contracted through sharing needles.
And yet, lawmakers have made it almost impossible for anyone to start a syringe services program in West Virginia, and last year banned those programs from distributing safe smoking supplies. In the first few days of session, there have already been more bills introduced to make syringe exchange programs and all opioid treatment programs unlawful.
Morrisey didn't mention anything about school discipline — another huge problem — but he did mention President Donald Trump eight times during his speech.
And on Friday, 13 lawmakers introduced House Concurrent Resolution 33 to rename Spruce Knob, the tallest point in the state, as 'Trump Mountain.'
It's very much giving, 'The leader is good, the leader is great, we surrender our will, as of this date.'
Thousands of West Virginians are without clean water, but Morrisey didn't mention anything about it or utility infrastructure. But he did spend a chunk of his speech focusing on erasing transgender people somehow without using the word transgender.
He bragged about joining Trump in the White House while he signed an executive order that banned transgender women from competing in women's sports. In West Virginia, only one transegender girl has wanted to compete in women's sports.
'As your governor, my duty is to protect and defend the citizens of West Virginia,' Morrisey said.
Unless you're transgender. Or in active addiction. Or an immigrant. Or disabled. Or a minority — remember, Morrisey immediately banned diversity, equity and inclusion programs with an executive order on his second day in office?
How are we supposed to convince businesses to relocate themselves and their employees here if we can't provide them with the most basic human right: clean, running drinking water?
We're only a few days into this session, there's still time to focus on actual problems. Unfortunately, lawmakers don't care what West Virginians have to say. They made that clear when they voted to end public hearings on day 1.
SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNBC
8 minutes ago
- CNBC
West Virginia governor deploys hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Saturday that he is deploying members of the West Virginia National Guard to Washington, D.C., in support of the Trump administration's efforts to ramp up a military presence in the nation's capital. Morrisey's office said that the National Guard mobilization will include 300-400 troops, plus "mission-essential equipment" and "specialized training." "West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation's capital," Morrisey, a Republican, said in a statement. "The men and women of our National Guard represent the best of our state, and this mission reflects our shared commitment to a strong and secure America." The statement also said Morrisey's decision to deploy his state's National Guard came after a request from the Trump administration and that the troops would be operating under the command of West Virginia's adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Jim Seward. In a statement, a White House official confirmed that the national guardsman had been called to D.C., saying, "As part of President Trump's ongoing effort to make D.C. safe and beautiful, additional National Guard troops will be called in to Washington DC — the National Guard's role has not changed. The National Guard will protect federal assets, create a safe environment for law enforcement officials to carry out their duties when required, and provide a visible presence to deter crime." The governor's move comes just days after President Donald Trump announced that he was deploying 800 members of the National Guard to D.C. and directing federal law enforcement agents to assist local police with patrolling and executing warrants in the city. Trump's stated aim of cracking down on crime in Washington comes as crime rates in the city are at their lowest levels in decades. Washington residents almost immediately began to notice an increase in law enforcement on the streets, as local police and federal law enforcement set up checkpoints in neighborhoods across the city. Residents and tourists also noticed the increased presence of military and law enforcement around tourist-heavy areas like Union Station and the National Mall. Initially, Attorney General Pam Bondi sought to take over control of the Metropolitan Police Department, but backed down after the city sued the Trump administration. Chief Pamela Smith remains in day-to-day control of the city's police force. Democrats have slammed the president's decision, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling the move earlier this week "illegitimate" and an "unjustified power grab."
