Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Nebraska’s Growing Role in Health Initiatives Highlighted During Visit by HHS Secretary Kennedy

Omaha, NE – Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, and University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeff Gold highlighted Nebraska's growing role as a national leader in health security, rural health transformation, nutrition, and efforts to improve the health of Nebraskans.

Sec. Kennedy met the Governor and Dr. Gold at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's Global Center for Health Security on Thursday where they toured the facility and met with Nebraska leaders and medical professionals who recently supported the successful quarantine of Americans who had been exposed to hantavirus on the cruise ship MV Hondius.

The visit highlighted the collaboration between state government, the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Nebraska Medicine, and HHS to strengthen America's ability to respond to infectious diseases and other biological threats.

Sec. Kennedy praised Nebraska's preparedness capabilities noting that the state plays an important role in America's national security.

"This is a legendary facility, and most of you don't probably appreciate how far-reaching the influence of this facility is around the world and I could not be more impressed or more inspired,” said Sec. Kennedy. "This facility is absolutely critical to our national security and one of the reasons I wanted to come out here today was just to see this legendary place, this kind of mecca for biocontainment firsthand."

Dr. Gold said that the University is proud to advance the country’s national health security efforts.

“Our professionals at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine continually train to stand ready to assist, when we are called. The hantavirus response is just one example of how we pioneer breakthrough research, train the next generation of health care leaders and deliver resilient care to protect and serve our country.”

"Nebraska's greatest strength is its people, and the expertise and commitment demonstrated at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine represent some of the best health security capabilities in the world," added Gov. Pillen. "Nebraska has consistently demonstrated that we don't settle for being second. We were prepared to answer the call, providing compassionate care and support while protecting the health and safety of our communities.”

Gov. Pillen and Sec. Kennedy also discussed Nebraska's role in advancing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda, including efforts to improve nutrition, strengthen families, reduce chronic disease and promote greater health and independence.

Nebraska was the first state to implement a SNAP waiver restricting the purchase of soda and energy drinks with SNAP benefits. The SNAP waiver represents a broader effort to address the nation's growing challenges with chronic disease and poor nutrition by encouraging healthier choices among SNAP participants while maintaining access to a wide range of nutritious foods. Nebraska's approach is part of the state's broader commitment to the MAHA agenda and to finding practical, state-led solutions that can improve health outcomes over the long term.

The leaders also highlighted Nebraska's implementation of Medicaid work requirements. Nebraska led the nation in implementation, which is designed to connect eligible Medicaid recipients with employment, education, job training and other activities that can help individuals move toward greater economic independence.

"Governor Pillen has led the country on the MAHA agenda," said Sec. Kennedy. "He was the first to pass the SNAP waiver. He was one of the first to put bell-to-bell legislation to control cell phones in schools, which is absolutely critical to our children's mental health.”

Sec. Kenney also applauded Nebraska for the quality of the state’s Rural Health Transformation Plan. The state received $218 million in its first-year award, one of the highest in the nation. One of the key focus areas is nutrition and expanding access to healthy foods. The Secretary noted that in the battle against chronic disease, understanding the role of nutrition is critical, including among medical professionals.

“Doctors should not understand just how to treat disease. They should understand how to prevent it and what caused it,” said Sec. Kennedy. “We now spend almost $4.3 trillion a year on chronic disease, and most of that is food induced.”

He continued, “For decades, we trained doctors to treat the consequences of poor nutrition while giving many of them remarkably little training in nutrition itself. Almost 80 institutions of higher education across 36 states have committed to strengthening nutrition education, reaching over 52,000 medical students this autumn. And Nebraska helped lead that effort from the beginning. The University of Nebraska was among the first institutions to commit.”

“The best thing about Nebraska is the people. People can only operate at their full potential if they are healthy,” said Gov. Pillen. “Nebraska is proud to be a national leader in improving the health and well-being of our residents, but the work does not stop at our state’s borders. Nebraska looks forward to continuing its strong partnership with our federal partners to advance President Trump’s vision to Make America Healthy Again and ensure the health and well-being of Nebraskans for generations to come.”

Gov. Pillen, Sec. Kennedy and Dr. Gold tour facilities at UNMC

Dr. Gold, Sec. Kennedy & Gov. Pillen pose for photos prior to news conference

Gov. Pillen at the podium

Sec. Kennedy addresses news conference attendees

Data Center Development & Protecting Nebraska Resources

 By Governor Jim Pillen

August 21, 2026

Nebraska is open for business!

