Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Issues Executive Orders to help the Agriculture Community

LINCOLN, NE – To combat rising diesel fuel shortages and high operating costs during harvest season, Governor Jim Pillen has issued two executive orders providing immediate, temporary relief to Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and agricultural transporters across the state.

Under the first executive order, highway-registered vehicles are permitted to hold, sell, or use untaxed, dyed diesel fuel without facing state fines or penalties. Additionally, diesel taxes paid while transporting Nebraska seasonally produced products and livestock on state roads are eligible for a refund by filing Form 84AG with the Nebraska Department of Revenue. This order takes effect immediately and will remain active for 90 days.

To address transportation pressures facing producers, Gov. Pillen signed a second executive order providing weight limit relief for seasonal crop transport. Vehicles transporting seasonally produced products and livestock now operate up to 25% over legal gross and axle group weight limits without purchasing additional permits or paying associated fees.

In addition to state-level action, Gov. Pillen sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump requesting federal intervention through a temporary 90-day pause on U.S. diesel exports to foreign countries. Halting exports would allow domestic diesel reserves to rebuild, lowering costs for consumers and helping producers navigate harvest season without severe financial strain.

“Our farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our state,” said Gov. Pillen. “It’s critical that I do everything in my power to make sure they are supported, especially during this season where they are working day in and day out to get the crops out of the ground.”

Letter to President Trump

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Welcomes President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel to Nebraska

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen hosted President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel in Nebraska to highlight the deep partnership and rich cultural ties shared between Nebraska and the Czech Republic. Nebraska takes immense pride in its Czech heritage, which has helped shape the state’s history, culture, and vibrant communities across generations.

“It is a true honor to welcome President Pavel to Nebraska. Today is about honoring our rich history while continuing to build strong economic and cultural ties that will benefit both Nebraskans and the Czech people for generations to come," said Gov. Pillen. "Nebraska is proud to be home to one of the largest populations of Czech heritage per capita, and those deep roots have shaped our state's character for generations."

President Pavel visited Nebraska following his participation in the United Nations General Assembly in New York, making a dedicated stop in the state to honor Nebraska’s Czech history and strengthen diplomatic and economic connections.  

The Nebraska National Guard hosted President Pavel for part of his visit to recognize the enduring State Partnership Program between the Czech Armed Forces and the Nebraska National Guard. Gov. Pillen attended a trade mission back in 2024 where state and Czech officials discussed expanding military cooperation alongside joint efforts in veterinary measures, livestock production, and scientific research exchanges. 

"We are so pleased to have the President with us today. I think if we were to go around and have everyone in this entire building tell us what their family heritage is, I suspect that one out of every three if not more would be of strong Czech heritage, " said Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly. "The bonds are so great. The bonds have been very strong here recently with the Nebraska National Guard… So we hope only to have you spend some time with us. We are lucky to have you here for a few days. And we hope you enjoy it." 

Following his time with the Nebraska National Guard, Gov. Pillen and First Lady Suzanne Pillen hosted President Pavel for an official luncheon at the Governor’s Residence. Joining the luncheon was a distinguished delegation of Czech leaders, including Martin Fott, Head of the Foreign Policy Department; Jakub Kulhánek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States; and Jakub Utešený, Consul General of the Czech Republic in Chicago.

The luncheon provided an opportunity for state officials and Czech leaders to discuss shared priorities in agriculture, manufacturing, defense, and cultural preservation.

To conclude the visit, a reception will be held at the Nebraska State Capitol to honor President Pavel with ceremonial toasts and official state gifts prior to his departure.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Declares State of Emergency Following Severe Storm in Crofton

LINCOLN, NE - Today, Governor Jim Pillen declared a state of emergency in response to a strong and dangerous storm that impacted the Village of Crofton in Knox County.

The storm, which happened on September 9, brought exceptionally high winds that caused damage to public and private property and disrupted utility services.

The issuance of this proclamation allows for the activation of state resources and authorizes the use of the Governor’s Emergency Fund to help cover costs associated with responding to and recovering from the impacts of the storm.

