Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Governor Pillen Announces Appointments to Boards and Commissions

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced appointments made to boards and commissions from July 1, 2025 through November 30, 2025.

A list of current board and commission openings can be found on the Governor’s website (https://governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req), along with instructions on completing an application.

Advisory Committee on Developmental Disabilities

David Browne, Lincoln

Dianne DeLair, Lincoln

Philip Gray, Omaha

Jennifer Hansen, Elkhorn

Michael Hunter, Omaha

Cristal Petersen, Lincoln

Paige Rivard, Bennington

Advisory Council to the Office of Violence Prevention

Royal Kottwitz, Aurora

Marcus Taylor, Bellevue

Board of Educational Lands and Funds

Jon Abegglen, Kearney

Board of Health

Mark Bertch, Omaha

Jaime Dodge, Lincoln

Patricia Kucera, Omaha

Ryan Palmer, Blair

David Reese, Lincoln

Jeremiah Retchwisch, Elkhorn

Jacob Sikes, Riverdale

Dan Vehle, Omaha

Collection Agency Licensing Board

Tessa Stevens, Aurora

Jason Thompson, Valley

Commission on African American Affairs

Eboni Caridine, Lincoln

Lawrence Chatters, Omaha

Tremaine Combs, Lincoln

Anthony McLeod, Omaha

Dexter Myers, Lincoln

Jason Roberts, Omaha

Veronica Sargbah, Omaha

Fatou Sogoyou-Bekeyi, Omaha

Michael Young, Omaha

Commission on Judicial Qualifications

Tamara Allen, Phillips

Douglas Dolezal, Lincoln

Bonna Wanek, Grand Island

Commission on Law Enforcement

Michael Jones, Papillion

David Nelson, Gretna

Commission on Military and Veterans Affairs

Dave Bloomfield, Hoskins

Commission on Public Advocacy

Julie Bear, Plattsmouth

Jonathan Braaten, Omaha

Michael Ziskey, Omaha

Commission on Uniform State Laws

Bob Hallstrom, Lincoln

Council on Developmental Disabilities

Amanda Anderson, Lincoln

Jamar Dorsey, Omaha

Edward Kraska, Omaha

Beth Libra, Hoskins

Jacob McIver, Sidney

Hannah Mercer, Kearney

Angie Ohlrich, Elkhorn

Sasha Reeks, Lincoln

Mark Shriver, Omaha

Joshua Whitfield, Lincoln

Sadie Worthing, Lexington

County Attorney Standards Advisory Council

Nathan Avery, Kearney

Craft Brewery Board

Joshua Christenen, Fort Calhoun

Frederic Meyer, St Paul

Crime Victim’s Reparation Board

Kathleeln Bauer, Ogallala

Kendra Bryant, Lincoln

G Randall Hansen, Omaha

Christon MacTaggart, Papillion

Dry Bean Commission

Karl Meeske, Champion

Dry Pea & Lentil Commission

Stetson Shreve, Alliance

Early Childhood Education Endowment Board of Trustees

Lameakia Collier, Lincoln

Early Childhood Education Endowment Board of Trustees

Lindsey Stevens, Elkhkorn

Early Childhood Interagency Coordinating Committee

Gina Bittner, Dawson

LaRae Flood, Kearney

Nikole Gemar, Sutton

Themis Gomes, Omaha

Christine Kilgore, Rising City

Tammy Kresser, Kearney

Stacie Lada, Tecumseh

Kristi Layman, Lincoln

Erica Peterson, Lincoln

Michele  Rayburn, Geneva

Schuyler Rotert, Omaha

Heather Schmidt, Lincoln

Tara Schroeder, Palmyra

Lindsey Stevens, Elkhorn

Shannon Vanderford, Lincoln

Ethanol Board

Jaimie Bearup, Lincoln

Scott McPheeters, Gothenburg

Taylor Nelson, South Sioux City

Game and Parks Commission

Scott Cassels, Omaha

Infrastructure Review Task Force

