CHARLESTON — Gov. Patrick Morrisey criticized House Finance Chairman Del. Vernon Criss (R-Wood, 12) on Thursday, questioning the lawmaker’s stance on tax cuts and school choice in a post on social media.
“Tax cuts and school choice used to be page one of the Republican platform — guess House Finance Chair Vernon Criss hasn’t gotten that far,” Morrisey wrote.
The comment comes as lawmakers debate legislation affecting the state’s Hope Scholarship Program and broader fiscal policy issues at the Capitol.
Morrisey did not reference a specific bill in the post but has previously voiced support for expanding school choice and lowering taxes. The Hope Scholarship, enacted in 2021, allows eligible families to use state education funds for private schooling, homeschooling and other approved educational expenses.
Criss (R-Wood) serves as chairman of the House Finance Committee, which reviews legislation related to state spending and tax policy. The committee has been central to discussions involving funding changes to the Hope Scholarship and other budget matters during the current legislative session.
The exchange highlights divisions between the Republican majority and House Leadership over education policy and fiscal priorities as lawmakers continue work on key legislation.
