WHEELING — West Virginia Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman says Gov. Patrick Morrisey is going to push economic development in 2026, and she is on board with that plan.

Chapman, R-Ohio, predicts state lawmakers will focus more on attracting business to West Virginia when they return to Charleston for their 60-day regular session beginning Jan. 14.

“In the governor’s preview he said his focus is going to be on economic development and bringing jobs to the state,” she said. “I support this 100%.

“This would make West Virginia an even better place to open a business. We are so close to Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cleveland and New York, and it’s a really great place to start a business.”

Chapman sees further tax reductions in West Virginia during 2026, as eliminating the state’s income tax “is a huge priority for Gov. Morrisey.”

She also is crafting legislation which would bring some relief on utility costs.

“I’m working on a bill to pause rate increases until the Public Service Commission can evaluate why rates are going up, and why companies can’t save money,” Chapman said.

“Something needs to give. Utility prices have gone through the roof in the past five years.”

Chapman responded to criticisms of the GOP majority that they are moving away from the traditional Republican focus on fewer taxes and lower taxes, and taking on more social issues.

“I don’t see any Republicans going away from the party platform, but there might be differences in opinion on social issues,” she said.

Chapman was asked what it means to be a Republican. She explained traditionally Republicans support less government intrusion, want to encourage business development and have fewer taxes

“I adhere to all three,” she said.

Chapman serves as chair of the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee, and has her own ideas for the upcoming session.

“I have my own priorities,” she said. “I want to make health care more accessible and less costly for West Virginians.”

Rural communities in West Virginia still have a hard time accessing doctors, she said.

Chapman also wants to see access to mental health services expanded in West Virginia, and that there is a greater emphasis on foster care in the care.

“We need to provide mental programs and resources and strive toward preserving the family unit,” she said. “We also need to stop putting kids in hotel rooms and not so great situations.

“We need to keep siblings together where they are safe.”

Chapman also wants to propose this session a bill placing term limits on members of the West Virginia Legislature. She explained she got the idea from President Donald Trump, who has advocated a similar limit for federal lawmakers.

“It would be a three-term limit bill,” she said.