Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Highlights Blood Donations as Big Ten Competition Draws to Close

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen is highlighting the generosity of Nebraskans in the aftermath of a blood drive outside of the State Capitol prior to Thanksgiving. The event, organized in partnership with the Nebraska Community Blood Bank, filled quickly with state public servants and community members who rolled up their sleeves – literally – to help save lives.

That blood drive is part of the We Give Blood challenge, a friendly competition among Big Ten schools to see which one can collect the most donations and win $1 million for student health. Nebraska secured the victory last year. This year, the University of Nebraska is in a neck-and-neck race with Wisconsin.

“Aside from the fun and the funds generated through this event, the cause is quite serious,” noted Gov. Pillen. “Here in Nebraska, we are always ready to step up and help our neighbors, and being able to provide a pint of blood when needed is certainly the greatest gift there is.”

The competition continues through Friday, Dec. 5. Those wishing to donate and have their contribution count toward the We Give Blood challenge can schedule an appointment by visiting bigten.org/abbott/nebraska. To ensure a donation has been included in the competition total, donors can log onto the same website or text DONATE to 222688 (ABBOTT).

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Governor Pillen Announces Joint Response to Tyson Closure

LINCOLN, NE -- Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced a collaboration between multiple agencies and community organizations to assist Lexington families impacted by the upcoming closure of Tyson’s meat processing facility.  

“The whole state is behind the community of Lexington as they face this tough transition,” said Gov. Pillen. “Our state agencies are working together to provide the support this community deserves.”

The state departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (DHHS), Economic Development (DED), and Agriculture (NDA) are partnering with each other and with local Lexington organizations to connect Tyson’s workers and their families with various assistance programs and support.

“This holiday season will look different for these families, but we know that Nebraskans show up for each other,” said Gov. Pillen. “We are seeing that happen in Lexington.”

On December 3 and 4, a Rapid Response layoff services event will be held for all Tyson workers at the Dawson County Fairgrounds. Agencies will cover resources such as unemployment insurance benefits, job search resources, and economic support programs. Tyson will convey timing for next week’s Rapid Response event to workers. 

The Department of Labor reminds workers to file an unemployment claim when their employment ends, not before. Individuals who quit their jobs due to an upcoming layoff are generally not eligible for unemployment benefits. DOL is providing reemployment services to impacted workers. Inquiries can be emailed to ndol.rapidresponse@nebraska.gov.

“This is a difficult time for the community and the impacted workers, but they have truly come together to help make DOL’s efforts possible.  An event of this size would not be happening this quickly without community support,” said Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber. “Nebraska employers are also coming together for job fairs, with more details to be announced soon.”

In addition to efforts by state agencies, the Lexington Community Foundation has information about local organizations that are providing and accepting assistance to support workers. Flyers are attached to this release in both English and Spanish. In addition to the included QR code, people can log onto givebiglexington.org for information.

If anyone would like to learn more about how to help support the community, they can call the Lexington Community Foundation at 308-324-6704.

Assistance in Area Flyer PDF

Assistance in Area Flyer Spanish PDF

Contact:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Shares Thanksgiving Message

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen shared his Thanksgiving message with all Nebraskans.  

“Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our many blessings and to gather with those who are nearest and dearest to our hearts. We take this occasion to pause and appreciate all that we have – our loved ones, the food on our tables, and the opportunities we are given to serve one another.  

Suzanne and I wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. Our thoughts and prayers are with all Nebraskans, including those who are called to serve in our military and can’t be home right now.

May we all take a moment to slow down, give thanks, and cherish the true meaning of this season. God bless and enjoy the holiday.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen & First Lady Suzanne to Light Capitol Tree on December 6

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen and First Lady Suzanne will host the 77th annual lighting of the State Christmas Tree in the Capitol Rotunda on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 6:00 p.m. Attendees to this year’s event will be required to present a ticket for entry. 

Hosted by award-winning broadcaster Charlie Brogan, the program will include music by the Sharpshooters Woodwind group from the Nebraska National Guard 43rd Army Band and a variety of choral and musical performances. Gov. Pillen will deliver a holiday message prior to the lighting.

This year’s Christmas tree is a spruce donated by Pat and Ana Lostaglia of Ashland. It is scheduled to arrive at the State Capitol early next week. Workers will then adorn the tree with lights and decorations in preparation for the event on Dec. 6. 

This year, the tree lighting ceremony will be a ticketed event. Tickets will be issued through the offices of each of the 49 state senators. Anyone wishing to attend should reach out to the senator representing their district for information.

Throughout the holiday season, visitors are welcome to the State Capitol. Free guided tours are offered hourly Monday – Friday at the following times: 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 1:00 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00.  On Saturdays, tours begin at 10 a.m. and on Sundays at 1:00 p.m. The State Capitol will be closed on Christmas Day (Dec. 25) and again on New Year’s Day (Jan. 1).

Please call the Tour Office at (402) 471-0448 for more information about visiting the Capitol.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Comments on Tyson Foods Plant Announcement

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement after Tyson Foods announced it is planning to wind down operations at its Lexington plant.

“Nebraska’s cattle industry is resilient and the envy of the world. And our workforce can outwork anybody. Big picture – our excellent cattlemen and cattle feeders have emerging opportunities and will still have the Tyson market to sell into as its planned re-organization will boost capacity and jobs at other Nebraska plants. Tyson leadership has also promised to continue to work on future value-added opportunities here in the state. The state of Nebraska is ready to build for the future and do what it can do to support employees affected by this change.”