Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

USDA Designates More Nebraska Counties as Disasters; Frees up Loan Assistance to Farmers Impacted by Drought

LINCOLN, NE – The number of Nebraska counties adversely impacted by drought continues to grow. Governor Jim Pillen has announced the approval of two primary counties and 11 contiguous counties that will now be eligible for loan assistance through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA).

“This most recent secretarial disaster designation from Sec. Brooke Rollins will now increase the number of counties that can access to emergency loans. I appreciate Sec. Rollins, her constant attention to the needs of or farmers and ag producers who might require this assistance as a result of the drought impact during this growing season,” said Gov. Pillen.

The counties are listed below:

Primary: Lancaster, Saline

Contiguous: Butler, Cass, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Otoe, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, York

In May, the USDA took similar action for 13 Nebraska counties, which are named here: USDA Loan Assistance Counties.

Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the disaster declaration to apply. Local FSA offices can provide affected farmers with additional information.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Joins Letter Supporting President Trump’s Call for Swift Passage of Budget Reconciliation Package

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has joined more than 20 other Republican governors in supporting a call by President Trump for the U.S. Senate to pass a budget reconciliation package prior to the August recess. The measure supports key priorities for funding defense, aiding farmers and reforming election laws.

“I’m honored to join my fellow governors in supporting President Trump’s call for the U.S. Senate to pass a commonsense budget resolution that strengthens our military, supports Nebraska agriculture producers and builds on the groundbreaking Voter ID law I fought to pass during my first legislative session while I was in office. It’s time to get the job done for America,” said Gov. Pillen.

The letter to President Trump says in part:

“The SAVE America Act includes commonsense measures that are critical for restoring Americans’ trust in our electoral process. As governors, we are on the frontlines of the fight to restore confidence in our election process. The shocking revelation that hundreds of thousands of ineligible individuals were found to be on voter rolls across the United States only underscores the urgency of this effort. This budget resolution begins the process for Republicans to enact critical election integrity measures included in the SAVE America Act.

“This resolution will also ensure our military has the munitions, equipment and supplies they need to deter our adversaries and keep our homeland safe. We fully support the Administration’s funding request for the Department of War (DOW) to cover increased operational costs and readiness expenses, while making critical investments in munitions to ensure our military is the strongest in the world. 

“Republicans, with the passage of this resolution, would have the opportunity to help lower food prices by providing much-needed economic assistance to America’s farmers. You have made clear that you will not leave America’s farmers behind, and as governors who represent robust and diverse agricultural industries, we stand with you in ironclad support for America’s family farms.”

In addition to Gov. Pillen, signatories to the letter include: Governor Kay Ivey (AL), Governor Mike Dunleavy (AK), Governor Sarah Sanders (AR), Governor Ron DeSantis (FL), Governor Brian Kemp (GA), 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 Joe Lombardo (NV), Governor Kelly Armstrong (ND), 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), Governor Patrick Morrisey (WV), and Governor Mark Gordon (WY).

PDF copy of the letter

A copy of the letter is attached below.

Contact:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov Pillen: New Report Affirms Nebraska’s Top Ranking Among States

LINCOLN, NE – A new report highlights the best states to live, with Nebraska securing a top spot near the head of the list. 

“There is no better place to live, work, and raise a family than here in Nebraska, and this report reflects the incredible strength of our state,” said Gov. Pillen. “We are committed to continuing this momentum and making sure Nebraska remains a national leader for years to come.”

First launched in 2017, the U.S. News and World Report: Best States Rankings measure performance across 71 metrics in eight categories that matter most to Americans including the economy, crime and corrections, infrastructure, natural environment, fiscal stability, healthcare and opportunity. In the latest 2026 rankings, Nebraska earned the 5th overall spot in the nation.

Substantial gains across the Midwest in the economy, healthcare, and natural environment sectors played a major role in the region’s overall rise. Nebraska performed exceptionally well in key categories, ranking third in infrastructure and eighth in fiscal stability.

Nebraska’s infrastructure strength is driven by its large presence as an energy, transportation, and logistics hub. The state ranks third in energy, largely due to the combination of grid reliability, renewable energy generation, and affordable public power. In addition, Nebraska is a central hub for transportation thanks to its high-quality roads, well-maintained bridges, and short commute times.

“States that ranked highly in the 2026 Best States rankings have demonstrated exceptional leadership in working toward a prosperous future for their citizens,” said U.S. News Executive Chairman & CEO Eric Gertler. “By excelling in pivotal areas like healthcare, education and modern infrastructure, these top-performing states are proving that targeted policy and smart investments are the true catalysts for long-term opportunity and success.”

Nebraska continues to build on its success in creating an environment focused on growing, attracting, and retaining top talent – reinforcing the state’s positioning as: open for business.

Contact:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Governor Jim Pillen issued a statement following the passing of the Crete Police Chief Gary Young, Jr.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued a statement following the passing of the Crete Police Chief Gary Young, Jr.  Gov. Pillen offered his deepest sympathies to Young’s family, friends, and the Crete community.