Not only do we want homegrown companies to stay, but we also want others to come, plant their roots and grow. For that to happen, we must have a strategic tax incentive policy that supports new venture opportunities. I’ve been clear – we can no longer provide tax breaks to companies that are takers, not givers, and to those that don’t share our values.

Data centers are a delicate issue right now. I fully support the need for computational services that enable us to stay ahead in the race for artificial intelligence as well as the defense of our nation. To support those initiatives, data centers are a necessity. However, we cannot foot the bill for them. These billion-dollar companies are well-positioned to pay their own way. Not only that, but we also can’t afford projects that deplete our natural resources. That’s another cost our state cannot bear, now or in the future.

We have made significant strides in creating necessary restrictions. This session, I signed LB1261 which requires that entities create their own electricity. This landmark behind-the-meter legislation ensures that increased power use is not paid for by hardworking Nebraskans. It also allows excess electricity to be sold back to the grid, further supporting power needs and keeping rates low.

A newly signed executive order formalizes the pause I put on data center development when I first entered office. Companies won’t be able to access tax incentives through the ImagiNE Act. It also calls for the creation of a task force to study the impact of data centers, so that we’re not giving the farm away in the form of our land, water and electricity.

Mind you, this is not a complete ban on data centers. I know some communities would prefer that, but I strongly believe in free enterprise and the ability of local communities to make decisions best suited to those who live there. That said, going forward those projects must meet the guardrails spelled out in that order before going into business.

The task force I mentioned will also be instrumental in providing information that will allow my office, in collaboration with the Legislature, to draft legislation that provides further protections when it comes to data centers. At the very least, it will involve imposing additional taxes. After all, data companies should be willing to invest in the communities where they operate and help support the infrastructure and resources that allow them to be there.

These moves should help guide our decisions around data centers, but without allowing those companies a free ride to Nebraska.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Governor Pillen Highlights State Resources Supporting Ogallala’s Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements

OGALLALA, NE — Governor Jim Pillen highlighted state funding resources at a news conference in Ogallala on Wednesday to support critical drinking water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in Nebraska communities. He was joined by Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) Director Jesse Bradley, Ogallala City Council President Steve Krajewski, and other local representatives.

Ogallala is partnering with DWEE to finalize $7.5 million in financial assistance through Nebraska’s State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs to upgrade its wastewater treatment facility. This assistance includes more than $1.625 million in loan forgiveness and a below‑market interest rate of approximately 2% for the remaining financing. This agreement is expected to save between $3 million and $4 million for Ogallala residents over the life of the loan.

“Today we’re highlighting an important investment in the future of Ogallala and the health and safety of its residents,” said Gov. Pillen. “Through the State Revolving Fund, we’re helping communities make necessary water infrastructure improvements responsibly and affordably. These investments protect public health, support economic growth, and strengthen Nebraska communities.”

Ogallala’s wastewater treatment facility has reached a point where several components have exceeded their useful life. The planned upgrades will provide reliable, effective wastewater service for years to come.

City Council President Steve Krajewski said the SRF program has been instrumental in helping Ogallala advance the project.

“The SRF allows Ogallala to make overdue infrastructure upgrades without placing an overwhelming financial burden on our residents,” said Krajewski. “The loan forgiveness and low interest rates make this project feasible and help us plan responsibly for the future.”

DWEE Dir. Jesse Bradley highlighted the long‑term benefits of the SRF programs

“This is a powerful example of the state and local government working together to solve problems,” explained Bradley. “Nebraska will continue using these programs to help communities like Ogallala make the infrastructure investments they need to thrive.”

Since their inception, Nebraska’s SRF programs have provided more than $1.75 billion in assistance across 713 loans to 326 communities. DWEE expects to fund roughly 40 new projects over the next two years, totaling approximately $220 million. These programs operate as a revolving fund, so repaid dollars continuously cycle back into the program to benefit additional communities.

Gov. Pillen closed by underscoring the broader significance of the project.

“This is about more than pipes, valves, and equipment,” said Gov. Pillen. “It’s about protecting public health, supporting local communities, and investing in Nebraska’s future.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Announces Appointments to the Newly Created Data Center Task Force

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of 17 members to the state’s newly created Data Center Task Force. Authorized by the Governor’s executive order (EO 26-17) and overseen by the Nebraska Department of Water, Environment and Energy (DWEE), this group will help evaluate the impact of data centers on Nebraska’s water resources, power grids and local infrastructure.

