CHARLESTON, WV — Tonight, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced in his State of the State address his legislative priorities for 2026, which include Independent Women’s “Voluntary Portable Benefits Act“ that would protect worker freedom while expanding access to vital financial and healthcare benefits and protections. By prioritizing portable benefits—which was introduced today by Senator Patricia Ruckers in Senate Bill 68—Governor Morrisey is strengthening the state’s economic fundamentals, ensuring West Virginia’s workforce policies reflect how Americans work today while expanding opportunity and choice. He is the first governor in the nation to include portability as a key legislative priority.

Governor Patrick Morrisey said in his 2026 West Virginia State of the State address, “We must also invest in our workforce through my “Workforce Readiness and Opportunity Act”. We’re going to encourage microcredentialing and make portable benefits available for West Virginia’s growing independent worker base.”  

Patrice Onwuka, director of Independent Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity, said: “We applaud Governor Morrissey for his leadership in driving forward this positive labor policy reform. West Virginians, especially women, desire flexible work that enables them to balance important life priorities such as caregiving, managing health conditions, and pursuing education. This voluntary portable benefits plan protects the independence and flexibility of freelancers while providing them with greater security.”

Governor Patrick Morrisey introduced the concept as a top priority during his State of the State address, highlighting the need for West Virginia to build upon the same momentum as in states like Tennessee and Alabama, where portable benefits frameworks have been advanced. As states across the country work to modernize labor policy, portable benefits have emerged as a widely recognized solution that strengthens economic fundamentals while preserving flexibility for workers and businesses alike. Governor Morrisey is prioritizing West Virginians’ top concerns this legislative session, with polling data showing that 82% of women say the government should not force them into 9-to-5 jobs. 

With independent contractors becoming the largest growing population of workers in the country, it is critical for these workers to be able to access workplace benefits without jeopardizing their independent status.

When signed into law, West Virginia will be an early adopter in passing this innovative solution to ensure independent workers have access to the same benefits W-2 employees have.  Inspired by Independent Women’s portable benefits model, this West Virginia initiative will positively affect the lives of over 90,000 West Virginia freelancers and independent contractors.

Last year, Independent Women announced its Voluntary Portable Benefits Act model legislation, an approach that is increasingly recognized nationwide as a commonsense way to modernize benefits while protecting worker independence, flexibility, and freedom of choice.

In November, Independent Women launched a new national storytelling drive: “Your Work. Your Benefits. Your Story.” These stories will highlight the urgent need to expand access to portable benefits to meet the needs of today’s rapidly evolving workforce. By elevating real-life experiences from freelancers, contractors, and gig workers, Independent Women will highlight why modernizing benefits is essential to supporting the livelihoods and independence of America’s modern workforce.

See below to learn more about Independent Women’s already-established work to protect independent contractors and freelancers across the country:

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