Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Report Highlights Above Average Savings of Nebraskans, Points to Economic Resilience and Growth

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is highlighting findings from a recent report demonstrating the resilience and growth of Nebraska’s economy. Analysis published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City indicates that Nebraskans’ savings is approximately double the national average.

Nebraska has consistently ranked among states with the highest savings rates in the nation. Strong income growth has contributed to higher savings and greater stability for Nebraska families.

““When we say Nebraska is open for business, this is another indicator of what we have to offer,” said Gov. Pillen. “Nebraska’s economic strength continues to make it the best place in the country to live, work, and raise a family.” 

As noted in the report, nationally, households have faced the impact of increased costs and reduced savings over the past several years. Despite inflationary pressures, “strong income growth has positioned Nebraska households to weather the pressures better than many other places.”

In Nebraska, income growth has exceeded the rate of consumption – a trend that has persisted for a number of years, including during the pandemic. Additionally, the report indicates that, “Nebraska's higher savings rates have made down payments more attainable than in the rest of the country, especially for first-time [home] buyers.”

View the complete report

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Highlights Major ONE RED Infrastructure Investment in Norfolk

NORFOLK, NE -- On Friday, Governor Jim Pillen highlighted Nebraska’s ONE RED initiative in Norfolk and how it is poised to help the city fund a critical wastewater infrastructure project. He was joined by Senator Robert Dover, Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment Director Jesse Bradley, and Norfolk Mayor Shane Clausen.

Norfolk and DWEE are partnering on a $38 million grant through the ONE RED Wastewater Treatment Facility Anaerobic Digestion Program. This program aims to help communities build or expand digesters, gas collection systems, and energy infrastructure at wastewater facilities.

“Today, we’re celebrating an opportunity for $38 million in funding that would help Norfolk invest in its future and the health and safety of its residents,” said Gov. Pillen. “Nebraska has always been a state that finds practical ways to make the most of what we have. We have the agricultural resources. We have communities with wastewater infrastructure, and we have the technology to put those resources together.”

The ONE RED initiative, overseen by DWEE, received a $307 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Those funds are being used to implement multiple programs aimed at strengthening Nebraska’s economy by:

• Improving energy efficiency
• Reducing energy costs
• Providing incentives for agriculture practices that improve soil health, water conservation, and nutrient management
• Improving agricultural waste management
• Increasing the beneficial use of biogas

“DWEE is excited to start rolling out these funds so Nebraskans can start to see the positive environmental and economic impacts of these programs,” said Director Bradley. “This project is about turning organic waste into opportunity, producing valuable biogas, supporting Nebraska agriculture, improving environmental outcomes, and investing in infrastructure that will benefit the community for years to come.”

Norfolk’s digester project is intended to accept agricultural wastewater and capture the biogas created by the digester process to convert it into renewable natural gas. Not only will this generate energy, but it will also help Norfolk’s wastewater facility handle high-strength waste.

“Today’s announcement reflects a significant investment in Norfolk and the future of our community,” said Mayor Clausen. “This funding will ensure we have the infrastructure needed to support Norfolk’s continued growth. We appreciate everyone who has worked with the city to find a path forward.”

There is additional funding for Nebraska communities available through the Wastewater Treatment Facility Anaerobic Digestion Program.

This ONE RED grant opportunity represents an important investment in Nebraska’s wastewater infrastructure and helps the city expand its role from treating wastewater into viewing it as a valuable resource.

“State investment can help communities move projects from an idea to construction and ultimately to operation,” said Gov. Pillen. “Through ONE RED, Nebraska is showing its commitment to its residents by finding new avenues that help communities find innovative ways to grow while protecting resources.”

Governor Jim Pillen held a press conference in Norfolk to highlight a wastewater infrastructure project that plans to use ONE RED funding. Pictured are, from left: Norfolk City Administrator Scott Cordes, Norfolk Mayor Shane Clausen, Senator Robert Dover, Governor Jim Pillen, and Department of Water, Energy, and Environment Director Jesse Bradley.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Kevin Hynes, NENG – (402) 309-8390

Czech President Pavel Meets NE Guard Leadership, Takes Part in Evening Reception

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen hosted an evening reception honoring Petr Pavel, president of the Czech Republic. The event in the State Capitol Rotunda last night capped a day of full activity for the Czech leader.  

The visiting delegation arrived Wednesday evening. On Thursday, Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, Nebraska Adjutant General (Maj. Gen.) Craig Strong and other senior Nebraska National Guard leaders, soldiers and airmen welcomed President Pavel to the Joint Force Headquarters to celebrate and discuss the Guard’s 33-year relationship with the Czech Armed Forces. It is believed to be the first time in the history of the Nebraska National Guard that the organization has hosted a head of state.

The official welcome at the base included three balconies packed with soldiers, airmen and civilian public servants.

