Latest News from the Governor's Office

Building a Historic Comeback Story

By Governor Jim Pillen

April 3, 2026

In the face of fire, Nebraskans – once again – proved our grit and came together to protect life, property, and livestock. 

After a dry winter, high temperatures, and relentless winds created a dangerous recipe for wildfires, our state has finally seen some badly needed rain. We’re not out of the woods yet. But, over the last weeks, as we faced the largest wildfires our state has ever seen, the people of our state fought back completely united.  

That’s part of what it means to be a Nebraskan. 

The Sandhills are a treasure of our state – and some of the best cattle-grazing land anywhere on the planet. So, this isn’t just a story about the number of acres burned. It is lives changed. It is livestock lost. It is real pain. These fires hurt, and the recovery of our land and people will take time – but I believe we’re at the beginning of a comeback story. 

We know fences can be mended. We know buildings can be rebuilt. We know Nebraskans help Nebraskans – and the pioneer spirit that makes our people strong and unbreakable is shining through. 

As Governor of this extraordinary state, every single day I’m in awe of Nebraskans. I can’t express my appreciation enough to the volunteer firefighters, National Guard servicemembers, emergency responders, local officials, and others who pitched in to fight back against these flames. 

When a neighbor is in need, you stand up and go help. In the midst of desperate battle, communities around the state – urban and rural – sent firetrucks and support to help counter the blaze or trucked hay out to help feed cattle and aid recovery efforts.  

Nebraska has stood by neighboring states as they have faced dire circumstances – and we benefitted from the kindness of the people of Iowa, North Dakota, Utah, Colorado, and Missouri as they stood by us.

I invited Brooke Rollins, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, to come meet face to face with our frontline firefighters and cattle ranchers, hear Nebraska’s stories, and find out how federal government resources can be better utilized. Along with our federal delegation, we’ve worked tirelessly to build relationships with President Trump and his cabinet – for moments like these. 

As Secretary Rollins said, “That’s how it works out here: when you lose everything, your neighbor shows up and helps carry the load. No questions, no hesitation, just quiet strength and open hands. We help our neighbor. We do what’s right. And we know they’ll have our backs when the burden is ours. This is the unbreakable heart of America.”

We have the resolve to get through this, united. Resources from across the state and the federal government have been mobilized, and we will continue to do more to serve the families, communities, and producers who have been most affected. 

Thank God for our firefighters and emergency responders. Please continue to pray for the families whose lives have been upturned, and the ranchers who have been working around the clock to care for their herds and protect their livelihood. 

In the face of historic fires – together – we’re building a historic comeback story.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Issues New Order Rescinding Burn Ban

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen rescinded his most recently issued burn ban, which clears the way for burn permits to be issued through the authority of local fire chiefs or designated department members. The new executive order (2610) cites a reduction in the potential for drought-related emergencies across the state.

Last week, Gov. Pillen ordered the extension of his original burn ban due to ongoing wildfire risk. It was set to expire April 10.

Today’s order indicates that conditions contributing to an elevated wildfire threat have diminished to an acceptable degree.

The new order is included below.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Expresses Appreciation and Highlights Conservative State Budget for Nebraskans

LINCOLN, NE -- Today, Governor Jim Pillen expressed his appreciation to the Appropriations Committee, Chairman Robert Clements, and the Nebraska Legislature for passing incredibly conservative budget adjustments to balance the state budget and reduce government spending.

LB1071 includes $418 million in spending cuts and LB1072 includes $251 million from over a hundred different funds, putting idle cash to work for Nebraska taxpayers. These bills also provide investments in Medicaid, child welfare, the Lincoln Regional Center, and law enforcement incentives resulting in a net General Fund spending reduction of $279 million this biennium.

“This budget package reflects incredible progress for common sense fiscal conservatism,” said Gov. Pillen.  “We are on track to deliver $3.6 billion in property tax relief this biennium and reduce income tax rates to 3.99% in 2027.”

Gov. Pillen also thanked state agencies for doing their part to reduce government spending. Cabinet members were directed to develop reduction proposals in early June of last year. That work helped resolve $627 million in biennial budget variance.

“We have made extraordinary progress with this year’s budget reductions. That has taken significant collaboration with lawmakers and time spent by leadership to understand the many issues and opportunities within their agencies to make the right decision for Nebraskans,” added Gov. Pillen.

"I congratulate the Legislature on what has been accomplished. There’s still work to be done in the coming weeks to finish the job. We will keep working to meet the expectations of Nebraskans -- reducing government spending, investing in our kids, and lowering property taxes.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Kate Ellingson, DED, kate.ellingson@nebraska.gov 

Gov. Pillen Announces Date of 2nd Annual Youth Summit, Invites Students to Register

LINCOLN, NE -- Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced that the 2026 Governor’s Youth Summit will take place in Kearney, Nebraska at the Younes Conference Center North on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The Youth Summit will coincide with the annual Governor’s Summit. This year marks the second Youth Summit; the inaugural event was held in August 2025.

“All of us in Nebraska agree, our kids are our future,” said Gov. Pillen. “Following the giant success of the first-ever Youth Summit, it was a no brainer to expand this year’s event. Participating students can make incredible connections with local businesses to jumpstart their journey to a dream career right here in Nebraska.”

The Youth Summit is tailored to juniors and seniors in high school and freshmen and sophomores in college. Students may register for the Youth Summit by clicking here. There is no cost to attend. However, the event is expected to reach full capacity quickly, so interested students are encouraged to sign up now.

The Governor’s Youth Summit is not a traditional career fair—it is a relational experience to match Nebraska’s most promising young talent and most influential industry leaders.

Prior to the event, students create a profile on CareerPathway.com. Based on their career aspirations, they are matched with available internships, apprenticeships, scholarships, or jobs. Then, during the Youth Summit, they meet in-person with business or college leaders to explore these career opportunities. Additionally, students at the Youth Summit learn from educators, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs about how to set themselves up for career success as they approach graduation.

For more information about the Governor’s Youth Summit, go to govsummit.nebraska.gov/youth. Schools and youth organizations looking to promote the Youth Summit are encouraged to contact Madeline Adkins at Madeline.Adkins@nebraska.gov for marketing materials.

See the Youth Summit Experience

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Issues Statement Upon Dismissal of Detention Facility Lawsuit

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen provided the following statement upon dismissal of a lawsuit filed in Red Willow County challenging the authority of the state to enter into a contract with the Department of Homeland Security to utilize the Work Ethic Camp in McCook as a detention facility.

“This is a huge victory and the right decision. I appreciate the considered and well-reasoned opinion by the presiding judge to affirm the state’s authority to use WEC for this purpose.

The WEC has been undergoing modifications that will allow it to house up to 300 detainees, as per the agreement that was signed last year. The resulting federal funding will cover the costs associated with staffing and operating the facility until the conclusion of the contract.

Nebraska has been and will continue to assist DHS and ICE in assuring that criminal illegal aliens are housed appropriately and securely. This partnership with President Trump’s Administration to deliver on his promise to secure our country has been a success, and it will continue.”