Chris Hawkins, Omaha

Nebraska Arts Council

Brenda Davis, Beatrice

Crystal Dunning, Lincoln

Shari Hofschire, Omaha

Timothy Jeffrey, Omaha

Lori Williams, Norfolk

Nebraska Brand Committee

Susan Connell, Hyannis

Nebraska Children’s Commission

Angel Geller, Lincoln

Nebraska Coalition for Juvenile Justice

Kaleciana Perry, Omaha

Wathina Porter, Lincoln

Teshawna Sawyer, Grand Island

Myana Sigers, Fremont

Nebraska EPSCoR/IDeA Committee

Shane Farritor, Lincoln

Yuri Lyubchenko, Omaha

Josephine Schafer, Omaha

Eva Schubert, Lincoln

Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission

Marcia Weddle, Lincoln

Nebraska Humanities Council

Yoko Lawing, North Platte

Sarah Peetz, Lincoln

Nebraska Investment Council

Keith Olson, Omaha

Nebraska Library Commission

Tiffany Carter, Omaha

Judy Henning, Kearney

Richard Landreth, Minatare

Thomas Rolfes, Lincoln

Nebraska Liquor Control Commission

James Elworth, Nebraska City

Robert Synhorst, Lincoln

Nebraska Natural Resources Commission

Scott Dicke, Alma

Nebraska Oil & Gas Conservation Commission

Dallen Juelfs, Scottsbluff

Steve Mattoon, Sidney

Nebraska Real Estate Commission

Paul Vojchehoske, Omaha

Nebraska School Financing Review Commission

Tom Briese, Albion

Shawna Koger, Arlington

Frederic Meyer, St Paul

Keith Runge, Columbus

Mark Spurgin, Ogallala

Nebraska Semiquincentennial Commission

Gabriel Bruguier, Lincoln

Tim Clark, Bennington

Heidi Cuca, Lincoln

Christine Vail, Brule

Racial Profiling Committee

Krisa Brass, Scottsbluff

Ryan Dale, Lincoln

Adaira Thapa, Omaha

Susan Ugai, Lincoln

Rural Health Advisory Commission

Tracy Zamora, Pierce

State Board of Public Accountancy

Andrew Blossom, Omaha

Sarah Borchers, Kearney

State Electrical Board

Boyd Pedersen, Clearwater

Tyler C Ritz, Kearney

Technical Advisory Committee on Statewide Assessment

Chad Buckendahl, Las Vegas, NV (National)

Joshua Fields, Seward

Water Well Standards & Contractors’ Licensing Board

Jeffrey Ironshell, Wilcox

James Remmenga, Holdrege

Wheat Development, Utilization and Marketing Board

Amy Warner, Edison

Contact:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Governor Pillen Appoints Douglas County Election Commissioner

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen appointed Danielle Jensen of Elkhorn as election commissioner for Douglas County. She will succeed Brian Kruse who resigned the position to take a role in the private sector. Jensen will assume her new duties Jan. 10 and will fill the remainder of Kruse’s appointed term through Dec. 31, 2027.

Jensen is currently the communications director and senior policy advisor to U.S. Representative Don Bacon. Before that, she was a public and legislative affairs officer for the Nebraska Energy Office. Jensen has more than 20 years of experience in communications, government affairs and political fundraising.

“Danielle has a varied background of experience that will serve her well in the role of election commissioner,” said Gov. Pillen. “She is a hard worker and has garnered the admiration of those with whom she has worked. Danielle will lead the election office with integrity and will make sure all elections in Douglas County are conducted with transparency and accuracy.”

