Latest News from the Governor's Office
- Gov. Pillen Statement on D-Day June 6, 2025 jim Fri, 06/06/2025 - 12:29
CONTACT:
Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495
Gov. Pillen Statement on D-Day
LINCOLN, NE — Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement commemorating D-Day, June 6, 1944, which paved the way for American and Allied victory during WWII.
“We live in the greatest country on earth — and we can only say that because of the sacrifice and determination of America’s military. Nebraskans owe a debt of gratitude to all of our WWII veterans. As we commemorate D-Day, we are reminded of the bravery and courage of those who ran toward the fight at Normandy Beach. We can’t thank our veterans enough for their defense of freedom and of our way of life.
This year Gov. Pillen, in partnership with the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs, established the World War II Veterans’ Recognition Program to honor Nebraska’s still-living WWII veterans and to celebrate 80 years of American victory.
To learn more about the program or to nominate a WWII veteran, please visit:
https://veterans.nebraska.gov/world-war-ii-veteran-recognition-program
- Governor Pillen Signs the Stand With Women Act June 4, 2025 jim Wed, 06/04/2025 - 20:59
CONTACT:
Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495
Governor Pillen Signs the Stand With Women Act
LINCOLN, NE – Surrounded by state senators, supporters and female athletes, Governor Jim Pillen signed LB89 into law. The Stand With Women Act, introduced on his behalf by Sen. Kathleen Kauth, requires that students in K-12 and postsecondary school participate on sports teams that correspond to their biological sex, as defined in law. Gov. Pillen and Sen. Kauth were joined in today’s bill signing event by Husker athletes Jordy Bahl and Rebekah Allick, who attended the bill’s introduction back in January, as well as nationally known advocate-athletes Riley Gaines and Payton McNabb.
“We cannot ignore that girls and women have the right to a level playing field when it comes to sports,” said Gov. Pillen. “Otherwise, we are denying them opportunities to compete and win, earn scholarships and develop their own athletic abilities. LB89 ensures they are protected. It codifies my executive order of August 2023 – establishing a Women’s Bill of Rights -- and it also aligns with President Trump’s executive order issued in February.”
Sen. Kauth expressed gratitude for the support the bill received from Nebraskans, fellow senators, and advocates from across the political spectrum.
“I am pleased we were able to get the athletic portion of the bill passed and thank all the senators, individuals and groups who helped get us here. The work is not done. I will continue to work hard with my fellow senators to protect women in their locker rooms and bathrooms in the upcoming session.”
Standout University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines, who is now host of Outkick's Gaines for Girls podcast, talked about meeting Gov. Pillen two years ago and discussing the need for legislation then.
“At the time only three states had codified such language. Days later, Governor Pillen signed sex-based definitions into law through executive action," said Gaines. "Two years later, and after countless hours spent advocating for the importance of defining ‘woman’ and protecting women's sports and spaces, Sen. Kauth and her colleagues have achieved a remarkable victory for Nebraskans. Today, the Women's Bill of Rights has evolved into an even more powerful legislative package and the Stand with Women Act of 2025 is being signed into law. I am so proud to have been a part of this multi-year fight for women's rights and be here in Lincoln to watch Nebraska become the 28th state to protect women's sports."
Payton McNabb, who has also been outspoken on the issue of protecting women’s sports, shared her story of being injured during a volleyball match in high school. She is now a sports ambassador for the Independent Women’s Forum, which testified in support of LB89.
“Thank you, Governor Pillen and Sen. Kauth for prioritizing women and girls. By signing the Stand with Women Act into law today, Nebraska is codifying Governor Pillen's early action to reclaim language and protect women's sports,” said McNabb. “I am so proud to be here today and witness this historic moment. Thank you, Nebraska, for standing with women.”
Calling the signing of LB89 as an “incredible accomplishment,” Husker softball pitcher Jordy Bahl indicated that advocating for this issue was, for her, bigger than playing softball, and echoed Sen. Kauth’s message that more was needed to provide appropriate protections to girls and women in sports.
