News + Press
News + Press
News + Press
WV Democratic Party Slams Morrisey's Vetoes of Child Protection Bills
For Immediate Release April 2, 2026
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The West Virginia Democratic Party today condemned Governor Patrick Morrisey’s veto of multiple bills aimed at protecting children, strengthening foster care transitions, improving child safety, and supporting vulnerable West Virginians.
“Time and again, Governor Morrisey had a choice—to stand with kids and families, or to hide behind bureaucratic excuses,” said West Virginia Democratic Party Vice Chair Teresa Toriseva. “And time and again, he chose the excuses.”
Among the vetoed measures:
House Bill 4393, which sought to expand prevention services to protect children from abuse and neglect before they reach a crisis point
House Bill 4730, designed to support young people aging out of foster care with housing and stability
Senate Bill 744, which would strengthen oversight and accountability in Child Protective Services following critical incidents
Senate Bill 558, aimed at improving safety for children traveling to school
Senate Bill 649, expanding access to critical health monitoring for at-risk West Virginians
House Bill 5074, which would direct resources toward law enforcement and child protection efforts
In his veto messages, Morrisey repeatedly acknowledged the importance of these issues—calling the bills “noble,” recognizing the need to protect children, and emphasizing the importance of safety—before vetoing them anyway.
“You don’t get credit for saying the right things if you refuse to do the right things,” said Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin. “Governor Morrisey admits these are real problems—and then walks away from the solutions.”
Pushkin said the Governor’s veto of House Bill 4393 was particularly troubling, as it would have expanded efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect before children are removed from their homes.
“Prevention is exactly what we should be investing in,” Pushkin said. “Waiting until a child is already in crisis is more expensive, more traumatic, and far more dangerous. This veto sends us backward.”
He also criticized Morrisey’s decision to veto support for youth aging out of foster care.
“These are young people who have already faced enormous challenges,” Pushkin said. “They’re not asking for a handout—they’re asking for a fair shot. And the Governor just made that harder.”
Toriseva noted that Morrisey justified many of his vetoes by citing concerns about cost, administrative flexibility, or potential overlap with existing programs.
“Budgets are about priorities,” Toriseva said. “And Governor Morrisey just told us exactly where his priorities are—and it’s not with vulnerable kids, not with struggling families, and not with the people who need help the most.”
Pushkin called on lawmakers to override the vetoes where possible and restore critical protections for children and families.
“West Virginia’s children deserve more than excuses,” Pushkin said. “They deserve leadership. And right now, they’re not getting it from this Governor.”
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