Fox News
31 minutes ago
- Fox News
West Virginia deploying 300-400 National Guard personnel to support Trump's DC safety mission
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Saturday he is deploying the West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) to the nation's capital to support President Donald Trump's initiative to restore cleanliness and public safety to Washington, D.C. The response was prompted by a request from the Trump administration, Morrisey said. WVNG will provide mission-essential equipment, specialized training and about 300 to 400 skilled personnel, according to the governor's office. The mission will be funded at the federal level. "West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation's capital," Morrisey wrote in a statement. "The men and women of our National Guard represent the best of our state, and this mission reflects our shared commitment to a strong and secure America." Trump federalized D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department on Monday under section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, which allows the president to take emergency control of the police force for 30 days. Hundreds of National Guard members have been spotted in the city, along with agents from federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Capitol Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). "This initiative aligns with our values of service and dedication to our communities," said West Virginia Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jim Seward, who will take command of the troops. "We stand ready to support our partners in the National Capital Region and contribute to the collective effort of making our nation's capital a clean and safe environment. The National Guard's unique capabilities and preparedness make it an invaluable partner in this important undertaking." Attorney General Pam Bondi on Friday announced there have been nearly 200 arrests in the D.C. since the Trump administration federalized the city to tackle crime. Among those arrested were two homicide suspects, 17 suspected drug traffickers, 39 suspected illegal gun offenders, and two sexual predators, according to Bondi. The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Boston Globe
37 minutes ago
- Boston Globe
West Virginia sends hundreds of National Guard members to Washington at Trump team's request
Advertisement A protest against Trump's intervention drew scores to Dupont Circle on Saturday afternoon before a march to the White House, about 1.5 miles away. Demonstrators assembled behind a banner that said 'No fascist takeover of D.C.,' and some in the crowd held signs that said 'No military occupation.' Trump was at his Virginia golf club after Friday's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Gov. Patrick Morrisey, announced Saturday that he was sending a contingent of 300 to 400 members. 'West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation's capital,' Morrisey said. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey spoke at the state capitol in Charleston, in January. Chris Jackson/Associated Press Morgan Taylor, one of the organizers who coordinated Saturday's protest, said they were hoping to spark enough backlash to Trump's actions that the administration would be forced to pull back on its crime and immigration agenda. Advertisement 'It's hot, but I'm glad to be here. It's good to see all these people out here,' she said. 'I can't believe that this is happening in this country at this time.' Fueling the protests were concerns about Trump overreach and that he had used crime as a pretext to impose his will on Washington. John Finnigan, 55. was taking an afternoon bike ride when he ran into the protest in downtown Washington. The real estate construction manager who has lived in the capital for 27 years said that Trump's moves were 'ridiculous' because 'crime is at a 30-year-low here.' 'Hopefully some of the mayors and some of the residents will get out in front of it and try and make it harder for it to happen in other cities,' Finnigan said. Jamie Dickstein, a 24-year-old teacher, said she was 'very uncomfortable and worried' for the safety or her students given the 'unmarked officers of all types' now roaming Washington and detaining people. Dickstein said she turned out to the protest with friends and relatives to 'prevent a continuous domino effect going forward with other cities.' Activists carried signs during a protest against President Trump's federal takeover of policing of the District of Columbia, on Saturday. Alex Brandon/Associated Press The West Virginia activation suggests the administration sees the need for additional manpower, after the president personally played down the need for Washington to hire more police officers. Maj. Gen. James Seward, West Virginia's adjutant general, said in a statement that members of the state's National Guard 'stand ready to support our partners in the National Capital Region' and that the Guard's 'unique capabilities and preparedness make it an invaluable partner in this important undertaking.' Advertisement Federal agents have appeared in some of the city's most highly trafficked neighborhoods, garnering a mix of praise, pushback and alarm from local residents and leaders across the country. City leaders, who are obliged to cooperate with the president's order under the federal laws that direct the district's local governance, have sought to work with the administration, though they have bristled at the scope of the president's takeover. On Friday, the administration District officials say they are evaluating how to best comply. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers posed for photos with people outside Union Station, on Saturday. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/Associated Press In his order on Monday, Trump declared an emergency due to the 'city government's failure to maintain public order.' He said that impeded the 'federal government's ability to operate efficiently to address the nation's broader interests without fear of our workers being subjected to rampant violence.' In a letter to city residents, Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, wrote that 'our limited self-government has never faced the type of test we are facing right now.' She added that if Washingtonians stick together, 'we will show the entire nation what it looks like to fight for American democracy — even when we don't have full access to it.' Associated Press writer Josh Boak contributed to this report.