“In standing up for this, it was never out of my own personal interests. I have one year left of playing. I was always thinking about the younger athletes -- the athletes who haven’t even started their careers yet. So, that’s where this is at in my heart.”
Husker volleyball player Rebekah Allick added, “I’m just really grateful to be surrounded by independent and individual thinkers. Again, this is not a political matter. This is common sense. We are trying to defend reality.”
In addition to signing LB89 into law, Gov. Pillen signed ceremonial copies of the legislation presented to each of the speakers at today’s news conference.
- Governor Pillen Signs the Stand With Women Act June 4, 2025 jim Wed, 06/04/2025 - 21:10
CONTACT:
Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495
Governor Pillen Signs the Stand With Women Act
LINCOLN, NE – Surrounded by state senators, supporters and female athletes, Governor Jim Pillen signed LB89 into law. The Stand With Women Act, introduced on his behalf by Sen. Kathleen Kauth, requires that students in K-12 and postsecondary school participate on sports teams that correspond to their biological sex, as defined in law. Gov. Pillen and Sen. Kauth were joined in today’s bill signing event by Husker athletes Jordy Bahl and Rebekah Allick, who attended the bill’s introduction back in January, as well as nationally known advocate-athletes Riley Gaines and Payton McNabb.
“We cannot ignore that girls and women have the right to a level playing field when it comes to sports,” said Gov. Pillen. “Otherwise, we are denying them opportunities to compete and win, earn scholarships and develop their own athletic abilities. LB89 ensures they are protected. It codifies my executive order of August 2023 – establishing a Women’s Bill of Rights -- and it also aligns with President Trump’s executive order issued in February.”
Sen. Kauth expressed gratitude for the support the bill received from Nebraskans, fellow senators, and advocates from across the political spectrum.
“I am pleased we were able to get the athletic portion of the bill passed and thank all the senators, individuals and groups who helped get us here. The work is not done. I will continue to work hard with my fellow senators to protect women in their locker rooms and bathrooms in the upcoming session.”
Standout University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines, who is now host of Outkick's Gaines for Girls podcast, talked about meeting Gov. Pillen two years ago and discussing the need for legislation then.
“At the time only three states had codified such language. Days later, Governor Pillen signed sex-based definitions into law through executive action," said Gaines. "Two years later, and after countless hours spent advocating for the importance of defining ‘woman’ and protecting women's sports and spaces, Sen. Kauth and her colleagues have achieved a remarkable victory for Nebraskans. Today, the Women's Bill of Rights has evolved into an even more powerful legislative package and the Stand with Women Act of 2025 is being signed into law. I am so proud to have been a part of this multi-year fight for women's rights and be here in Lincoln to watch Nebraska become the 28th state to protect women's sports."
Payton McNabb, who has also been outspoken on the issue of protecting women’s sports, shared her story of being injured during a volleyball match in high school. She is now a sports ambassador for the Independent Women’s Forum, which testified in support of LB89.
“Thank you, Governor Pillen and Sen. Kauth for prioritizing women and girls. By signing the Stand with Women Act into law today, Nebraska is codifying Governor Pillen's early action to reclaim language and protect women's sports,” said McNabb. “I am so proud to be here today and witness this historic moment. Thank you, Nebraska, for standing with women.”
Calling the signing of LB89 as an “incredible accomplishment,” Husker softball pitcher Jordy Bahl indicated that advocating for this issue was, for her, bigger than playing softball, and echoed Sen. Kauth’s message that more was needed to provide appropriate protections to girls and women in sports.
“In standing up for this, it was never out of my own personal interests. I have one year left of playing. I was always thinking about the younger athletes -- the athletes who haven’t even started their careers yet. So, that’s where this is at in my heart.”
Husker volleyball player Rebekah Allick added, “I’m just really grateful to be surrounded by independent and individual thinkers. Again, this is not a political matter. This is common sense. We are trying to defend reality.”
