Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Governor Pillen Signs Executive Order Restricting Taxpayer Dollars

to Abortion Providers

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order placing restrictions on abortion providers from receiving taxpayer dollars. The order directs the Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to review those providers receiving Medicaid funds and determine if those providers have been excluded, disenrolled, or sanctioned by a Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program of any state. Those determined to be in violation will be sanctioned or disenrolled.

“Nebraskans have made clear they support a culture of love and life in our state – one that provides protections for the unborn,” said Gov. Pillen. “Throughout my administration, I have advocated for laws that support those values. I’m proud that we can take this bold step in halting funding to abortion providers that receive Medicaid funding.” 

While federal and Nebraska laws have prohibited taxpayer funds from being used specifically for abortion, abortion providers have, prior to this executive order, been able to receive taxpayer funds for other services like family planning. Typically, those services make up a small percentage of what providers offer, whereas the primary service consists of performing abortions.  

“This has been an issue that's been in the background for a long time for a lot of people. In fact, the desire of Nebraska taxpayers to not have their funds be used for abortions has been in state statutes for some time,” noted Attorney General Mike Hilgers.

He explained that two things happened recently, clearing the way for Gov. Pillen’s executive order. The first was passage of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, prohibiting the use of federal tax dollars to pay certain entities that provide abortions. 

The second was a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of South Carolina’s actions in terminating abortion providers and their affiliates from that state’s Medicaid program. South Carolina’s actions triggered Nebraska regulations that allow DHHS to terminate the enrollment of providers and their affiliates that have been terminated or excluded from another state’s program. 

“Nebraskans care about the lives of the unborn. And through laws passed by their state and federal representatives, Nebraskans have made clear that they want their hard-earned taxpayer dollars going to good healthcare, not subsidizing abortions,” added AG Hilgers. “I am thankful for the opportunity to work with the Governor to ensure taxpayer dollars go to those who help Nebraskans and not those who do harm.” 

Medicaid payments to abortion providers for non-abortion services in Nebraska totaled $172,164.11 in FY 2024 and $341,972.18 in FY 2025.

Gov. Pillen joined DHHS CEO Steve Corsi in explaining that while the executive order may result in the disenrollment of some clinics from Medicaid, there are other clinics and resources available across the state. 

“I want to stress Nebraska has ample resources for women who need health care services. There are 12 clinics across Omaha and four in the city of Lincoln,” said Gov. Pillen.

Medicaid-approved providers can be found on DHHS’ website: https://mltcfindprovider-dhhs.nebraska.gov/. 

The Governor’s executive order is attached to this email.

CONTACT:    

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495   

Gov. Pillen Accepting Applications for Douglas County Election Commissioner

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is accepting applications to fill the position of Douglas County Election Commissioner. The vacancy is due to the resignation of Brian Kruse, who is leaving the role for an opportunity in the private sector.

Gov. Pillen thanked Kruse for his decade of service to the citizens of Douglas County.

“Brian has always maintained high standards for his office and ensuring the integrity of local, general and special elections. I appreciate his years of public service and the level of excellence that he brought to such a critical role.”

In his resignation letter, Kruse extended his appreciation to Gov. Pillen adding, “It has been an honor and a privilege for the last decade to serve the voters of Douglas County in administering fair, accurate and impartial elections.”

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 November 26.

CONTACT:    

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495   

Gov. Pillen Appoints Joey Spellerberg as State Treasurer, Thanks Tom Briese for Service

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Joey Spellerberg to the position of state treasurer. Spellerberg fills a vacancy due to the departure of Tom Briese, who is resigning to spend more time with his family.

“In terms of having someone ready to jump into the role of state treasurer, I could not be more pleased in announcing my appointment of Joey Spellerberg,” said Gov. Pillen. “He expressed interest in the role two years ago. He has strong credentials as a fiscal conservative, business owner and leader for the community of Fremont.”

Spellerberg has been mayor of Fremont since 2020. He was re-elected to his second term last year. Spellerberg’s administration has focused on fiscal responsibility, public safety, attracting new business and economic development. Spellerberg has led efforts to reduce the city’s property tax levy and has helped to establish the Fremont Inland Port Authority.

Spellerberg is also president of his family’s tour and travel business, Moostash Joe Tours, which has grown from a small home-based business to a regional leader in tour operations. He is vice president of the League of Nebraska Municipalities, chairman of the League Association of Risk Management and co-chair of the Metro Community College region for Gov. Pillen’s 6 Regions, One Nebraska initiative.