Congressman Don Bacon offered his high praise for Jensen’s abilities:

“Since day one, when I was sworn into Congress in 2017, Danielle Jensen has served Nebraska’s Second Congressional District with excellence as our communications director and later took on additional responsibilities as senior policy advisor. Our office is routinely recognized as one of the most effective in Congress, and Danielle has played a major role in that success through her leadership, professionalism and dedication to our community and constituents. Governor Pillen has made an excellent choice in appointing Danielle as Douglas County election commissioner and I am confident she will continue serving Nebraskans with integrity while protecting our fair, accurate and impartial elections. I also want to thank outgoing Commissioner Brian Kruse for his years of service to our community.”

Congressman Bacon’s Chief of Staff Mark Dreiling added his endorsement of Jensen’s selection:

“I have known Danielle Jensen for over 20 years, and I appreciate her long record of dedicated service to our state and country, both in the Nebraska Energy Office and as a member of Congressman Bacon’s team since our first day. Her leadership and professionalism have been central to the strength of our staff and have helped make our office one of the most effective in Congress. Danielle has been a trusted colleague, close friend and mentor to many members of our staff, past and present, and our team is stronger because of her dedication to serving Nebraska’s Second Congressional District. We wish her the very best as she continues her public service as Douglas County election commissioner.”

Jensen earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting from the University of Nebraska – Omaha.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Jeff Powell, DHHS, (402)-471-6223, jeff.powell@nebraska.gov

Gov. Pillen, Dr. Oz Announce Nebraska is First in the Nation to Pursue Medicaid Work Requirements

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen was joined by Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) CEO Steve Corsi in announcing that Nebraska is the first state in the nation to pursue work requirements for Medicaid expansion members. At the news conference today, Gov. Pillen signed a letter to CMS, detailing Nebraska’s intent to implement requirements by May 1, 2026.

The new work requirements are the result of HR1, the One Big Beautiful Bill. Among its key provisions is a requirement that able-bodied adults in the Medicaid expansion population engage in work or other qualifying activities as a condition of receiving Medicaid benefits.

Governor Pillen praised the Trump administration for passage of the OBBB and emphasized that the policy will promote long-term independence and stronger community ties.

“These requirements will help Nebraskans achieve greater self-sufficiency through employment and other meaningful activities,” said Governor Pillen. “Working not only provides purpose but helps people become active, productive members of their communities. Nebraska will be ready to move forward with these requirements prior to the federally mandated start of Jan. 1, 2027.”

Under the new rules, able-bodied adults ages 19–64 in the Medicaid expansion population will be required to participate in work, approved work programs, community service, or educational activities for at least 80 hours per month, unless they qualify for an exemption.

“Across the nation, our goal is to support people engaged in meaningful work, involved in their communities, and connected to the support that sets them up for long-term success,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “Nebraska is leading the way as the first state to launch its community engagement requirements, and we congratulate Governor Pillen and his team for their commitment to helping more Nebraskans move toward greater independence and opportunity. CMS will be working together with Nebraska and its 50 counterparts to ensure every program is implemented smoothly, responsibly, and in compliance with federal law.”

This reform will deliver meaningful benefits to Nebraskans. Work requirements are associated with higher and more stable incomes, greater success in securing better-paying employment, and access to benefits that extend beyond what government assistance alone can provide.

Most importantly, children in working households benefit from more stable routines, improved educational outcomes, and stronger examples of workforce participation. Higher employment rates are also linked to lower crime rates, increased civic engagement, and a stronger economy.

DHHS CEO Steve Corsi said not only will these changes help more Nebraskans move toward economic stability, it will also help Nebraska’s businesses and economy.

“Employment provides financial stability, fosters personal growth, and will help Nebraska’s small businesses in need of workers,” said Corsi. “These new requirements move Nebraska forward by encouraging greater economic and social participation.”

Current Nebraska Medicaid members will be assessed for the new requirements during their regularly scheduled renewal after the implementation date. Individuals applying for Medicaid on or after May 1, 2026, will need to provide verification of their community engagement activities or qualifying exemption.

