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News + Press
News + Press
press release
Governor Morrisey Invests in Ferris Wheel But Won't Release Funds to Help Poor Children Buy School Clothes
For Immediate Release July 10, 2026
West Virginia Democrats: Morrisey Finds Millions for a Ferris Wheel, But Won't Release Funds to Help Poor Children Buy School Clothes
CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Democratic Party today condemned Governor Patrick Morrisey’s decision to continue withholding funding for the state’s School Clothing Allowance Program, despite announcing a $370 million state budget surplus and despite the Legislature having already appropriated funding for the program. The clothing assistance program, funded through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), helps thousands of low-income West Virginia families purchase back-to-school clothing for their children. The program, which traditionally begins accepting applications on July 1, remains on hold as the administration says it is still under review.
The contrast could not be clearer.
Governor Morrisey found millions of dollars to finance an elaborate Fourth of July celebration featuring a Ferris wheel and other festivities, yet he refuses to release funding that allows children living in poverty to start the school year with clean, properly fitting clothes.
West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin said, “The governor has repeatedly claimed the state faces challenges within its federal TANF program, but that explanation rings hollow after he announced a $370 million state budget surplus this week while continuing to withhold funding that lawmakers already approved for children’s services. State officials have acknowledged that the School Clothing Allowance Program has not been eliminated but remains delayed pending the administration’s review.”
Delegate Kayla Young said, “The only deficit is one of compassion in the executive branch. The legislature fully funded TANF as requested by the Governor. The school clothing voucher program is not a gimmick, it keeps 80,000 kids throughout our state with clothes on their backs. Withholding the funds with school starting in a month is foul.”
West Virginia Democratic Party Second Vice Chair Danny Dudley added: “The West Virginia Democratic Party called on Governor Morrisey to immediately release the funding already approved by the Legislature and stop using low-income children as bargaining chips.
No child should have to walk into a classroom wondering whether they’ll have clothes that fit because the governor chose political theater over keeping his word. West Virginia has the resources. The Legislature has acted. The only thing standing between these children and the help they deserve is Governor Morrisey’s refusal to release the funds.”
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