At today’s announcement, Spellerberg admitted the call to leadership came unexpectedly, but that he was ready to go to work.

“As treasurer, my mission will be to represent the people of Nebraska to the highest standard. I will work tirelessly to be the best steward of the resources and duties that have been entrusted to this office, and I’ll give my all for the betterment of our people and the advancement of our state.”

Spellerberg said that he would be working with Treasurer Briese in the coming days to ensure a smooth transition within the office.

Gov. Pillen also thanked Treasurer Briese for his years of public service.

“Tom has been an extraordinary and staunch leader of conservative fiscal policy. He has helped me immensely since I’ve been governor. He’s a big believer in state funding for K-12 education and identifying efficiencies in state government.”

“It really has been an honor and a privilege to serve Nebraskans for the past nine years – seven years as state senator and the last couple years as your state treasurer,” said Treasurer Briese. “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve in those positions and I’m extremely grateful to the Governor for entrusting me with leadership of the treasurer’s office.”  

A native of Fremont, Spellerberg returned home after earning a degree in marketing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He and his wife Ashley have four children – Sarah, Hannah, Ava and Joseph.

CONTACT:    

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495   

Gov. Pillen Wraps Up Successful Trade and Solidarity Mission to Israel

LINCOLN, NE – On Thursday, Governor Jim Pillen concluded a four-day trade and solidarity mission to Israel. The state’s delegation promoted Nebraska’s unique beef exports to Israel, advocated for Nebraska-built defense technologies, initiated strategic partnerships between Nebraska and Israeli institutions and engaged with a number of companies already doing business in Nebraska. The delegation also saw firsthand how America’s alliance with Israel was critical in the latter’s defensive fights against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran since the barbaric attacks of October 7, 2023.

During the mission, Gov. Pillen had fruitful conversations with senior members of the Israeli government, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. The Governor’s team also met with Mike Huckabee, U.S. Ambassador to Israel. In all of these discussions, the Governor reaffirmed Nebraska’s resolute support of Israel, solidarity with the Jewish people and his desire to build on the already impressive business relationships between Nebraska and Israel.

Boosting Nebraska’s Beef Exports

The Governor had multiple opportunities to champion the state’s high-quality beef while in Israel. Nebraska supplies more than 99% of U.S. beef exports to Israel that Israel imports. Fischel Ziegelheim, owner of WR Reserve Protein Group in Hastings, was a core member of the state’s trade delegation. WR Reserve is a leading processor of Angus beef, and its plant in Hastings is one of the only U.S. facilities authorized to export kosher beef to Israel. 

The company played a key role in reopening the Israeli market to U.S. beef in 2016, making the first shipment to Israel after the country lifted a longstanding import ban on American beef. WR Reserve operates under strict USDA and Israeli veterinary supervision, with on-site rabbinical teams ensuring full compliance with kosher standards. The business is currently expanding in Hastings, supported by a $1 million Community Development Block Grant award administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

“When we met with Ambassador Mike Huckabee, he was impressed about Nebraska being the number one cattle producer in the United States,” said Gov. Pillen. “We’re excited that the WR Reserve plant is doubling in size and getting commitments from producers to meet kosher standards. It’s been great to have the Ziegelheims with us for the whole trip to make sure more Nebraska beef comes to Israel.”

Bearing Witness to the U.S.-Nebraska-Israel Partnership for Missile Defense and Israel’s Fight Against Terror

On Wednesday, Nebraska’s delegation toured Palmachim Air Force Base in central Israel. The base is home to the Israeli Air Force’s Air Defense Division, which is responsible for protecting the country from missile attacks. Its duties include operating the Arrow system, designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles, and the David’s Sling and Iron Dome systems, designed to intercept and destroy shorter-range missiles and rockets. Nebraska companies make an important contribution to Israel’s defense capabilities. In June 2025, Iran launched approximately 550 ballistic missiles at Israel, of which nearly 90% were successfully intercepted thanks to the Arrow system’s countermeasures.

“There’s no doubt about it, the people of Nebraska play a critical role in saving lives,” said Governor Pillen. “Our own national security benefits enormously from this relationship, and it was impressive to witness it firsthand.”

