BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – After millions in federal education dollars for West Virginia were held up and ultimately released after congressional intervention, Governor Patrick Morrisey said the state is preparing for any potential financial challenges.
Last week, the Department of Education released billions of dollars in education grants to states around the country, including West Virginia. According to a press release from Senator Shelley Moore Capito’s office, those funds had been held by the Trump administration to make sure they did not conflict with President Trump’s spending priorities.
Capito sent a letter to White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russel Vought, urging him to release the funds. It was signed by Senator Jim Justice and eight other Senate Republicans.
At a press conference in Beckley, Governor Patrick Morrisey told Newswatch he is glad that the money was released, but is working to make sure the state can make adjustments when needed.
“We’re always monitoring the situation to make sure that our schools are adequately funded. But at least those moneys, from what I’ve been told, have come back,” Morrisey said. “Obviously, as budgetary challenges emerge, we’re going to be ready for them here in the state of West Virginia…we’re always going to look out for it, but we’re not going to get ahead of ourselves. You can never predict the changes, but a state needs to be nimble. A state needs to always look out for taxpayers, but also for the core needs of the citizens of the state, including education. ”
Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice both released statements after the funds were released.
“The education formula funding included in the FY2025 Continuing Resolution Act supports critical programs that so many rely on,” Capito said. “That’s why it’s important we continue to protect and support these programs. I made this clear to OMB Director (Russell) Vought and was glad he followed through on my request to release all of the education formula dollars that states across the country are expecting to receive.”
“Promising to protect West Virginians’ best interests is why I was elected, and results like this show what can happen when you work in good faith with others across government and put people over politics,” Justice said. “The release of these funds will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the kids of West Virginia, and I’ll continue to advocate with Senator Capito for the best possible outcomes when problems like this arise.”
Morrisey said he wants the state to be ready for any possible challenges, including changes to federal spending policy and beyond.
“A lot of people know that we inherited some structural challenges. We went to work and as a result of all the good work, really positive things happened. We tighten our belts a little bit. And as you’ll learn in the upcoming days, that resulted in tangible savings of taxpayer dollars, that’s a great thing,” he said.
