WV Democratic Party Responds to Governor Morrisey’s Pledge to “Look at” Democrats' Gas Tax Proposal

Apr

2026

PRESS RELEASE

WV Democratic Party Responds to Governor Morrisey’s Pledge to “Look at” Democrats' Gas Tax Proposal

For Immediate Release April 9, 2026

Charleston, W.Va. — Today, Governor Patrick Morrisey commented on the House Democratic Caucus’s proposal to temporarily suspend the state gas tax as the cost of fuel continues to rise. Morrisey said, “We're going to look very closely, very seriously at all these different proposals because I want to make sure we're providing more money back into the pockets of hardworking West Virginians.”

West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin said, “I’m glad Governor Morrisey says he’s going to look closely at this issue, but as former Governor Jim Justice used to say, ‘it’s not that hard—quit counting the legs on the cows.’ This is a simple decision. West Virginians are paying too much at the pump, and they need relief now.”

Pushkin added, “President Trump has said the increase in gas prices is temporary and won’t last long. If Governor Morrisey believes that, then he should have no problem supporting a temporary suspension of the gas tax, just as House Democrats have proposed, to help hardworking West Virginians get through this period.

And if he doesn’t support it, then it raises a pretty obvious question—does he actually believe what the President is saying? Because if gas prices are going to stay high longer than advertised, then families across this state deserve to know that too.

This is about putting money back into the pockets of working people right now, when they need it most. We don’t need more study—we need action.”

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