The statement is a subjective claim about causation ('the surplus is the result of a more disciplined approach') and future outcomes ('allows the state to fund its priorities while staying on solid financial footing'), which are not strictly verifiable factual assertions. Without specific, measurable evidence linking the surplus directly to Morrisey's policies and confirming the state's financial footing, this reads as political rhetoric rather than a checkable fact.

The statement attributes a specific quote to Governor Patrick Morrisey regarding a budget surplus and economic discipline. According to the cited source (wvpublic.org), Morrisey made these remarks, confirming the attribution is accurate.

While West Virginia did have a budget surplus, attributing it solely to a "more disciplined approach to growing the economy" is a subjective assessment rather than a verifiable fact; the claim about the cause is not supported by objective evidence.

Patrick Morrisey was not the governor of West Virginia in May 2026, as he lost the 2024 gubernatorial election to Jim Justice, who was serving as governor at that time.