West Virginia Miracle
The Cardinal Institute envisions an economic turnaround that will transform West Virginia into a beacon of prosperity and hope. For this miracle to occur, it must be built of four pillars: economic freedom, education freedom, worker freedom, and a culture of freedom encapsulated in the state’s motto and founding ethos, Montani Semper Liberi – Mountaineers Are Always Free.
Economic Freedom
Cardinal believes the record of history is quite clear. Widespread prosperity occurs when individuals have the freedom to write their own stories. We believe this manifests in public policy through low taxes, minimal barriers to entry, reasonable regulations, and limited government. Mountaineers should be encouraged to start businesses, create jobs, and take entrepreneurial risks. This will enable them to build a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Education Freedom
Education unlocks self-actualization and economic mobility. Every child in the Mountain State should have access to a high-quality education that meets their needs, inspires their curiosity, and aligns with their family’s values. Parents are the primary educators. It is the government’s role to support parents via education choices and flexibility in how they spend their education tax dollars. Students should have the option to pursue both higher education and career and technical pathways.
Worker Freedom
The ability to earn a living is a fundamental necessity and should not come with preconditions, coercion, or forced association. The first rung on the economic ladder should be within reach for all people. Social mobility is a core feature of the American Dream; therefore, Cardinal seeks to remove barriers and reduce disincentives to work in the Mountain State. Cardinal believes government should not deprive individuals of the dignity of earned success.
Montani Semper Liberi
Mountaineers Are Always Free is the state motto and reflects a culture of freedom born of virtue and necessity. West Virginians must reignite their passion for robust self-reliance, recognizing that prosperity will not come from dependence on government intervention. West Virginia will instead rely on a strong civil society, formed through free association, and encouraged by a government that uphols the Rule of Law, respects the Constitutional rights of individual, and encourages responsible citizenship.
Mission
Founded in 2014, the Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy, Inc. is a 501c(3) non-profit dedicated to researching, developing, and communicating effective free-market public policies for West Virginia.
Vision
The Cardinal Institute envisions an economic turnaround that will transform West Virginia into a beacon of prosperity and hope. For this miracle to occur, it must be built on four pillars: economic freedom, education freedom, worker freedom, and a culture of freedom encapsulated in the state’s motto and founding ethos, Montani Semper Liberi – Mountaineers Are Always Free.