Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Issues Statement Upon Departure of Hantavirus-Exposed Guests from UNMC

LINCOLN, NE -- Governor Jim Pillen issued the statement below following the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s (UNMC) announcement that, in coordination with the CDC and home state governments, some of the hantavirus-exposed guests who have been quarantined at the National Quarantine Unit (NQU) in Omaha will return home:

“This is a positive development and the product of the ongoing partnership between the state of Nebraska, UNMC, and our federal health partners. While it is encouraging that many of our guests are remaining at the NQU for the last few weeks of their hantavirus quarantine, those who have elected to go home are doing so with a lower risk profile and in close coordination with health authorities in their destination states.

As I have made clear from the beginning of this event, no guest who poses a public health risk will leave the NQU onto the streets of Omaha in an unsecured way or at an inappropriate time. These thoughtful and well-coordinated departures meet that standard.

I’m grateful to our counterparts in other state governments, our federal health partners in the Trump Administration, and the world-class professionals at UNMC for all their hard work.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Signs Executive Order Tackling Antisemitism in State’s Public Education System

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced a landmark executive order to further eradicate antisemitism. This order builds on prior actions by the Governor by requiring reporting, prevention and educational requirements throughout the state’s education system.  At today’s signing event, Gov. Pillen stood with Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, state senators and faith leaders supporting the new measures.

“Since the horrific attacks on Israel, we have seen an unacceptable surge in antisemitism across our nation, particularly on our high school and college campuses,” said Gov. Pillen. “In Nebraska, we do not tolerate hate, and our position has never waivered.”

Previous actions by the Governor have included an order to all state code agencies requiring utilization of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism when investigating complaints of harassment and discrimination. He also joined more than two dozen other governors in urging the passage of the Antisemitism Awareness Act in the U.S. Senate.

The current executive order will require that the state’s public education system and institutions of higher learning also adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism and mandates completion of an annual report to the Governor by Sept. 1 outlining all antisemitic incidents, findings, and investigation outcomes from the previous academic year. Additionally, the Department of Education is directed to provide both public and nonpublic schools with statewide professional development resources and supplemental curricula aligned with state standards covering the Holocaust, the State of Israel, and pre- and post- revolution Jewish American history.

“Hatred thrives where history is forgotten,” noted Gov. Pillen. “Our schools must be sanctuaries of learning, safety and mutual respect.”

Adam Beren, founder of the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), has worked collaboratively with the state in developing meaningful policy changes to protect students and communities, including through legislation like LB538, which was introduced in the last legislative session. While that bill did not advance, the Governor’s order now enforces many of the initiatives that were included within.

“The cesspool that we know about that goes on social media – our young people are just getting influenced by these messages that we can’t believe they are taking in,” said Beren. “It’s happening on antisemitism and other issues. In our schools it’s happening. Our kids are being taught things we wouldn’t want them to learn.”

Speaking on behalf of Nebraska’s Jewish community, CEO Bob Goldberg of the Jewish Federation of Omaha also highlighted the steep rise in antisemitic attacks, which have given way to an increased need for security.  

“That is why this executive order matters. It moves us from reaction to prevention – through education, awareness, and accountability. By establishing statewide reporting and educational requirements, Nebraska is taking a proactive stand to ensure antisemitism is recognized early and addressed before it escalates.”  

Other attendees included retired Archbishop George Lucas of Omaha, Tom Venzor, executive director of the Nebraska Catholic Conference, and Nate Grasz, executive director of the Nebraska Family Alliance. Collectively, these leaders have been strong advocates for religious freedom, human dignity, and moral foundations for families throughout Nebraska.

“When antisemitism rises, when any faith community is targeted, the freedom and dignity of all people are threatened,” said Grasz. “We stand together today to say clearly, that there is no place for religious hatred in Nebraska. There is no substitute for the enduring promise of religious liberty for all.”

The Governor’s executive order is available here: Executive Order No. 26-14: Establishing Statewide Reporting, Prevention, and Educational Requirements Regarding Antisemitism in Nebraska’s Public Education System

Gov. Pillen

Bob Goldberg, Jewish Federation of Omaha

Nate Grasz, Nebraska Family Alliance

Gov. Pillen and Sec. of State Evnen sign executive order

Governor Pillen, state senators, faith leaders

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495 

Gov. Pillen Appoints OPD Executive Deputy Chief Gray to Lead Nebraska Crime Commission

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Scott Gray as executive director of the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice (i.e. Crime Commission). Gray, a decorated 30-year veteran of the Omaha Police Department, will assume his role with the agency on Aug. 3. He succeeds Bryan Tuma, who announced his retirement from the Crime Commission in April.

