Latest News from the Governor's Office

Pro-business Approach is Powering Nebraska’s Economy

By Governor Jim Pillen

February 6, 2026

Bloat and waste have no place in your family’s budget, and they shouldn’t find a place in the state’s budget either. Nebraskans believe in a government that lives within its means – efficiently and effectively serving its people.

With an overall $22+ billion budget, across 79 state agencies, over 510 separate budget programs, and 900 cash funds – not to mention industry jargon about Forecasting Board predictions, bienniums, earmarks, and reserves – there’s a lot going on. I wanted to write today to help share some truth about the state’s financial position. 

Simply, Nebraska’s fiscal health is beyond question. 

While a few loud Debbie Downers breathlessly traffic doomsday narratives, today, the State of Nebraska has over $1.4 billion in the bank and the highest credit rating in our history. 

We’re stable, growing, and our economy is competing on a national scale. Recently released data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that Nebraska posted some of the strongest Q3 economic numbers in the country. We beat the national average and earned a spot in the top quarter of states for GDP increases – and we came in at #2 nationally for personal income growth. 

Yet more national data shows that we’ve successfully stemmed the tide of out-migration, posting the lowest number of people leaving the state since 2010.

These successes don't happen overnight and speak to the common-sense, living-within-your-means approach to business and government Nebraskans believe in. 

Since last summer, I’ve spent countless hours with my Cabinet leaders taking a business-minded approach to reviewing the State’s budget – line by line – to find inefficiencies and waste.

Philosophically, I believe smaller government better serves Nebraskans. Practically, that means the State of Nebraska needs to balance its books. This legislative session, we’re going to fill the Forecasting Board’s projected budget shortfall by creating a leaner, more efficient government while still delivering the high-quality services Nebraskans depend on.

In this Administration, we’re running government like a business – building a pro-enterprise climate, with a whole lot less regulatory red tape and a culture of fiscal conservatism that believes in decreasing spend and increasing accountability. 

We already have major advantages for anybody considering doing business here: 

• Abundant, cheap, and reliable power – through public power, Nebraskans save $1.25 billion
• Ranked #1 for best infrastructure – and a national transportation hub connected by road and rail
• America’s hardest-working workforce
• An ongoing commitment to reducing the tax burden
• High quality of life and low cost of living
• A pro-business regulatory environment

Nebraska’s right on track. That doesn’t mean anyone is satisfied. We have to keep pushing forward, as we work to improve the lives of our neighbors, both rural and urban. Better affordability and increased opportunity help every Nebraska family get ahead and own their own home. 

Recently, joined by a bipartisan group of business and community leaders, we announced the Grow the Good Life incentive, a robust plan to bring more families and high-paying careers to turbocharge our already strong economy. 

This groundbreaking effort will be second to none, giving businesses of all sizes a significant tax credit – 10% for a full decade – when they grow their business by bringing NEW, high-paying careers and people to our state.

This will be one of the most significant people and business recruitment tools in state history – and will give a boost to all Nebraska businesses by bringing new families who will invest in our communities, buy more groceries, and support local commerce.

Now’s the time to capitalize on Nebraska’s success. Our people – the best part of our great state – deserve a framework that sets us up to compete nationally, beat the market, and keep growing the Good Life.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Appoints Flaherty as County Court Judge in Fifth Judicial District

LINCOLN, NE -- Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Breanna D. Flaherty of Columbus as county court judge in the Fifth Judicial District. That district includes Boone, Butler, Colfax, Hamilton, Merrick, Nance, Platte, Polk, Saunders, Seward, and York counties. The vacancy is due to the retirement of Judge C. Jo Petersen.

Flaherty is presently the Platte County Attorney. She has been in that office since 2012, having also served as a deputy and chief deputy in that office. Flaherty is also an adjunct instructor at Central Community College where she has taught criminal law, criminal procedure and other related topics at the Columbus campus.

Flaherty is currently a board member of both the Centro Hispano Comunitario de Nebraska and the Columbus Optimist Club. She has served several state organizations including the Nebraska Coalition for Juvenile Justice, County Attorney Standards Advisory Council and the Nebraska Children’s Commission. Flaherty is also a mock trial attorney coach for Scotus Catholic School.

Flaherty received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Wayne State College, a master’s degree in forensic science from Nebraska Wesleyan University and her juris doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Accepts Resignation from Oldenburg on Medical Cannabis Commission; Takes Applications for Vacancy

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen thanked Dr. Monica Oldenburg for her work on the Medical Cannabis Commission and announced that he would take applications to fill her vacancy. Oldenburg was appointed to serve on the Commission in May of last year.  She submitted her letter of resignation to the Governor Monday evening.

Those interested in serving on the Commission may submit an application through the Governor’s website: https://governor.nebraska.gov/boards-commissions-open-positions. Applications may also be mailed to: Office of the Governor, P.O. Box 94848, Lincoln, NE 68509-4848.

Members of the Medical Cannabis Commission serve six-year terms. The appointment is subject to legislative confirmation.

The deadline to apply is Tuesday, March 3 at 5 p.m.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Governor Pillen: “This is justice for the Root family.”

LINCOLN, NE — Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement after a Nebraska court sentenced Eswin Mejia to 20+ years for the drunken, 2016 street racing crash that killed Sarah Root in Omaha. After posting bond, Mejia disappeared and was on the run from American law enforcement for nearly a decade, having fled the United States and returned to Honduras.

“This is justice for the Root family,” said Gov. Pillen. “Sarah Root’s life tragically ended way too early — and our hearts continue to break for her loved ones. But today, we now know that the illegal immigrant who killed Sarah while he was street racing and drunk — who then evaded justice for nearly a decade — was sentenced to more than 20 years in a cold prison cell.

This tragedy absolutely could have been prevented if not for failed immigration enforcement policies of the Obama Administration. We thank federal and local law enforcement for their years-long pursuit of this criminal, and the members of Congress who kept pushing for justice. Thankfully, President Trump signed Sarah’s Law in one of the first actions of his second term, to make sure that this never happens again.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Offers Statement After Girl is Hit by Vehicle at Demonstration

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen offered the following statement upon reports that a girl was struck by a vehicle outside of Fremont High School during a demonstration.

“Here’s a fundamental truth we should all agree upon: Political violence – no matter what – is never okay.

There is a lot about this particular situation we still need to learn, and we trust that local law enforcement will carry out a thorough and complete investigation.

The freedom to peacefully assemble is a cornerstone of American government and must be protected.

We will continue to monitor this situation and pray for the health of the girl who was hit.”