While TANF cuts loom, Morrisey considers giving money to education group linked to his donations

May 28, 2026 - 03:00

As federal cuts to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program threaten to shrink West Virginia's safety net, Governor Patrick Morrisey is considering a major shift of those remaining funds. The administration is exploring a plan to direct up to $16 million in TANF money to Star Academy, an education nonprofit with direct ties to the governor's own political donations.

The proposal has raised eyebrows among state lawmakers and poverty advocates. TANF is designed to provide cash assistance and job training for low-income families, but the governor's office is reportedly looking at funneling a significant portion of that pool to a private educational program. Star Academy focuses on alternative schooling for at-risk youth, but critics argue the move would divert resources from the state's most vulnerable families.

Records show that Morrisey has personally donated to Star Academy in the past, creating a conflict of interest that some legislators say needs a closer look. "This is public money meant to keep families from falling into homelessness," said one state senator who asked not to be named. "Handing it to a group the governor has funded himself feels like a backdoor deal."

The governor's office has not issued a formal statement, but sources close to the administration say the decision is not final. Meanwhile, federal TANF funding is already under threat from proposed budget cuts in Washington, making every dollar more critical. If the transfer goes through, it could leave fewer resources for direct cash aid while benefiting a program with personal ties to the state's top executive.