“This task force has a significant undertaking, but its work is critical to considering future data center development,” said Gov. Pillen. “Data centers are a booming industry, yet we need to protect our most valuable resources. The members of this group bring the knowledge of each of their respective industries. Together, they will ensure that we are making solid decisions when it comes to balancing data center development with the continued preservation of our land, electricity and water.” 

In addition to evaluating impacts the group will work to ensure that county officials have the necessary tools, zoning guidelines, and policy frameworks to manage data center growth effectively.  It is anticipated that the task force will have its first meeting next month.

Task Force membership includes:

Mark Hewett -- president, CEO and director of Berkshire Hathaway Energy

Chris Leitner – president and CEO of Tenaska

David Miles – president of Kiewit Infrastructure Group

Mike Miller -- broadband group leader at HDR

Tony Cotton – General (USAF, Ret), former commander US Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base

Javier Fernandez – CEO of the Omaha Public Power District

Tom Kent – president and CEO of the Nebraska Public Power District

Emeka Anyanwu – CEO of the Lincoln Electric System

Rick Nelson – general manager of the Nebraska Rural Electric Association

Micaela Wuehler – county commissioner, Lincoln County

Angi Burmeister – county commissioner, Sarpy County

Heath Mello – president and CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber

Kevin Stocker – commissioner, Nebraska Public Service Commission

Ron Kaminski – president, Building, Construction and Trades Council, NE & Southwest IA

John Winkler – general manager, Papio NRD

Dave Eichenberg – general manager, Upper Big Blue NRD

Doug Whitfield – vice president of water operations, Metropolitan Utilities District

Links to Governor Pillen’s recent actions on data centers:

Gov Pillen Signs Executive Order Data Centers

Gov Pillen Joins White House Roundtable Highlight Ratepayer Protections and Energy Safeguards

Contact:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Celebrates Back to School Month

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed a proclamation to mark the start of the 2026-2027 school year, emphasizing the need for safe, supportive classrooms that foster student learning, engagement, and academic growth. During the event, he was joined by parents and students, some of whom experienced their first day back to school today.

“I think it’s important that we first recognize the teachers of our state and the critical role they play for our young people. They spend hours dedicating their time to each and every student, and they don’t get enough recognition,” said Gov. Pillen. “So, thank you to all of you for everything you do in investing in the next generation. I wish our students, teachers, and parents a great school year, and I hope every student has the opportunity to be inspired, challenged, and empowered.”

During the news conference, Gov. Pillen highlighted how student attendance, proper nutrition, and sleep directly impact academic performance. He also mentioned some of the legislative measures he has advocated for over the last two years to support educators and maintain learning-focused environments.  

Specifically, LB 140 eliminates screen time and cell phone distractions in the classroom -- a vital step to ensuring teachers have the full attention of their students. Additionally, LB 653 restores administrative authority to manage safety concerns while maintaining strong family collaboration, ensuring classrooms are places of learning and not disruptions or violence.  

"As a new school year begins, we celebrate the excitement of fresh starts, new opportunities, and the promise that comes with learning,” said Nebraska Commissioner of Education Brian Maher. “Nebraska's students and educators are at the heart of our future, and we are grateful for their dedication and enthusiasm. We encourage every student to attend school every day, as consistent attendance helps students stay engaged, connected, and on track for success. I wish all Nebraska schools a wonderful year filled with curiosity, achievement, and joy."

“Governor Pillen’s declaration of Back to School Month directly reflects the work of the State Board of Education through our strategic plan, model cell phone policy, and support of the federal lunch program,” said State Board of Education President Elizabeth Tegtmeier. “I hope all families, schools, and communities will support this proclamation knowing that our support can make a meaningful difference for students.”

Senator Dave Murman, chairman of the Legislature’s Education Committee, also shared his appreciation for everyone working to support Nebraska schools.

“As the new school year begins, I want to thank families, educators, and support staff for working together to inspire every student in Nebraska with fresh opportunities to reach their fullest potential,” he said.

In addition to Sen. Murman, senators Jana Hughes and Dan Lonowski, also from the Education Committee, attended today’s signing event.

Text version of the Proclamation for Back to School Month

A copy of the proclamation is available below.

Gov. Pillen speaks on Back to School Month Proclamation

Gov. Pillen signs proclamation at news conference

Gov. Pillen signs proclamation at news conference