“This was truly a monumental event for the Nebraska National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Craig Strong, Nebraska adjutant general. “After 33 years of partnering with the Czech Armed Forces and working together to address the many common challenges we face in the world, to have the actual Czech head of state visit us here in Nebraska was such an honor.”

“We are so pleased to have the President with us today,” said Lt. Gov. Kelly. “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.”

“The bonds have been very strong here recently with the Nebraska National Guard,” continued Lt. Gov. Kelly. “We are lucky to have you here for a few days. And we hope you enjoy it.”

Historically, Czech roots do run deep in Nebraska, which has the highest percentage of citizens, per-capita, who claim Czech as their heritage. That heritage is among the reasons Nebraska was selected to form a partnership with the Czech Armed Forces in 1993, through the National Guard’s State Partnership Program. Texas is also part of that alliance. Today, the ongoing relationship remains the only tri-lateral State Partnership effort in Europe.

President Pavel said he was excited to have the opportunity to visit the Nebraska National Guard, adding that the welcome he received in Lincoln rivaled a similar farewell he received when he left NATO after having served for three years as the chairman of the Military Committee.

“But this is much better because it is a welcome. And it is a welcome in a country that is special to us -- we feel here like it is our home,” said President Pavel. “So, thank you for this welcome and we look forward to hearing about our special relationship and seeing what you do.”

During the two-hour visit, President Pavel received briefings on the Nebraska National Guard’s most recent engagements with the Czech Armed Forces along with information on planned future collaborations. He also learned more about how members of the Czech Armed Forces and the Nebraska National Guard are working together in such areas as cyber defense and aerial refueling.

Following the briefings, President Pavel and members of the delegation toured a Nebraska Air National Guard KC-135R Stratotanker assigned to the Lincoln-based 155th Air Refueling Wing, as well as two Nebraska Army National Guard helicopters assigned to the Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility No. 1 in Lincoln.

Strong said the visit helped highlight the importance of the work that members of the Nebraska Army and Air National Guard are continuing to do with the Czech Armed Forces.

“This was an extremely important event because it gave us an opportunity to celebrate the successes that we have had over the decades of our relationship with the Czechs while also reaffirming our commitment to the future,” said Strong. “We all know that we are facing an increasingly challenging and volatile world. As we work with the Czech Armed Forces and continue to learn from each other, we are helping each other build the capabilities that we need to best serve the citizens of our nations. We are clearly stronger together.”

Following a visit to Wilber, the Czech Capital of Nebraska, President Pavel joined Gov. Pillen at the Capitol for an official reception featuring ceremonial toasts and exchange of state gifts, including a personalized Nebraska license plate and a statue of Chief Standing Bear, symbolizing Nebraska’s history, heritage, and commitment to civil rights and freedom.

Prior to the start of the reception, Gov. Pillen and President Pavel held a joint news conference from the Governor’s Hearing Room. In his remarks, the Governor talked about his trade mission to Prague in the fall of 2024, the mutual focus on agricultural expansion, as well as America’s 250 celebrations. He emphasized the Czech Republic’s profound appreciation for liberty following the Fall of Communism in 1989.

“It’s really important that we need to speak into existence, how important, how blessed we are, and that freedom is not free, and how extraordinary our democracy is,” said Gov. Pillen. “After a few generations, we can become a little bit complacent, but it’s important that leadership talks about it, to make sure that we keep inspiring each other.”

President Pavel spoke warm words on the shared history linking Nebraska and the Czech Republic, pointing to military collaboration, economic cooperation, and academic partnerships. Notably, the University of Nebraska – Lincoln holds the longest continuously running Czech language and heritage program at any American university, dating back to 1907, which is now approaching its 120th anniversary.

Earlier in the day, President Pavel met with leaders at UNL to discuss expanding joint ventures across higher education, business, and research.

Referring to his visit in Wilber, President Pavel spoke about his appreciation for the generations of families who have preserved their ancestral roots.

“I was very pleased to meet people in Wilber because it was a very emotional meeting, so many people that associate themselves with Czech ancestry, and even though many of them don’t speak Czech, their enthusiasm for Czech culture and history and traditions is simply remarkable,” said President Pavel. “I was really moved how devoted they are to promote this heritage for next generations.”

“I hope that this relationship that we have today will grow stronger, because wherever there is goodwill, there will be, sooner or later, an action and I believe we are both inclined to act rather than talk,” added President Pavel. “So, we will move it further very quickly.”

Lt. Gov. Kelly delivers remarks at National Guard reception for President Pavel

Gen. Strong, Lt. Gov Kelly, President Pavel and military leadership at Joint Force Headquarters

President Pavel gets inside look inside the KC-135R

Gov. Pillen and President Pavel at news conference prior to Capitol reception

Gov. Pillen holds up personalized Nebraska license plate for President Pavel

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.”

Executive Order 26-20

Executive Order 26-21

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.