Since 2021, Gray has served as OPD’s executive deputy chief and commands the Uniform Patrol Bureau. In that role, he leads nearly 550 sworn officers and civilian staff and manages a significant portion of OPD’s overall budget. In addition to officer response strategy and tactical oversight, Gray also has experience with policy research and development, compliance measures, leadership development and community outreach. He is the designated acting chief in the absence of the chief of police.

“Deputy Chief Gray brings significant law enforcement experience to the Crime Commission,” said Gov. Pillen. “He’s a dedicated public servant who understands first-hand the impact of the Commission’s functions and programs and will ensure they continue to be administered for the benefit of Nebraska’s citizens.”

Gray was awarded OPD’s Distinguished Service Medal this year and has previously been awarded the department’s Medal of Valor and the Police Lifesaving Medal for his involvement in two separate active shooter incidents.

Gray has a master’s degree in management and organizational leadership from the American Military University. His bachelor’s degree is in criminal justice.

This appointment is subject to approval by the Nebraska Legislature.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Observance of Memorial Day

LINOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has ordered that all U.S. and Nebraska flags be flown at half-staff tomorrow, Monday, May 25, in recognition of Memorial Day. Nebraskans are encouraged to join in a moment of prayer at 11 a.m., and to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance by observing a minute of silence at 3:00 p.m.

This week, Gov. Pillen issued a issued a special proclamation for Memorial Day that reads in part: “In this year of the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation with the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, we remember all those who died while in the service to their state and nation from that day forward, and in particular those who have given their last full measure upon battlefields in defense of our country.”

Flags are to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to noon.  

A copy of the Governor’s proclamation is below.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Hosts HUD Secretary Turner; Highlights Opportunity in Nebraska

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen hosted United States Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner in Nebraska to highlight ongoing efforts to make homes more affordable, boost development of workforce housing, and to create major community and economic revival in rural and urban communities across the state through the Opportunity Zones Initiative. 

 “Nebraska’s great potential and great collaboration – local, state, federal – was on full display during Secretary Turner’s visit,” said Gov. Pillen. “I’m really proud of our state, and I can’t thank the Secretary enough for visiting and taking the time to hear directly from the people of Nebraska. I believe if we keep working together, get the heavy hand of government out of the way, and create a framework of policies that allows Nebraskans to succeed, the potential of our state is endless.”

“Nebraska leaders are answering President Trump’s call to lower the cost of homeownership and drive meaningful community revitalization across the nation, and we are glad to partner with them in that effort,” said HUD Secretary Scott Turner. The visits to Omaha and Fremont with Governor Pillen offered a firsthand look at the progress being made in Nebraska. I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from state leaders and housing industry professionals about the challenges families face and how this Administration’s policies are making a difference for Nebraskans. HUD is committed to working alongside our state and local partners here to increase affordable housing options, encourage investment in underserved areas, and assist more Americans in reaching homeownership.”

Thursday’s visit began in downtown Omaha at Creighton University where Gov. Pillen and Sec. Turner hosted a Mortgage Affordability Roundtable with business leaders, community stakeholders, and policymakers to highlight efforts to make homes more affordable, cut bureaucratic red tape, and revitalize underdeveloped communities across our state and country. 

“I agree 100% with Secretary Turner: We have to put the American Dream of owning a home within reach for the next generation. HUD, under the Secretary’s leadership as part of President Trump’s Administration, is doing some amazing things to make housing more affordable, increase supply, and get government overregulation out of the way,” said Gov. Pillen.

Following the roundtable, Gov. Pillen and Sec. Turner were joined by Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. for a tour of the dynamic Highlander Accelerator neighborhood. The tour included stops at the Charles Drew Health Center, the Micro Market, the Community Greenhouse, and a tour of a housing unit in the area before conducting a joint press conference. 

 The final stop of the tour was in Fremont, where Gov. Pillen and Sec. Turner hosted an Opportunity Zones and Workforce Housing Listening Session with local leaders, business representatives, and workforce housing experts from Nebraska. 

“The root of HUD’s mission is to lift Americans into prosperity and opportunity,” said Gov. Pillen. “Through the Opportunity Zones initiative – which we highlighted in North Omaha and Fremont – the state of Nebraska is working with federal, public, and private partners to create investment in our communities, both rural and urban. It’s a mission we can all get behind.”

Mortgage Affordability Roundtable/Creighton University

Highlander Accelerator Tour

Opportunity Zones and Workforce Housing Listening Session

Opportunity Zones and Workforce Housing Listening Session