Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov Pillen Comments on ‘Bioreactor’ Meat Legislation

LINCOLN, NE — Governor Jim Pillen, a strong defender of farmers and ranchers and Nebraska’s first governor to come from agriculture in over 100 years, praised the legislature for advancing LB 246 another step closer to becoming law.

“This is a major victory for Nebraska agriculture. The creation of this bioreactor meat is simply a dishonest attack on producers in our state — and has no place on Nebraska’s grocery shelves. Thank you to Senator DeKay for his leadership and to all the other senators who voted to advance this effort to protect producers and consumers.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Moody’s Increases Nebraska’s Bond Rating to AAA

LINCOLN, NE – Nebraska’s credit rating has been boosted to an exceptional AAA rating by Moody’s. The credit rating agency cited Nebraska’s stable economy, conservative spending, low debit liability and financial flexibility in determining to upgrade the state’s credit rating.

“I praise Moody’s recognition of Nebraska’s strong economic position.  The trajectory of our state’s economy and financial stability is better than ever,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “We must continue our work to deliver a strong fiscally conservative budget and rebalance our tax structure, so we are less dependent on soaring local property taxes.”

Nebraska already enjoys a Standard & Poor’s bond rating of AAA, and the increase from Moody’s aligns the state’s bond rating across rating agencies. Moody’s increase means the state is seen as more credit worthy. The exceptional credit rating will help save the state money by reducing future borrowing costs for capital projects such as highway construction. It also increases the state’s financial reputation, which is likely to attract additional investment.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Governor’s Columns Support Key Initiatives; Align with Actions Taken by President Trump

LINCOLN, NE – A series of columns by Governor Jim Pillen call for support on key initiatives important to Nebraskans and align with recent actions taken by President Donald J. Trump.  The Governor’s latest column was published in The Federalist just prior to his attendance at last week’s White House signing ceremony promoting efforts to right size the U.S. Department of Education and boosting state and local control.  

The editorial points out: “Since the Department of Education was formed as a standalone department in 1980, we’ve seen its budget and workforce bloat — but we haven’t seen improved outcomes for students, parents, or teachers. We clearly aren’t getting what we’re paying for.

There is a simpler, better path forward. By sending education back to states, we let those nearest to the student have the biggest influence. This is a pro-kid, pro-parent, pro-teacher, pro-school position. No matter the style of schooling families choose — public, private, homeschool, or hybrid — our lessons should be focused on helping our youth succeed, and you don’t need federal government mandates to do that.”

The entire column can be found here: https://governor.nebraska.gov/gov-pillen-editorial-supports-us-department-education-changes-praises-nebraska-teachers.

The benefit of youth sports and providing protections to girls and women was the focus of another column in which Gov. Pillen said: “Data show that youth sports are a gold mine for those that participate. Student athletes are more likely to excel academically and graduate at a higher rate than non-athletes. They learn teamwork, communication, and leadership skills that are hard to replicate in just about any classroom. They become more disciplined by juggling practices and schoolwork. They form friendships and find role models, like coaches, who can inspire.

Youth sports have especially benefited girls, who before the enactment of Title IX in the 1970s, had many fewer sports opportunities than boys. Now, those benefits are threatened by the rise of a movement to allow biological boys to participate in girls’ sports.”

Gov. Pillen was part of the White House celebration at which President Trump signed the executive order Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports. At the start of the legislative session, he and Senator Kathleen Kauth stood with female athletes to introduce the Stand With Women Act (LB89), which was voted out of committee last week.

In his column (https://governor.nebraska.gov/legislative-update-values-sports-teach-our-kids) the Governor said:  “Just like most Nebraskans, I want to keep politics as far from the field as possible, but this conversation – taken over by a vocal minority – needs a dose of common sense and straightforward policy. The reality is that this issue is NOT political – it’s simply about protecting our girls and standing up for our values.”

Supporting actions by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to combat avian flu and reduce egg prices, Gov. Pillen shared with FoxNews.com that strong leadership and effective management of animal disease were key.  

“Nebraska’s fields and pasture lands are expansive – about 90% of our land is devoted to farming and ranching. I’ve seen it firsthand: as rural goes, so goes agriculture. Secretary Rollins believes this, and she is an advocate for us. I’ve heard her articulate a vision for rural economic prosperity and development that will go a long way in giving our families and communities a boost.

We need to work with our federal partners to help build this roadmap for American agriculture. We know our potential is second to none. We have the best people and plentiful water, crops, and livestock.  With great optimism and renewed partnerships, this season of leadership and newfound opportunity will lead to a long-lasting period of abundance – and cheaper eggs – for the American people.”

That editorial is available at: https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/smart-policy-cheaper-eggs-trump-rollins-team-good-farmers-us-consumers.

Gov. Pillen has also been vocal in his support of targeted tariff’s implemented by President Trump, which are designed to combat trade imbalances with countries around the world.  

“Trade hinges on the idea of mutual economic benefit — it’s a great goal, and it’s good for everyone. But we aren’t playing in a “free trade” space anymore, certainly not with foreign adversaries and trade manipulators such as China on the scene. Agriculture has to rely on trade. We know it, and we depend on it. However, the status quo just isn’t working.

We aren’t victims, but U.S. farmers and ranchers need a boost. We’re problem solvers who know how special it is to fulfill our calling. That’s why this conversation matters. Agriculture across this country deserves free and fair trade because if we get it, we know the U.S. is going to win big. I’ll bet the farm on it.”

The Governor’s column can be found here: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/faith-freedom-self-reliance/3324484/trump-trade-policy-will-save-farmers/.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen and Lt. Gov. Kelly React to Announced Extradition of Eswin Mejia

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen and Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly say they are encouraged that the pursuit for justice for Sarah Root and her family is taking another significant step forward. Wanted fugitive Eswin Mejia will be extradited to Nebraska to face charges for her death in a 2016 crash. Mejia, who was in the U.S. illegally, disappeared after posting bail.   

“We are grateful to the large team of federal, state and Honduran officials, as well as to state public servants who also had a hand in the capture of Mejia. Over nine long years, law enforcement officers never gave up on the search for Root’s killer. We thank Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his efforts to ensure that Mejia will be extradited back to the United States.”