Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Carla Felix, DWEE, (402) 471-4223

Gov. Pillen Recognizes Plattsmouth for Improvements to Drinking Water & Wastewater Infrastructure for Residents

PLATTSMOUTH, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen recognized Plattsmouth for its efforts in improving water infrastructure for its residents. Speaking at the Plattsmouth Public Library, the Governor was joined by Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) Director Jesse Bradley, NEMA Recovery Section Administrator Donny Christensen, and Plattsmouth Mayor R. Paul Lambert.

Plattsmouth has partnered with DWEE to improve its drinking water and wastewater infrastructure following the devastating flooding in 2019. Flooding left the city’s water and wastewater facilities inundated and inoperable for months. Through the state’s State Revolving Fund (SRF), DWEE was able to provide bridge funding for Plattsmouth to make repairs as soon as possible until FEMA funding could be provided.

“Plattsmouth has shown extraordinary resiliency in the aftermath of the flood, and it continues to do so as it builds drinking water and wastewater infrastructure that will serve its citizens into the future,” said Gov. Pillen.

The State’s Drinking Water (DW) and Clean Water (CW) SRF programs provide low-interest loans and loan forgiveness to communities for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects, respectively.

Plattsmouth received $23 million in DWSRF funds to connect its drinking water to the Metropolitan Utilities District of Omaha to secure reliable, safe drinking water, relieving the city from relying on wells and treatment that is vulnerable to flooding. The city also received $37.9 million in CWSRF funding to construct a lift station to send wastewater to its new treatment facility that is protective of the 500-year floodplain.

“The 2019 flooding caused devastating damage to Plattsmouth’s wastewater facility,” said DWEE Dir. Bradley. “Now, Plattsmouth is looking ahead and building resilient infrastructure for its future.”

Plattsmouth received this SRF funding at a 0% interest rate to remain in compliance with the SRF’s memorandum of understanding with FEMA to ensure there is no duplication of funds.

“Recovering from a disaster of this scale takes time, coordination, and strong partnerships,” added NEMA Administrator Christensen “Through the coordinated efforts of local, state, and federal partners, funding was secured to support critical repairs and help Plattsmouth restore essential water and wastewater services while building greater resilience for the future.”

Infrastructure improvements like Plattsmouth’s help protect the health and safety of Nebraska residents, improve resiliency, and help strengthen Nebraska’s economy, all while keeping the financial burden on taxpayers to a minimum.

“Today, we celebrate far more than a wastewater plant or a water project. We celebrate resilience. We celebrate partnership. And we celebrate a future built on infrastructure that will serve the citizens of Plattsmouth for generations to come,” said Mayor Lambert.  “Together, we are building more than infrastructure. We are building Plattsmouth’s future.”

Since their inception, Nebraska’s SRF programs have provided more than $1.75 billion in assistance across 713 loans to 326 communities. DWEE expects to fund roughly 40 new projects over the next two years, totaling approximately $220 million. These programs operate as a revolving fund, so repaid dollars continuously cycle back into the program to benefit additional communities.

“Safe drinking water and proper wastewater treatment are fundamental to the health of our communities and the strength of our economy,” said Gov. Pillen. “This project is about more than pipes, valves and equipment. It’s about protecting public health, supporting the community, and investing in Plattsmouth’s future.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Issues Executive Order to Meet Fuel Supply Demands

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued a new executive order to help meet fuel supply demands. Shortages have been reported by customers and retailers across the state for a variety of fuel types. Haulers have found themselves having to travel further distances to secure supplies and make those deliveries.

“A combination of factors, including global supply disruptions and the incredibly short and busy harvest season, has boosted demand across the board,” said Gov. Pillen. “This order will help ensure that Nebraska farmers, businesses and families have access to the fuel they need.”

The order (NO. 26-25) builds on a federal waiver issued Sept. 16 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to relax hours-of-service requirements for interstate fuel truck drivers. The Governor’s order takes similar action but also allows vehicles to exceed weight limits by up to 10%. The Governor’s order is effective through Nov. 18.

Last month, Gov. Pillen issued a pair of executive orders to assist farmers confronted by high diesel costs. One increases the load capacity of trucks hauling seasonably produced products and livestock. The second order authorizes the use of red dye diesel and provides a state tax refund for using clear diesel in ag operations and vehicles.

Both of those orders are effective until Dec. 23.

Executive Order 26-25 PDF

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Signs Executive Order Establishing Statewide Public Safety Communications Task Force

NORTH PLATTE, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order at North Platte Fire Station 3 establishing the Statewide Public Safety Communications Task Force. The whole-of-government initiative is charged with conducting a top-to-bottom evaluation of Nebraska’s public safety communications ecosystem and delivering actionable recommendations to the Governor’s Office within 60 days.

Led by the Nebraska Military Department, the Task Force will identify technical, operational, and structural gaps in emergency communications highlighted during recent severe weather and wildfire events across the state.

“In Nebraska, we take care of our neighbors. When disaster strikes, Nebraskans roll up their sleeves and pitch in,” said Gov. Pillen. “To do that job safely and effectively, our first responders – especially our volunteer firefighters in rural Nebraska – have got to have tools that actually work. When our first responders call for backup on the radio, that line must be clear and reliable across every square mile of Nebraska.”

The Task Force brings together leadership from key state agencies, local municipalities, county officials, and frontline emergency responders. Participating entities include the Nebraska Military Department, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nebraska State Patrol, Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), Office of the Chief Information Officer, Nebraska State Fire Marshal, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Nebraska Public Power District, League of Nebraska Municipalities, Nebraska Association of County Officials, and representatives from rural volunteer fire leadership.

