Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

University of Nebraska Named Potential DOW Fellowship Partner

LINCOLN, NE — Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement after Secretary of War Pete Hegseth released a memo listing the University of Nebraska as an “elite institution” and potential new Senior Service College Fellowship program partner.

“From General John J. Pershing to today’s warfighters at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska has a long tradition of educating and training the next generation of military leaders,” said Gov. Pillen. “Our state and the University of Nebraska is committed to continuing this tradition and serving future leaders of America’s extraordinary military.”

The memo, signed by Sec. Hegseth eliminates certain Senior Service College Fellowship programs, primarily east coast Ivy League schools, for the 2026-2027 academic year and beyond.

In a release, Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the memo directs “the Department of War to strategically refocus the education of its senior military officers to ensure alignment with the warrior ethos, National Defense Strategy, and American values.”

The University of Nebraska is one of 15 Civilian Education Institutions that meet the following criteria: intellectual freedom, minimal relationships with adversaries, minimal public expressions in opposition of the Department, and graduate-level National Security, International Affairs, and/or Public Policy Programs. 

The full Department of War memo from Secretary Hegseth can be found here.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Signs Classroom Improvement Legislation into Law

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen, a strong supporter of K-12 education in Nebraska, signed LB653 into law today to improve classroom environments. The new law will provide school districts the flexibility to work with students and their families to address disruptive behaviors, ensuring that our classrooms are a place for learning.

“We’re investing in Nebraska’s kids while ensuring classrooms are safe and great learning environments,” said Governor Pillen. “Today, I signed LB653 into law and I’m grateful for the legislature’s work – especially Sen. Murman for carrying this legislation on my behalf – to get this to my desk to provide teachers and school administrators the tools they need to discipline and assist young students who engage in violent behavior in the classroom.”

Earlier this year during the Governor’s State of the State Address, Gov. Pillen highlighted pieces of this legislation as a priority initiative to help address issues teachers have faced with violent or disruptive students in classroom settings.

The legislation allows school districts to suspend Pre-K through 2nd grade students who exhibit violent behavior and protect the students right to be heard by the administration. While this legislation was not a full repeal of the existing prohibition, it will help schools to regain control in their classrooms.

This is win for Nebraska teachers, students, families, and learning.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Orders Flags to Half-Staff Honoring Sgt. Tietjens of Bellevue

LINCOLN, NE -- Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff effective immediately and until sunset on the day of interment in honor and remembrance of Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens of Bellevue. Noah was among six military personnel killed this weekend when an Iranian missile hit a military operations center in Kuwait.

Gov. Pillen shared the following statement, upon learning of Sgt. Tietjens death yesterday: “Suzanne and I are deeply saddened to learn of Sgt. Tietjens death. We are holding the Tietjens family close in our hearts during this unbelievably difficult time and will keep them in our prayers.

Noah stepped up to serve and defend the American people from foreign enemies around the world – a sacrifice we must never forget. Please join us in praying for the Tietjens and for all members of the United States military who stand in harm’s way to protect our freedom.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Releases Statement Upon Death of U.S. Soldier From Bellevue

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement after the Department of War announced that Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens of Bellevue was one of four U.S. Army Reserve soldiers killed in Kuwait on Sunday in an Iranian missile attack.  

“Suzanne and I are deeply saddened to learn of Sgt. Tietjens death,” said Gov. Pillen. “We are holding the Tietjens family close in our hearts during this unbelievably difficult time and will keep them in our prayers.

Noah stepped up to serve and defend the American people from foreign enemies around the world – a sacrifice we must never forget. Please join us in praying for the Tietjens and for all members of the United States military who stand in harm’s way to protect our freedom.”

An order regarding the flying of flags at half-staff to honor Sgt. Tietjens will be announced shortly.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Signs Order, Shares Information on Collections to Support Fire Relief for Ag Producers

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order that will help support the transportation of much-needed hay, feed, fencing and other supplies to fire ravaged areas of Kansas and Oklahoma.  Cattle have been killed and injured. Some were set loose by producers to allow them to escape the flames. Today’s action by Gov. Pillen eases certain transportation regulations that will allow for expedited delivery of items to ranchers in need.

“When neighbor states are in need, Nebraska stands ready to respond,” said Gov. Pillen. “The quicker we can get donated supplies into those states, the better their chance of mitigating additional losses from these fires.”

Reports indicate that more than 300,000 acres have been destroyed across portions of northwest Oklahoma and southwest Kansas.

“Nebraska cattle producers understand the devastating effects of wildfires firsthand. From the very moment Nebraska Cattlemen members heard about the wildfires happening across the Great Plains, our office began receiving outreach from people who stand ready to help their fellow producers,” said Nebraska Cattlemen President Craig Uden. “We thank Governor Pillen for signing this important executive order as we work to help our friends in other states."

Donations of hay and ranching supplies are being collected at the following two Nebraska locations until March 6:

• Saunders County Fairgrounds, 635 E 1st St, Wahoo

• Lashley Land and Recreational Brokers, 2218 E. Walker Rd, North Platte

Executive Order 26-05 can be found on this link:.https://govdocs.nebraska.gov/docs/pilot/pubs/eoindex.html