Finances: West Virginia officials have work to do
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Most households would be thrilled to learn their financial state had been given a B grade four years in a row. Of course, it would be nice to be able to aim for an A, but knowing our financial status hasn't deteriorated would be a great comfort.
State officials, too, are likely content with learning Truth in Accounting has granted West Virginia a B for financial health again this year -- and the grade IS good news. Across two gubernatorial administrations, those in Charleston have been able to do a better-than-average job as stewards of taxpayer dollars.
"In 2025, West Virginia's financial situation improved," the Financial State of the States report says. "West Virginia had more than enough money to pay its outstanding bills and received a 'B' grade for its finances."
Wonderful.
But, as seems always to be the case for the Mountain State, there remains a worry.
We receive so much federal money that the state is required to undergo a Single Audit.
It showed that despite repeated warnings, we are heavily dependent upon the federal government, yet unable to improve our reputation as slow payers who do not follow proper procedure (or deadlines).
"These audits are intended to be the taxpayers' first line of defense against potential fraud and abuse," the report explained. "Auditors repeatedly found problems with financial oversight, late federal reports, missing documentation, and inadequate reviews that allowed errors to go unnoticed until the audit. Some previously identified problems also remained unresolved, making it harder to ensure federal funds and programs were properly managed."
It's a wonder the agencies handing out some of these grants are still willing to deal with West Virginia at all.
It's a greater wonder that those in West Virginia who could be cleaning up our reputation on that front choose instead to ignore years of pleading to get it right from D.C. and the people they serve.
In the real world, we must meet deadlines every day. We must maintain effective oversight of our financial processes, pay our bills on time and remain focused and organized. If we do not, there are significant consequences.
How much longer before federal officials impose consequences upon the public officials and bureaucrats in West Virginia who can't be bothered?