Latest News from the Governor's Office

  • Gov. Pillen Comments on Trump Trade Plan April 3, 2025 jim Thu, 04/03/2025 - 16:05

    CONTACT:

    Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

     

    Gov. Pillen Comments on Trump Trade Plan

     

    LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement regarding President Trump’s Liberation Day announcement of his fair-trade plan.

      “Our farmers and ranchers feed the world and produce the best. We lead on trade – and Nebraska is tired of being duped by takers around the world. President Trump is taking bold action to combat decades of cheating and unfair trade practices. In a phone call last night with Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, I told her that Nebraska is in this for the long haul. As a pork producer, I totally understand the short-term economic challenges we’re all feeling. But we’re working hard through this period, and I will do my best to ensure that Nebraska’s interests are heard during this time.”

  • Gov. Pillen Shares Condolences on Passing of Scottsbluff WWII Vet April 3, 2025 jim Thu, 04/03/2025 - 13:25

    CONTACT:

    Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

      

     Gov. Pillen Shares Condolences on Passing of Scottsbluff WWII Vet 

     

    LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen provided the statement below concerning the passing of WWII veteran Harry Lynn. Lynn, of Scottsbluff, was recognized by the Governor on March 10, with a medal representing the end of the war 80 years ago. Gov. Pillen has been actively distributing the specially designed medals in ceremonies across the state, in conjunction with the Nebraska Department of Veteran’s Affairs (NDVA).

     Lynn, and his daughter Sherri Lynn, also of Scottsbluff, were killed yesterday in a collision with another vehicle on Highway 26 near Scottsbluff.

     “It was my privilege and an honor to have the opportunity to meet Harry and the other members of his family just a few weeks ago. It means a great deal that I was able to deliver that medal to him, and that the community was there to honor him in person. First Lady Suzanne and I extend our condolences and prayers to Harry’s family as they deal with their tremendous loss.”

  • Governor Pillen Accepting Applications for Sarpy County Election Commissioner April 2, 2025 jim Wed, 04/02/2025 - 15:19

    CONTACT:

    Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

     

    Governor Pillen Accepting Applications for Sarpy County Election Commissioner

     

    LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is accepting applications to fill the position of Sarpy County Election Commissioner. The vacancy is due to the resignation of Emily Ethington who has led that office since 2021. 

    Per state law, the governor appoints election commissioners for counties larger than 100,000 people which includes Douglas, Sarpy and Lancaster. 

    Applications should be submitted through the Governor’s website at https://governor.nebraska.gov/boards-commissions-open-positions or in writing to: Office of the Governor, P.O. Box 94848, Lincoln, NE 68509-4848. The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. on April 30.

  • Gov Pillen Comments on ‘Bioreactor’ Meat Legislation March 31, 2025 jim Mon, 03/31/2025 - 21:02

    CONTACT:

    Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

     

    Gov Pillen Comments on ‘Bioreactor’ Meat Legislation

     

    LINCOLN, NE — Governor Jim Pillen, a strong defender of farmers and ranchers and Nebraska’s first governor to come from agriculture in over 100 years, praised the legislature for advancing LB 246 another step closer to becoming law.

    “This is a major victory for Nebraska agriculture. The creation of this bioreactor meat is simply a dishonest attack on producers in our state — and has no place on Nebraska’s grocery shelves. Thank you to Senator DeKay for his leadership and to all the other senators who voted to advance this effort to protect producers and consumers.”

  • Moody’s Increases Nebraska’s Bond Rating to AAA March 31, 2025 jim Mon, 03/31/2025 - 21:00

    CONTACT:

    Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

     

    Moody’s Increases Nebraska’s Bond Rating to AAA

    LINCOLN, NE – Nebraska’s credit rating has been boosted to an exceptional AAA rating by Moody’s. The credit rating agency cited Nebraska’s stable economy, conservative spending, low debit liability and financial flexibility in determining to upgrade the state’s credit rating.

    “I praise Moody’s recognition of Nebraska’s strong economic position.  The trajectory of our state’s economy and financial stability is better than ever,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “We must continue our work to deliver a strong fiscally conservative budget and rebalance our tax structure, so we are less dependent on soaring local property taxes.”

    Nebraska already enjoys a Standard & Poor’s bond rating of AAA, and the increase from Moody’s aligns the state’s bond rating across rating agencies. Moody’s increase means the state is seen as more credit worthy. The exceptional credit rating will help save the state money by reducing future borrowing costs for capital projects such as highway construction. It also increases the state’s financial reputation, which is likely to attract additional investment.