West Virginia: House of Delegates Advances Economic Development & Jobs

West Virginia House Advances Jobs Bill, Aiming to Boost Workforce and Wages

February 13, 2026 – The West Virginia House of Delegates passed House Bill 4004 on Wednesday, a key component of the “Jobs First – Opportunity Everywhere” economic development agenda, with a vote of 86-7, and six members absent or not voting. The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.

HB 4004, officially titled the Recharge West Virginia Program, seeks to incentivize private employers to invest in upskilling their existing workforce. The program establishes a competitive reimbursement system designed to bridge skill gaps and support talent retention within the state, according to lawmakers.

The legislation would offer reimbursements to employers who provide specialized technical training to their employees, provided the training results in an industry-recognized “upskill credential” and a minimum 25% wage increase for the participating worker. The program will be administered by the Division of Economic Development.

Reimbursement is capped at $10,000 per individual employee and $50,000 per qualifying employer annually. House Finance Committee Vice Chairman Clay Riley, R-Harrison, explained that the bill aims to help workers gain skills and better pay while simultaneously strengthening the state’s workforce.

“An eligible employee is someone who is currently employed by the qualifying employer, who has resided and has been employed full-time for the previous six months, has a qualifying wage that as a new wage is paid will increase at least 25% greater than the employee’s current average wage,” Riley stated.

The passage of HB 4004 marks another step in the House Republican caucus’ broader economic development platform, first announced last December by House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay. The “Jobs First – Opportunity Everywhere” agenda includes approximately 11 bills focused on stimulating economic growth and job creation across West Virginia.

Lawmakers have reached the halfway point of the legislative session, and the House of Delegates has made strides to deliver on their promise of focusing on economic development and jobs in West Virginia. Legislation meant to help the state’s overwhelmed foster care system has also taken up much of the House’s first 30 days.

House Speaker Hanshaw expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, stating that the priority for his caucus is “continuing to put as many West Virginians as possible in the best paying jobs that we’re able to create.”

West Virginia currently faces challenges with workforce participation rates, which are among the lowest in the nation. Several initiatives passed by the House are intended to address this issue, including bills aimed at empowering small business growth, offering early-career job training for children, and creating “business ready” sites for investment.

The legislative effort has garnered some bipartisan support, signaling a shared commitment to improving the state’s economic outlook. However, Democratic lawmakers have also emphasized the need for immediate relief measures alongside long-term economic development strategies.