NEWS RELEASE: West Virginia Chamber Releases 2026 Position Papers to Build a Stronger West Virginia
January 12, 2026
The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce released its 2026 Position Papers ahead of the Legislative Session, outlining high-impact policy priorities that represent the unified voice of the state’s employers and focus on the goal of ensuring West Virginia wins the national race for talent and investment.
Building on years of growth, the West Virginia Chamber’s 2026 Position Papers focus on lowering the cost of doing business, fixing the workforce pipeline, modernizing the state’s legal and educational frameworks and more.
“Our Position Papers are the direct result of input from the state’s job-providers. They are the people who power our economy and are ready to take West Virginia to the next level,” Steve Roberts, President of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, said. “To compete in 2026, we must be agile. These papers outline solutions needed to advance a climate that makes West Virginia the best place in the country to build a business and raise a family.”
Throughout the 60-day session, the Chamber’s advocacy team will use these Position Papers as a framework for engagement with the West Virginia Legislature. These are the top-line issues we are urging lawmakers to prioritize. We stand ready to assist with these policy goals, as well as others that arise, during the session.
The Chamber’s 2026 Position Papers include detailed analysis of the following priorities:
Workforce & Education Pipeline
- Excellence in K-12 Education
- Improve Workforce Participation
- Need for Enhanced Childcare
- Tri-Share Legislation Summary
Economic Competitiveness & Tax Reform
- Corporate Net Income Tax Reduction
- Support Small Business and Tourism
- Reduce Unemployment Compensation Taxable Wage Base
- Support Economic Development and Energy
Legal Fairness & Quality of Life
- Fair Legal Landscape and Judiciary System
- Modernize Statute of Limitations for Contracts
- Enhance Health and Wellness
- Promote Quality of Life and Public Safety
The 2026 Position Papers and other goals of the West Virginia Chamber can be viewed in their entirety on wvchamber.com.
The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce is the largest and most influential business advocacy organization in the state, representing job-providers who employ more than half of the state’s workforce. For nearly 90 years, the Chamber has served as the “Voice of Business,” advocating for policies that encourage job creation, economic growth and a higher quality of life for all West Virginians. More information about the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce can be found at www.wvchamber.com.