Text version of Emergency Proclamation for severe storms in Crofton, Nebraska

CONTACT:  

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Husker Athletic Director Troy Dannen Announced as Opening Keynote for Governor’s Summit

Dannen will speak in lieu of Ben Sasse, who is unable to attend.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced that Troy Dannen, athletic director for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will be the opening keynote at the 2026 Governor’s Summit. Senator Ben Sasse, who was previously announced as the morning keynote, is recovering from a recent successful liver surgery and is unable to attend.

Troy Dannen joins Husker men’s basketball head coach Fred Hoiberg as a headline speaker for the Summit, which will take place Sept. 28-29 in Kearney. Dannen is scheduled to speak on Tuesday morning, Sept. 29.

“Troy Dannen has been a great fit to lead Husker athletics,” said Gov. Pillen. “His vision, leadership, and hustle have the Huskers on the fast track to where they belong—at the very pinnacle of collegiate sports. I look forward to hearing from Troy at this year’s Summit!”

A respected leader in collegiate athletics with deep Midwestern roots, Troy Dannen is in his third year as Nebraska’s Director of Athletics. Dannen guides Nebraska’s 25-sport athletic department that ranks among the nation’s most successful programs both athletically and academically.

Since his arrival to Nebraska in March of 2024, the Huskers have posted three straight top 25 finishes in the Learfield Director’s Cup, marking the first time Husker Athletics has accomplished that feat in more than two decades. The Huskers enjoyed broad-based success in 2025-26. The Husker men’s basketball program reached the NCAA Sweet 16 for the first time in school history, the Husker softball team reached the Women’s College World Series for the first time since 2013, while the men’s and women’s outdoor track squads posted top 10 finishes in the same season for the first time since 2003.

Dannen came to the University of Nebraska following successful stints as athletic director at Washington, Tulane, and Northern Iowa. Prior to his career in collegiate athletics, Dannen served as the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s executive director for seven years, overseeing 400 high schools and 10 sports.

Dannen grew up on a farm in Iowa and graduated from University of Northern Iowa in 1989 with a degree in communications. He is married to Amy and has four children: Elizabeth, William, Emily and Holly.

The 2026 Governor’s Summit begins Monday afternoon, Sept. 28, with a statewide 6 Regions, One Nebraska update. On Monday evening, the Nebraska Diplomats will host a reception and awards banquet.

Tuesday, Sept. 29, is the primary day of the Governor’s Summit. It features remarks from Gov. Pillen, a morning keynote from Troy Dannen, a full slate of breakout sessions, and an afternoon address from Coach Fred Hoiberg. The second annual Youth Summit is also taking place on Tuesday, concurrent with the main Summit.

Register for the Governor’s Summit, and see an agenda for the event

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Deadline Approaches to Register for 2026 Governor’s Summit 

Register now at govsummit.nebraska.gov.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is issuing a reminder about the deadline to register for the 2026 Governor’s Summit. Registrations should be submitted online by Wednesday, September 23rd.

“The Good Life is open for business, and Nebraska can outcompete anyone,” said Gov. Pillen. “We all need to brag about our state’s amazing companies, communities, and career opportunities—especially when speaking with our kids. I’m excited to convene state leaders for the Summit to focus on Nebraska’s future together.”

The 2026 Governor’s Summit takes place September 28-29 in Kearney at the Younes Conference Center North. It will feature breakout tracks on workforce development, manufacturing and agriculture, and opportunities to invest in the next generation of Nebraskans.

A complete rundown of activities and breakout sessions can be found on the website.

In conjunction with the main conference, the State is hosting the second annual Governor’s Youth Summit on September 29th in Kearney. The experience is designed for high school students and recent graduates, providing them with direct access to career opportunities in Nebraska. During the event, student attendees will connect one-on-one with businesses and colleges to learn about internships, scholarships, and other career pathways. See more information about the Youth Summit.

Register for the 2026 Governor’s Summit.