Major General Craig Strong, adjutant general for the Nebraska National Guard emphasized the work that the state has been doing already to create strong and effective relationships with local governments through the Community Partnership Program. Being engaged with local officials, police, fire chiefs, emergency managers and others is incredibly beneficial, especially when those relationships are formed before an event even happens.

“The Nebraska Military Department is uniquely qualified to lead this effort due to our emergency management functions and our experience in bringing together different agencies to execute a whole of government approach to address an area of important need,” added Maj. Gen. Strong.

Under the directive, the Task Force will conduct a comprehensive audit identifying geographic dead zones and structural vulnerabilities in current radio coverage capabilities. Additionally, the group will review multi-vendor equipment compatibility, hardware end-of-life cycles, and user training gaps across jurisdictions, while evaluating local, state, and federal funding streams to support long-term system sustainability. The Task Force must submit its final fact-finding analysis and actionable recommendations to the Governor no later than 60 days from today’s signing.

Colonel Bryan Waugh, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, pointed out the lessons learned during the terror attacks on 9/11 and the need to have communications interoperability, especially when dangerous situations arise.

“The Nebraska State Patrol is committed to this task force and working alongside our partners, especially those serving rural Nebraska, to identify communication gaps and develop practical solutions. Every first responder, regardless of where they serve, deserves the ability to communicate when lives are on the line.”

Senator Mike Jacobson thanked volunteer firefighters attending today’s news conference, acknowledging their around the clock efforts to bring this year’s devastating wildfires under control. Calling effective communications a necessity, especially for firefighter safety, he noted that the task force would be a step forward to addressing what has been a persistent issue.  

“This year’s wildfires showed just how critical reliable communication is for the first responders serving our communities, especially in rural Nebraska,” said Sen. Jacobson. “I appreciate Governor Pillen’s leadership in identifying where gaps exist, and I look forward to working together on practical solutions that give our first responders the tools they need.”

“As one of the most frequent users of this technology, the experience from the Nebraska Department of Transportation, along with the expertise and resources of the Nebraska Broadband office, makes us well positioned to engage and contribute to the task force,” said NDOT Director Vicki Kramer. “We have already begun investigating gaps, researching opportunities, and outlining solutions to support the task force. We appreciate the Governor’s leadership in taking this important step to better the State’s communication network.”

The executive order takes effect immediately. A copy can be found below.

Executive Order 26-24 PDF

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Signs onto Pledge to Protect Americans from Fraud

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen joined with Vice President JD Vance and other officials in a pledge to fight fraud.  The Pledge to Protect Americans from Fraud is part of the Trump Administration’s ongoing federal ‘war on fraud’ enacted earlier this year.

Vice President Vance kicked off the pledge on X. It reads in part:

“Each year, hardworking Americans pay trillions of dollars to fund a system of benefits programs for citizens in need. Unfortunately, this generosity and willingness to help our fellow Americans has been abused and exploited by fraudsters, illegal aliens, and corrupt bureaucrats. We must do all we can to stop the fraud and bring fraudsters and their enablers to justice, restoring trust and preserving these programs for future generations. Although previous administrations turned a blind eye to fraud, President Trump and Vice President Vance are aggressively fighting fraudsters nationwide.”

Gov. Pillen, who has been a staunch advocate for running government like a business as a means to cut red tape, boost service delivery and improve accountability for taxpayer dollars, has joined other Republican governor’s in promoting the launch of the initiative.

“Today, I am joining the Vice President’s pledge to protect Americans from fraud and safeguard taxpayer dollars. Together, we will continue working to ensure taxpayer dollars do not end up in the hands of fraudsters but instead go to the American people who need them most,” said Gov. Pillen.

Signatories to the pledge include:

Governor Kay Ivey (AL), Governor Mike Dunleavy (AK), Governor Sarah Sanders (AR), Governor Brad Little (ID), Governor Mike Braun (IN), Governor Kim Reynolds (IA), Governor Jeff Landry (LA), Governor Tate Reeves (MS), Governor Mike Kehoe (MO), Governor Greg Gianforte (MT), Governor Jim Pillen (NE), Governor Joe Lombardo (NV), Governor Kelly Armstrong (ND), Governor Mike DeWine (OH), Governor Kevin Stitt (OK), Governor Henry Dargan McMaster (SC), Governor Larry Rhoden (SD), Governor Bill Lee (TN), Governor Greg Abbott (TX), Governor Spencer Cox (UT), Patrick Morrisey (WV), Governor Mark Gordon (WY).

The Vice President’s pledge is included below. 

Text version.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen: Elite Ranking in Economic Momentum Report is No Surprise

LINCOLN, NE – The latest economic momentum report highlights why Nebraska is open for business. Nebraska’s economic vitality is in the top tier of states, placing 5th in the Index of State Economic Momentum.

“Our elite ranking is no surprise,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “We have fought for a historically conservative budget, improved our state tax code and bolstered the business climate in our state. Nebraskans keep more of their hard-earned money and have seen higher personal income growth than anywhere else in the country”  

Once again, the Index puts Nebraska in the top ten, based on its placement in three metric areas: employment growth, personal income growth, and population growth. Nebraska leads the nation with the highest rate of personal income growth.

Published quarterly by State Policy Reports through Federal Funds Information for States (FFIS), the Index indicates which states are performing well and outpacing the national average.

Below are the categories and rankings for Nebraska:

Economic Momentum Growth, 5th

Personal Income Growth, 1st

Population Growth, 18th

Unemployment Rate, 6th

Labor Force Growth, 19th

National employment growth remains modest, with overall employment increasing just 0.5%. Nebraska improved in this ranking up to 35th, with an increase of 0.2%. The state’s unemployment rate remained one of the lowest in the nation (6th) at 2.9%.

“Our state is strong, people are finding great careers and we have the momentum,” said Gov. Pillen. “The Good Life is open for business and opportunities abound here.”