In addition to signing LB89 into law, Gov. Pillen signed ceremonial copies of the legislation presented to each of the speakers at today’s news conference.
- Two Nominees Forwarded for County Court Judge in the 11th Judicial District June 3, 2025 jim Tue, 06/03/2025 - 12:06
CONTACT:
Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495
Two Nominees Forwarded for County Court Judge in the 11th Judicial District
LINCOLN, NE – Today, the Judicial Nominating Commission for the County Court Judge in the 11th Judicial District provided the following two names for consideration by Governor Jim Pillen: Audrey A. Kingston and Kortnei N. Smith, both of North Platte.
The 11th Judicial District consists of Arthur, Chase, Dawson, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Gosper, Hayes, Hitchcock, Hooker, Keith, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Perkins, Red Willow, and Thomas counties. The vacancy is due to the retirement of Judge Edward D. Steenburg.
- Gov. Pillen Address to Lawmakers: Positive, Lasting Impact Serves Nebraskans Well June 2, 2025 jim Mon, 06/02/2025 - 19:49 CONTACT: Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495 Gov. Pillen Address to Lawmakers: Positive, Lasting Impact Serves Nebraskans Well LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen shared with members of the 109th Nebraska Legislature the headline he felt best summarized this session: Positive, lasting impact serves Nebraskans well. During his sine die, or end-of-session address, the Governor hit on multiple areas of achievement, including passage of the overwhelming majority of his own priority bills. On two occasions during his speech, Gov. Pillen gave recognition to special guests in attendance. Members of the Nebraska State Patrol, friends of Trooper Kyle McAcy, were applauded for their service to the state. They were on scene the day Trooper McAcy died while assisting motorists in a snowstorm. The second recognition was of WWII veteran Wayne Davy of Columbus. The former Marine was there to represent the many veterans who have been honored with special medallions as part of a program involving the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs (NDVA). Gov. Pillen has worked with the agency to present the medals to veterans, signifying the 80th anniversary since the end of the war. Below are some of the legislative highlights from the 2025 session including those that align with his four priority areas – kids, taxes, agriculture and values: Passage of one of the most historically conservative and fiscally responsible state budgets, accomplished by cutting wasteful spending and putting idle pillowcase money to work while also maintaining investments in education, property tax relief, and the safety of the state. Gov. Pillen signed the following bills into law that protect our kids from online distractions and harm and to give parents more control over kids’ use of social media.
- LB140 – Requires public school boards to adopt policies for restricting cell phone use bell to bell
- LB383 – Creates the Parental Rights in Social Media Act, requiring parental consent for creation of social media accounts for minors and establishes criminal penalties for AI-generated child pornography
- LB504 – As part of the Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act, online services are required to protect user data, implement design features that reduce harm resulting from compulsive use and it gives parents access to their child’s privacy and account settings
- LB303 – Creates the 18-member School Finance Review Commission, which will evaluate the current TEEOSA formula governing Nebraska school funding
- LB261 – Increases property tax relief by $105 million in 2026 and $170 million in 2027
- LB246 – Bans lab-grown meat from being manufactured, distributed, or sold in Nebraska
- LB317 – Merges the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources with the Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy to create the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment
- LB650 – Eliminates or adjusts sales tax exemptions and provides and changes sunset dates for a variety of tax incentives
- LB526 – Preserves needed electrical service to homes, businesses and other Nebraska customers by establishing requirements for cryptocurrency mining operations
- LB89 – The Stand With Women Act protects girls and women by prohibiting biological males from joining female sports teams
- LB645 – Puts an additional $1,000 in teachers’ pockets annually, stabilizes contribution rates to the School Employees Retirement System and increases survivor benefits through the Nebraska State Patrol Retirement System
- LB346 – “Cleans out the closets” by ending or reassigning the duties of over 40 different boards, commission, committees or councils
- LB 644 – Creates the Foreign Adversary & Terrorist Agent Registration Act and the Crush Transnational Repression in Nebraska Act to establish registration and reporting requirements for certain foreign entities