State of West Virginia Archives: on Homeland Security
Earl Ray Tomblin:
State cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs
We have recently made significant strides to improving care for our Veterans, with our new Veterans Nursing Facility. And, I have requested an additional $300,000 dollars in funding to make sure that the final resting place for our veterans is properly
cared for and managed.Our veterans need a more prominent place in our Government. I am therefore creating a new department--the Department of Veterans Affairs. For the first time, Veterans Affairs will have an official place in the Governor's Cabinet.
Source: 2011 W.V. State of the State Address
Jan 12, 2011
Earl Ray Tomblin:
Our troops safeguard us from terrorism and protect freedom
The events of September 11 placed a focus on how important our military is to the Nation's defense. Almost immediately after the attack, and for months following, people from across the country joined or reenlisted in the military, energized to
protect us from further threats. Not surprisingly, many of those individuals came from West Virginia. Our service men and women work diligently to protect the freedom we enjoy every day and we thank them.
Source: 2011 W.V. gubernatorial press release, "9/11"
Sep 11, 2011
Evan Jenkins:
Increase military spending & upgrade equipment
There is no greater priority than the protection of our country through a strong national defense. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Evan works to ensure that our military is sufficiently funded by increasing defense spending.
He has voted to give our troops a pay raise and to make sure they have the tools and resources they need to maintain the best-equipped and most capable military in the world.
Source: 2018 W.V. Senate campaign website EvanJenkins.house.gov
Dec 12, 2017
Jim Justice:
Exempt military retirees from the state income tax
As governor, Jim Justice will:- Exempt the remainder of our veteran's military retirement from the state income tax--a way to support our veterans since many surrounding states do not tax this income.
The estimated cost is under $2 million; however, reducing this burden will attract many talented professionals to our state creating new jobs, growing revenues, and strengthening the workforce.
-
Continue improvements and enhancements to the Don C. Kinnard State Veterans Cemetery to honor our fallen heroes.
-
Work with our state and federal officials to improve medical care for our veterans in West Virginia.
Source: 2016 W.V. governor campaign website JusticeForWV.com
Nov 16, 2015
John Buckley:
Supports smaller & less expensive military
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Expand the military"?
A: Oppose. I favor a stronger, smaller, less expensive military, but whatever is necessary to ensure the security of the United States.
Source: Email interview on 2014 W.V. Senate race with OnTheIssues
Sep 5, 2014
Michael Folk:
2016: Trial, then hang Hillary Clinton for treason
A commercial airline pilot, Folk also ran afoul of his employer during the 2016 presidential campaign after he wrote in a message to Hillary Clinton on Twitter stating "you should be tried for treason, murder and crimes against the US Constitution...
then hung on the Mall in Washington, D.C." Folk, who was suspended after the tweet, later explained that his statement was hyperbolic and that he sent the message after watching a congressional hearing on Clinton's handling of classified emails.
Source: Herald-Mail on Twitter posting for 2020 W.V. Governor race
Feb 5, 2019
Jim Justice:
$5000 incentive for veterans to move to West Virginia
We're starting a program called Welcome Home program. We're gonna have a $5,000 incentive to any veteran that wants to move back into West Virginia. We're going to get every veteran that wants to come. And we will get veterans beyond
belief and take absolutely their expertise and knowledge and make us all better. So this program is absolutely that I am proposing that we do this program one time and see what the results are. And then I hope and pray that we'll be able to expand it.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the W.V. legislature
Jan 11, 2023
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026