Latest News from the Governor's Office

Contact:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Governor Pillen Appoints Douglas County Election Commissioner

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen appointed Danielle Jensen of Elkhorn as election commissioner for Douglas County. She will succeed Brian Kruse who resigned the position to take a role in the private sector. Jensen will assume her new duties Jan. 10 and will fill the remainder of Kruse’s appointed term through Dec. 31, 2027.

Jensen is currently the communications director and senior policy advisor to U.S. Representative Don Bacon. Before that, she was a public and legislative affairs officer for the Nebraska Energy Office. Jensen has more than 20 years of experience in communications, government affairs and political fundraising.

“Danielle has a varied background of experience that will serve her well in the role of election commissioner,” said Gov. Pillen. “She is a hard worker and has garnered the admiration of those with whom she has worked. Danielle will lead the election office with integrity and will make sure all elections in Douglas County are conducted with transparency and accuracy.”

Congressman Don Bacon offered his high praise for Jensen’s abilities:

“Since day one, when I was sworn into Congress in 2017, Danielle Jensen has served Nebraska’s Second Congressional District with excellence as our communications director and later took on additional responsibilities as senior policy advisor. Our office is routinely recognized as one of the most effective in Congress, and Danielle has played a major role in that success through her leadership, professionalism and dedication to our community and constituents. Governor Pillen has made an excellent choice in appointing Danielle as Douglas County election commissioner and I am confident she will continue serving Nebraskans with integrity while protecting our fair, accurate and impartial elections. I also want to thank outgoing Commissioner Brian Kruse for his years of service to our community.”

Congressman Bacon’s Chief of Staff Mark Dreiling added his endorsement of Jensen’s selection:

“I have known Danielle Jensen for over 20 years, and I appreciate her long record of dedicated service to our state and country, both in the Nebraska Energy Office and as a member of Congressman Bacon’s team since our first day. Her leadership and professionalism have been central to the strength of our staff and have helped make our office one of the most effective in Congress. Danielle has been a trusted colleague, close friend and mentor to many members of our staff, past and present, and our team is stronger because of her dedication to serving Nebraska’s Second Congressional District. We wish her the very best as she continues her public service as Douglas County election commissioner.”

Jensen earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting from the University of Nebraska – Omaha.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Jeff Powell, DHHS, (402)-471-6223, jeff.powell@nebraska.gov

Gov. Pillen, Dr. Oz Announce Nebraska is First in the Nation to Pursue Medicaid Work Requirements

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen was joined by Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) CEO Steve Corsi in announcing that Nebraska is the first state in the nation to pursue work requirements for Medicaid expansion members. At the news conference today, Gov. Pillen signed a letter to CMS, detailing Nebraska’s intent to implement requirements by May 1, 2026.

The new work requirements are the result of HR1, the One Big Beautiful Bill. Among its key provisions is a requirement that able-bodied adults in the Medicaid expansion population engage in work or other qualifying activities as a condition of receiving Medicaid benefits.

Governor Pillen praised the Trump administration for passage of the OBBB and emphasized that the policy will promote long-term independence and stronger community ties.

“These requirements will help Nebraskans achieve greater self-sufficiency through employment and other meaningful activities,” said Governor Pillen. “Working not only provides purpose but helps people become active, productive members of their communities. Nebraska will be ready to move forward with these requirements prior to the federally mandated start of Jan. 1, 2027.”

Under the new rules, able-bodied adults ages 19–64 in the Medicaid expansion population will be required to participate in work, approved work programs, community service, or educational activities for at least 80 hours per month, unless they qualify for an exemption.

“Across the nation, our goal is to support people engaged in meaningful work, involved in their communities, and connected to the support that sets them up for long-term success,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “Nebraska is leading the way as the first state to launch its community engagement requirements, and we congratulate Governor Pillen and his team for their commitment to helping more Nebraskans move toward greater independence and opportunity. CMS will be working together with Nebraska and its 50 counterparts to ensure every program is implemented smoothly, responsibly, and in compliance with federal law.”

This reform will deliver meaningful benefits to Nebraskans. Work requirements are associated with higher and more stable incomes, greater success in securing better-paying employment, and access to benefits that extend beyond what government assistance alone can provide.

Most importantly, children in working households benefit from more stable routines, improved educational outcomes, and stronger examples of workforce participation. Higher employment rates are also linked to lower crime rates, increased civic engagement, and a stronger economy.

DHHS CEO Steve Corsi said not only will these changes help more Nebraskans move toward economic stability, it will also help Nebraska’s businesses and economy.

“Employment provides financial stability, fosters personal growth, and will help Nebraska’s small businesses in need of workers,” said Corsi. “These new requirements move Nebraska forward by encouraging greater economic and social participation.”

Current Nebraska Medicaid members will be assessed for the new requirements during their regularly scheduled renewal after the implementation date. Individuals applying for Medicaid on or after May 1, 2026, will need to provide verification of their community engagement activities or qualifying exemption.

