By West Virginia State Treasurer Larry Pack
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of speaking to a packed room at the Annual West Virginia Chamber Business Summit and instead of dedicating my 15 minutes to political rhetoric, we chose to highlight the incredible opportunities on the horizon for the Mountain State. We know West Virginia is at a crossroads as we enter a new era of business and technological growth. This means a lot the decisions we make today will shape our state for decades to come. If we want future generations to inherit a stronger, more prosperous West Virginia, we must be willing to make thoughtful, decisive policy choices now.
The question for leaders in government, business, and our communities is simple: What can we do today that West Virginians will thank us for 30 years from now? So, let’s examine some things we should focus on that can really set up our state for years to come.
We must professionalize our approach to economic development, following Ohio's example. What’s needed is a fast-moving team of individuals who live and breathe job creation every day, capable of outpacing government bureaucracy. Too often, changing administrations and shifting priorities slow progress and muddy the focus. There’s a saying in church: when you mix church and politics, you only get politics. The same applies to economic development—when politicians are involved, politics overshadow progress.
Business leaders seek quick answers and stability, and they need them now. We can support these leaders by creating a responsive environment that fosters job growth. This involves establishing a regulatory system that isn't overly burdensome, implementing a predictable tax structure, and collaborating effectively with both small and large businesses. Although we have championed pro-growth policies for the past decade, we still have a long way to go. The next crucial step is forming a dedicated team focused solely on one goal: bringing jobs to West Virginia.
As Secretary of Revenue for Governor Justice, I oversaw 13 agencies—thirteen entities reporting to a single individual. Our government is simply too large, and our efforts to streamline it have been a disastrous failure. In West Virginia, the state runs hospitals, insurance companies, and many other private-sector-like businesses that it has no business managing. As former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels famously said, “If it’s in the phonebook, the state of Indiana shouldn’t be involved.” If a business operated hospitals, insurance companies, and other entities like our government, it would be destined for bankruptcy. West Virginia state government should focus on core responsibilities that only the state can do, not focus on responsibilities that the private sector does every day. So the question becomes: What should our government’s priorities be?
Whether a student attends a public school, private school, or pursues individualized learning, our goal should be the same: providing every child with the opportunity to succeed. Currently, public schools are divided among four entities that refuse to collaborate, all while schools, administrators, and teachers are crying out for help. This isn’t surprising, given a bureaucratic system that has become increasingly resistant to change and more focused on preserving the status quo than improving outcomes for students. We underpay our teachers significantly, even as many school buildings sit half-empty. Frankly, our public education system is broken and in desperate need of reform. Policymakers have to push for significant reforms that put students, regardless of where they are taught, first.
Infrastructure is also a fundamental responsibility of government. As we travel across the state, we hear the same concerns from local leaders: housing, water and sewer systems, and roads are essential to attracting businesses and growing communities. These needs are universal, regardless of the county. We must develop a comprehensive plan to expand our infrastructure over the next 10, 20, and 30 years—one that encourages population growth while preserving our way of life. If additional funding is necessary, so be it. Investing in our infrastructure is investing in the future of our state and communities.
Lastly, we must ensure that we include our friends and neighbors in the decision-making process—those who are often excluded from policy discussions. Transparency is a crucial first step, demonstrating how policies impact individuals and communities we cherish. When all information is kept behind closed doors in Charleston, local officials remain uninformed and unable to share vital details with their communities. This lack of communication breeds confusion and anxiety. Our citizens should be at the heart of these conversations, because their voices and understanding are essential for effective governance.
West Virginia’s best days lie ahead. We possess immense potential, but we must seize it. This requires taking prudent risks, implementing bold reforms, and making smart decisions. Politics should not cloud our judgment. Otherwise, we risk repeating the mistakes of the past. Let’s steer West Virginia onto a better path—for the people of today and future generations to come.