While in Israel, Governor Pillen and his delegation also toured Kfar Aza, one of the kibbutz villages in the Gaza Envelope which were viciously attacked by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023. The barbarism in this kibbutz alone resulted in the murders of over 200 innocent Israeli civilian deaths, including five family members of the young IDF soldier who shared her time showing the Governor the damage wrought on her community. The Governor also visited the Nova Music Festival massacre site, where he heard from a survivor of the attacks. 

During his tour of the Gaza Envelope, the Israeli government briefed the Governor on the extent and scope of the October 7th attacks and ensuing two-year war, including the critical role that the Trump Administration and American leadership played in achieving a ceasefire and bringing the living hostages home.

Also, while in Israel, the Governor paid tribute to the victims of the Holocaust at the Yad Vashem Memorial by renewing the eternal flame that burns in their honor and laying a wreath at the ceremonial grave of the victims.

Opportunity for Nebraska’s Expertise to Develop Israeli Infrastructure

John Henderson, Vice Chairman and CEO of HDR, participated in the state trade mission. Headquartered in Omaha, HDR has operated an office in Tel Aviv for more than a decade. Speaking to Nebraska’s media corps from Jerusalem on Tuesday, Henderson remarked on the contributions HDR is making and can make to Israel’s defense, infrastructure, and transportation systems.

“There has been a tremendous amount of stress on the infrastructure in the whole of Israel. You can see that just walking around,” said Henderson. “There’s a great opportunity for us to do what we do best as engineers and architects and problem solvers, which is to help build communities. HDR is uniquely equipped to meet those challenges.”

“When we when we grow our book of work here in Israel, it directly benefits our team in Omaha,” he added.

Generosity of Nebraska’s Jewish Community Meeting Critical Needs in Western Galilee Partnership Region

Bob Goldberg, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Omaha (JFO), shared how deeply meaningful it was to strengthen bonds with JFO’s sister city Nahariya in the Western Galilee while on the state’s mission to Israel. He was able to connect directly with humanitarian groups that JFO is supporting to assist isolated seniors, alleviate food insecurity, and provide medical care.

“Through the philanthropy and support of our Jewish community members in Omaha and our fellow Nebraskans, we have helped raise money to support many causes, particularly in the last two years since the October 7th tragedy,” Goldberg said. “Our dollars have helped to provide laptops to young students displaced from their homes for months and months on end, allowing them to continue learning with their teachers and fellow students. Our dollars have helped Galilee Medical Center—the largest medical center in the north of Israel—care for residents’ regular medical needs, as well as the medical needs of soldiers injured in battle. Our dollars also go toward programs directed to support those suffering from trauma and stress.”

As Nebraska’s cultural ties to Israel have intensified in recent years, the state’s trade with Israel has also increased. From 2010 to 2019, the value of Nebraska’s exports to Israel averaged $31 million per year. Since 2020, the state’s annual exports to Israel have averaged $51 million, reaching $54 million in 2024.

“The existing trade relationship between Nebraska and Israel is tremendous, but it was also enormously impactful to bear witness to the alliance between our two countries and the gratitude the people of Israel have for America’s support for their frontline fight against violent Islamist extremism,” said Gov. Pillen. “America and Israel are in the same fight, and I was honored to see the fruits of our friendship.”

Governor Pillen with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Governor Pillen visits the site of the Nova Festival Massacre

Governor Pillen meeting President of Israel Isaac Herzog

Visit to Yad Vashem

Laying a wreath at Yad Vashem

One of 200 distribution trucks that advertise Nebraska beef

Business roundtable with Israeli tech companies

Business roundtable with Israeli tech companies

Visit to Kfar Aza

Governor Pillen with Ambassador Mike Huckabee and USDA Under Secretary Luke Lindberg

Visit to Kfar Aza with attack survivor

Visit to the partnership region in the Western Galilee

CONTACT:    

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495   

Gov. Pillen Highlights Spending Cuts, Forecasting Board Update

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement at the conclusion of today’s Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board meeting, which reduced the revenue forecast by $120 million in FY 25-26 and $247 million in FY 26-27.

“Since day one, my administration has been focused on running government like a business and bringing fiscally conservative values to Nebraska state government. The forecasting board’s projections underpin the critical work of cutting government spending and identifying efficiencies while we improve services. Earlier this year, I announced our effort to deliver $500 million a year in cuts that will directly benefit hardworking Nebraskans. It’s a big number, but it's necessary as we work to fix the broken property tax system, end special interest carve outs and exemptions, and balance our budget.” 

Governor Pillen’s full executive budget recommendation will be released mid-January along with his annual State of the State address.