State leaders in West Virginia are launching a new effort to boost the state’s workforce participation rate — currently the lowest in the nation.
Governor Patrick Morrisey says that has to change, pointing to a mix of challenges, including an aging workforce and barriers that keep some people from working.
A new task force will bring together state agencies and lawmakers to better coordinate efforts and make it easier for people to return to work.
Leaders say the current system can be complicated, and they want to simplify benefits while encouraging employment.
Morrisey also supports stronger work requirements for programs like Medicaid and SNAP.
The task force is expected to begin meeting soon, with recommendations due by October.