Patrick Morrisey inaugurated as West Virginia’s 37th governor

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Inauguration Day in West Virginia is packed with events from morning until night.

Patrick Morrisey and other leaders started their day Monday with a faith-based breakfast at the West Virginia Culture Center.

The breakfast was followed by the official swearing-in ceremony at 11 a.m. when Patrick Morrisey ended 12 years in the Attorney General’s office to become West Virginia’s 37th Governor.

During his inauguration address, Morrisey said it was time to put aside differences and unite for the greater good.

Morrisey said he’ll help make West Virginia a beacon of hope, and the state will not be viewed as a punching bag any more.

“Today we set our sights on something truly great: a future where West Virginia is thriving in that shining state in the mountains,” he said.

Morrisey outlined strategy to make West Virginia more competitive economically with the states it touches. He says his administration will be simplifying the tax code and reducing the state income tax.

“It’s time for West Virginia to become a national leader in economic growth and job creation,” he said.

He also said coal and natural gas will thrive under his watch.

“We are America’s energy state,” he said. “My administration will leverage those resources like you’ve never seen before.”

Morrisey talked about his approach to education, saying his administration will expand the Hope Scholarship, embrace STEM and digital literacy, and expand vo-tech opportunities.

“Our teachers will be able to spend more time teaching and less time tangled in red tape,” he said.

He also said residents of the Mountain State can expect an aggressive approach to rooting out waste in state government.

“West Virginians work far too hard to see their resources, their hard earned money squandered on inefficiency and bureaucracy.”

Morrisey said he’ll be advancing conservative values, protecting the dignity of life, and he’ll help make West Virginia the country’s most pro-family state.

The rest of Inauguration Day includes an inaugural parade, cocktail reception, concert and fireworks, followed by an inaugural dinner and ball.

Different road closures will be in place in Charleston throughout the day.

For a detailed list, click the link below:

Road closures for Governor-elect Morrisey’s Inauguration Day

The 56-year-old Morrisey will succeed the state’s current two-term governor, Republican Jim Justice, who is heading to the U.S. Senate.