Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Highlights Key Takeaways from Recent General Fund Receipt Report

LINCOLN, NE -- Governor Jim Pillen is highlighting key takeaways from the most recent General Fund Receipt Report, published today by the Nebraska Department of Revenue.

State receipts continue to be on track for FY 2027. Total receipts for August exceeded the certified forecast by $7.6 million.

Sales tax receipts remain stronger than projected, exceeding the forecast by over $60 million so far, this fiscal year. While gross individual income tax receipts are 5% below forecast, they are down only $1.5 million below the same period of last fiscal year, despite implementing historically low-income tax rates. Income tax refunds are also $37 million below prior year levels so far, tracking nearly exactly with the consensus cash flow forecast.

“Our revenue is on track. That’s great news, but we still have a lot of work ahead of us to deliver a balanced budget for hard-working Nebraskans,” said Gov. Pillen. “Continued spending cuts will further ensure the state is living within its means. That’s running government like a business, and it’s what Nebraskans expect of us.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Reissues Order Relaxing Commercial Motor Carrier Operations

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has reissued an executive order to assist with continued commercial motor carrier operations in support of Nebraska farmers and ranchers impacted by wildfires. The order relaxes certain requirements, facilitating the delivery of feed and other supplies.

The order applies to hours of service and over-dimension restrictions. It is effective through October 11.

Similar orders have continued to be issued by the Governor since mid-March, when the first wildfires occurred.

A copy of the order is included below. 

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Announces Flag Order for Patriot Day

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced that all U.S. and state flags should be flown at half-staff tomorrow, September 11, in recognition of Patriot Day. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks, killing 2,977 Americans.

“This year is particularly somber, as we mark what was the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil,” said Gov. Pillen. “Like many tragic moments that have defined our collective history, we can still recall where we were when the attacks took place. It is incumbent on all of us, including those not even born yet, to remember the heroism and sacrifices of those who died, as well as the courage and strength displayed as a nation to prevail in the aftermath.”  

The flag order is effective from sunrise tomorrow until sunset.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Holds Ceremonial Bill Signing for LB 1091 to Expand Access to Specialized Healthcare

OMAHA, NE – On Wednesday, Governor Jim Pillen hosted a ceremonial bill signing for LB 1091, designed to protect and streamline specialized medical coverage for vulnerable patients. The event was hosted at Quality Living, Inc., which provides world-class rehabilitation and care to people from across the U.S. as well as Nebraska. Participants at the event included Senator Elliot Bostar, QLI board and staff members, representatives from Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals and Ambassador Health, and clients from QLI.

Introduced by Sen. Bostar and passed unanimously by state lawmakers, LB 1091 ensures consistent, high-quality care for individuals with special and long-term medical needs under Nebraska’s medical assistance program.

“LB 1091 reflects a simple but importance commitment – Nebraskans living with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other complex medical conditions deserve access to specialized care that gives them the best opportunity to reach their fullest potential and to do so with dignity,” said Gov. Pillen. “The partnership between our long-term special needs providers and the State of Nebraska has improved the lives of thousands of our most vulnerable residents and LB 1091 strengthens that partnership for what I know will be years to come.”

Historically, individuals requiring high-acuity long-term care such as those living with complex medical dependencies, faced prior-authorization roadblocks and administrative delays from Nebraska’s Medicaid managed care program. LB 1091 addresses these barriers by routing high-acuity long-term care through a direct fee-for-service structure under the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Because Nebraska’s Medicaid managed care program relies on strict prior authorizations and utilization management to control costs, exempting high-acuity special needs care will eliminate unnecessary delays that can disrupt urgent or continuous treatment. Through close collaboration among healthcare providers, key stakeholders, DHHS, and the Health and Human Services Committee, the final legislation was structured to be cost-neutral.

“Passage of this legislation will ensure that Nebraskans with complex medical needs can access the highly specialized long-term care they need to recover, regain their independence and return home,” said Sen. Bostar. “Getting this bill across the finish line took collaboration among providers, families, DHHS, the Governor’s team, and my colleagues in the Legislature. I’m grateful to QLI, Madonna and Ambassador Health for their leadership and advocacy, and proud that Nebraska came together around a solution that puts patients and their long-term outcomes first.”

Healthcare leaders who partnered on the effort emphasized the law’s immediate impact on patients’ stability and access to specialized services.

“Our mission has always been about more than providing care. It’s about helping people rebuild their lives and showing them there can still be hope after a catastrophic injury,” said Nash Mahupete, President and CEO of QLI. “With LB 1091, the system helps to get them that care, not stand in their way.”

“LB 1091 provides important stability for Nebraskans with complex medical and nursing needs who rely on specialized care,” stated Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals. “Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals was proud to partner with QLI, Ambassador Health, and state leaders to help advance this legislation. We are especially grateful to Senator Bostar for championing LB 1091, Senator Prokop for making it a legislative priority, and Governor Pillen for signing this important measure into law.”

“LB 1091 is a tremendous outcome for Nebraskans with medically complex needs, improving access to specialized services and coordination of care,” added Ambassador Health. “It is a great example of what Nebraska can accomplish when state leaders, providers, patients, and families work together. Ambassador Health is proud to have been part of that effort and to continue serving children with medically complex needs and adults requiring ventilator care.”

Under the bill, DHHS must amend Medicaid managed care contracts, including revisions to enrollment processes, no later than six months after the bill’s effective date.

Gov. Pillen addresses attendees at ceremonial signing for LB 1091

QLI CEO & President Nash Mahupete addresses attendees at ceremonial siging for LB 1091

Gov. Pillen signs LB 1091, with Sen. Bostar and QLI CEO Nash Mahupete

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Announces Routes to Expedite Husker Game Travel

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has directed the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) to modify routes that will allow for expedited travel into downtown Lincoln for Saturday’s Husker football game. Working in conjunction with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), NDOT is adjusting roadway access to help motorists contend with ongoing construction projects.

Recommended routes include:

From Omaha (northeast):

• I-80 to Exit 409 for Waverly/US-6 and follow US-6 west to Cornhusker Highway.
• I-80 to Exit 405 to 56th Street.
• I-80 to Exit 403 at 27th Street to Salt Creek Roadway.
• If you miss the recommended exits above, take I-80 to the I-180 Exit 401 to southbound I-180 into downtown Lincoln.

From US-34 West:

• NW 48th Street South to I-80 or US-6. From NW 48th Street, travel east on US-6 into downtown. From I-80 at NW 48th Street, travel East to Exit 399 to take Cornhusker Highway east, to I-180 south into downtown.
• W Fletcher Ave to NW 1st Street. Travel East on NW 1st that turns into Superior Street, to I-180 south into downtown Lincoln.
• Traffic that misses those recommended turns will be routed back to westbound I-80 at the 401 interchange to utilize Exit 399 or Exit 397.

While these modifications should help expedite travel, fans are still advised to give themselves ample time to make the drive into Lincoln.

NSP is reminding fans of the support it provides to help with traffic flow, including the use of trooper pilots, who can relay information to troopers on the ground. Fans can also hear live traffic reports from Trooper Brett before and after the game on Huskers Radio Network stations.

Increased traffic and pedestrian activity should be expected as kickoff approaches. Motorists should remain alert, follow posted signs and traffic control, watch for pedestrians and avoid distractions.

Drivers can use the Nebraska 511 app or check the Nebraska 511 website to view real-time traffic updates, active work zones, live traffic camera feeds, and road conditions across state highways.