“The selflessness that our police officers show every day when protecting our communities is something I never take for granted. With more than 40 years on the force, Chief Young was engaged and committed to the community he served. By those who knew him, he was an outstanding public servant, whose involvement in Crete extended beyond law enforcement.”  

Gov. Pillen said flags will be lowered on the day of Chief Young’s interment. Additional information will be released prior.

CONTACT:    

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495   

Governor Pillen Leads State Trade Delegation to the Philippines

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen led Nebraska’s trade delegation from Japan to the Philippines on Monday, kicking off the second phase of the state’s trade mission to Asia. The mission to the Philippines follows a busy 24 hours in Osaka, Japan where the Governor promoted Nebraska beef, pork, wheat, and low-carbon energy production.

“I am thankful to have Nebraska’s farmers, ranchers, and businesses joining me on this strategic mission to Asia,” said Gov. Pillen. “They’ve been incredible advocates for Nebraska. In both Japan and the Philippines, companies have shown tremendous interest in purchasing more of the food, fuel, and energy we produce.”

On Sunday evening in Japan, Gov. Pillen and the Nebraska delegation met with Marudai, a key buyer of Nebraska beef and pork, to thank the company for being a longstanding, loyal customer. On Monday morning, Nebraska’s trade team met with the Japanese office of the U.S. Meat Export Federation to confer about promotional strategies. The Governor and Nebraska Wheat Board Vice Chair Mary Eisenzimmer then toured Kinki Flour Milling Company on to discuss opportunities to grow Nebraska wheat exports to Japan.

The second leg of the trade mission began on Tuesday morning in the Philippines, as Gov. Pillen and State Senator Rita Sanders met with U.S. Ambassador Lee Lipton to gain insights on the Philippine economy. Nebraska’s delegation then met with leaders of Gardenia Bakery, the largest breadmaking company in the Philippines, to promote Nebraska wheat. The Philippines purchased an average of $783 million of U.S. wheat per year from 2021-2025, ranking as the #2 export market for American wheat.

“It’s always great to connect with customers in person to tell the story of the wheat we grow in Nebraska,” said Eisenzimmer. “Nebraska’s wheat farmers take great pride in what we do. Being able to share this pride during face-to-face meetings is a wonderful way to build relationships that are key to the profitability of Nebraska wheat production.”

Participation in an ethanol promotion roundtable was a highlight of Tuesday’s trade activities in Manila. State leaders highlighted the Nebraska’s ability to help Filipino companies meet the country’s E10 fuel mandate and move toward adoption of E20 fuel. The Philippines relies on imports to meet about 50% of the annual demand for fuel ethanol, and U.S. ethanol enjoys tariff-free access to the Philippines market.

“The Philippines has tremendous need to import ethanol, and Nebraska is well positioned to supply it,” said John Krohn of the Nebraska Corn Board. “More than a third of the corn grown in Nebraska goes into the ethanol production. By expanding markets for corn ethanol, and for byproducts like dried distillers grains, we’re helping to create tremendous opportunities for Nebraska’s farmers.”

“One of the takeaways I’ve had from today was that the products that we provide, not just from the United States, but specifically Nebraska, are sought after,” said DJ Eihusen, president of Chief Industries. “They’re viewed as high quality products.”

Tuesday’s full slate of activities also included a visit to Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of more than 17,000 U.S. and Allied service members. Gov. Pillen laid a wreath to honor U.S. servicemen buried at the cemetery, most of whom lost their lives in combat during World War II. After fighting as allies in the Second World War, the U.S. and the Philippines entered into a formal military alliance. This year marks 75 years since the two countries signed their Mutual Defense Treaty.

“We enjoy freedoms as Americans because so many brave soldiers have willingly risked their lives to defend them,” said Gov. Pillen. “It was deeply moving to honor the American servicemen who are buried in Manila. We will never forget the sacrifices they made while fighting for our country in the Pacific.”

Sen. Sanders said being in the Philippines held special meaning for her. 

“My heart belongs to the Philippines and what an amazing country! It’s a developing country and that’s exactly where we want to be to start trade with them early on,” she added. “The Governor’s doing a great job and everyone that’s been here that we’ve crossed paths with today is excited to do business with Nebraska.”

The state trade mission will wrap up on Wednesday. The final day’s schedule includes a meeting with San Miguel Corporation, owner of some of the largest food brands in the Philippines. Gov. Pillen will also meet with the Philippines Department of Energy and attend a luncheon with the Philippine Association of Meat Processors. Additionally, the Governor will represent Nebraska at the World Food Expo, the largest food trade show in the Philippines.

Gov. Pillen and delegation members meet with U.S. Meat Export Federation representatives in Japan

Gov. Pillen and delegation members at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial

Wreath laid by Gov. Pillen at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial

Gov. Pillen visits Manila American Cemetery and Memorial

Sen. Sanders, DJ Eihusen and Gov. Pillen during interview call with Nebraska media