Of particular note:

• The rule changes apply to able-bodied adults ages 19-64 in the Medicaid expansion population.
• Medicaid expansion includes individuals 19-64 with low incomes who receive health coverage through Nebraska Medicaid.
• Eligibility is based on income up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level (in  2025 for a single person was $21,610, or for a family of four was $44,380).
• Work requirement activities are requirements that Medicaid expansion members and applicants must meet in order to receive coverage through Nebraska Medicaid.
• Qualifying work requirement activities include employment, attendance at school, participation in an apprenticeship, participation in an approved work program, or volunteering.

Nebraska Medicaid will use available data to verify compliance during application and renewal. If verification cannot be completed, members will be responsible for submitting documentation. Individuals found non-compliant will receive notice and have 30 days to meet the requirement or claim an exemption before denial or disenrollment.

Exemptions:

Certain individuals are excluded from this requirement, including:

• People who are disabled
• People who are currently in foster care
• People through age 25 who aged out of foster care
• Members of recognized Native American tribes
• Pregnant women
• Parents or guardians of children up to age 13
• Caregiver of an individual with disabilities
• Disabled veterans (with a ‘total’ disability status)
• People who are medically frail
• People compliant with work requirements under the SNAP or TANF programs
• People receiving treatment for a substance use disorder
• People who are incarcerated or have been within the last 90 days
• People who qualify for Medicare Part A or Part B

Individuals seeking assistance with employment opportunities may use the Nebraska Department of Labor’s NEworks job service at neworks.nebraska.gov or download the NEworks mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.

DHHS will send a notice by mail, email, or text to beneficiaries who must participate in community engagement (or have an exemption). More information regarding the requirement can be found at dhhs.ne.gov/workrequirements.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Appoints Carney as County Court Judge in the Seventh Judicial District

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Patrick P. Carney of Norfolk as county court judge in the Seventh Judicial District. That district consists of Antelope, Cuming, Madison, Knox, Madison, Pierce, Stanton, and Wayne counties.

Carney founded Carney Law PC LLO in Norfolk where he handles a variety of legal issues including criminal matters, estate planning, real estate, business formation and family law. On a contractual basis, he also acts as a public defender in Antelope County.  Carney practiced at Balsiger & Carney from 1997 to 2006.

Carney continues to serve on the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy to which he was appointed in 2022, which provides legal services free of charge. He has served in a variety of leadership positions for the Madison County Bar Association, including as its president. Carney also previously served on the board of Behavioral Health Specialties, Inc., a non-profit that provides mental health care, counseling and addiction services in Northeast Nebraska.

Carney, a native Nebraskan, received his bachelor’s degree from Kearney State College. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law.

The judicial vacancy is due to the appointment of Michael L Long to the district court.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Provides Statement and Information About 2026 Opportunity Zone Designations

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement promoting Opportunity Zones and previewing the process the State of Nebraska will use to determine designations next year. Opportunity Zones are economic development tools established as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law by President Donald J. Trump to help promote investment and drive economic growth in low-income and/or economically disadvantaged communities. The initiative was extended and made permanent through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) of 2025.

“Opportunity Zones are powerful tools that help create jobs and growth in areas that need new investment,” said Gov. Pillen. “As we work through this process, we’re grateful for President Trump’s support of these community-changing efforts. We can help revitalize neighborhoods and build new, long-lasting opportunities – which are good for taxpayers across our state and great for Nebraska’s economic growth too.”

Updated data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s yearly American Community Survey is scheduled to be released tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 11 and will be used to determine Opportunity Zone census tract eligibility based on the poverty and income requirements outlined in the OBBBA. 

It’s anticipated that additional information will be released from the federal government about Opportunity Zone census tracts in early 2026, including the certification of which tracts are eligible.

 Next spring, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) will issue additional guidance. 

The U.S. Treasury Department will begin accepting Opportunity Zone nominations from states beginning July 1, 2026 and will have 90 days to review/approve. Census tracts approved by the U.S. Treasury Department for Opportunity Zone designation go into effect on January 1, 2027. 

For questions, please contact ded.opportunityzones@nebraska.gov.