Of particular note:

• The rule changes apply to able-bodied adults ages 19-64 in the Medicaid expansion population.
• Medicaid expansion includes individuals 19-64 with low incomes who receive health coverage through Nebraska Medicaid.
• Eligibility is based on income up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level (in  2025 for a single person was $21,610, or for a family of four was $44,380).
• Work requirement activities are requirements that Medicaid expansion members and applicants must meet in order to receive coverage through Nebraska Medicaid.
• Qualifying work requirement activities include employment, attendance at school, participation in an apprenticeship, participation in an approved work program, or volunteering.

Nebraska Medicaid will use available data to verify compliance during application and renewal. If verification cannot be completed, members will be responsible for submitting documentation. Individuals found non-compliant will receive notice and have 30 days to meet the requirement or claim an exemption before denial or disenrollment.

Exemptions:

Certain individuals are excluded from this requirement, including:

• People who are disabled
• People who are currently in foster care
• People through age 25 who aged out of foster care
• Members of recognized Native American tribes
• Pregnant women
• Parents or guardians of children up to age 13
• Caregiver of an individual with disabilities
• Disabled veterans (with a ‘total’ disability status)
• People who are medically frail
• People compliant with work requirements under the SNAP or TANF programs
• People receiving treatment for a substance use disorder
• People who are incarcerated or have been within the last 90 days
• People who qualify for Medicare Part A or Part B

Individuals seeking assistance with employment opportunities may use the Nebraska Department of Labor’s NEworks job service at neworks.nebraska.gov or download the NEworks mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.

DHHS will send a notice by mail, email, or text to beneficiaries who must participate in community engagement (or have an exemption). More information regarding the requirement can be found at dhhs.ne.gov/workrequirements.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Appoints Carney as County Court Judge in the Seventh Judicial District

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Patrick P. Carney of Norfolk as county court judge in the Seventh Judicial District. That district consists of Antelope, Cuming, Madison, Knox, Madison, Pierce, Stanton, and Wayne counties.

Carney founded Carney Law PC LLO in Norfolk where he handles a variety of legal issues including criminal matters, estate planning, real estate, business formation and family law. On a contractual basis, he also acts as a public defender in Antelope County.  Carney practiced at Balsiger & Carney from 1997 to 2006.

Carney continues to serve on the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy to which he was appointed in 2022, which provides legal services free of charge. He has served in a variety of leadership positions for the Madison County Bar Association, including as its president. Carney also previously served on the board of Behavioral Health Specialties, Inc., a non-profit that provides mental health care, counseling and addiction services in Northeast Nebraska.

Carney, a native Nebraskan, received his bachelor’s degree from Kearney State College. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law.

The judicial vacancy is due to the appointment of Michael L Long to the district court.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Provides Statement and Information About 2026 Opportunity Zone Designations

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement promoting Opportunity Zones and previewing the process the State of Nebraska will use to determine designations next year. Opportunity Zones are economic development tools established as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law by President Donald J. Trump to help promote investment and drive economic growth in low-income and/or economically disadvantaged communities. The initiative was extended and made permanent through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) of 2025.

“Opportunity Zones are powerful tools that help create jobs and growth in areas that need new investment,” said Gov. Pillen. “As we work through this process, we’re grateful for President Trump’s support of these community-changing efforts. We can help revitalize neighborhoods and build new, long-lasting opportunities – which are good for taxpayers across our state and great for Nebraska’s economic growth too.”

Updated data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s yearly American Community Survey is scheduled to be released tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 11 and will be used to determine Opportunity Zone census tract eligibility based on the poverty and income requirements outlined in the OBBBA. 

It’s anticipated that additional information will be released from the federal government about Opportunity Zone census tracts in early 2026, including the certification of which tracts are eligible.

 Next spring, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) will issue additional guidance. 

The U.S. Treasury Department will begin accepting Opportunity Zone nominations from states beginning July 1, 2026 and will have 90 days to review/approve. Census tracts approved by the U.S. Treasury Department for Opportunity Zone designation go into effect on January 1, 2027. 

For questions, please contact ded.opportunityzones@nebraska.gov.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Celebrates Cleanup at AltEn Site; Highlights Progress and Next Steps

MEAD, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen celebrated the tremendous progress made during his administration to clean up the solid and liquid waste left in the aftermath of the shutdown of the AltEn facility site in Mead. Gov. Pillen was joined by Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) Director Jesse Bradley, Saunders County Board Supervisor Bill Reece and Don Gunster, an environmental contractor for ERM Newfields.

“Cleanup of this site was among my top priorities when I took office, and I’m proud of the fact that when we got involved, a lot of people rolled up their sleeves and collaborated to fix this problem,” said Gov. Pillen. “This cleanup has cost hundreds of millions of dollars, but it won’t cost Nebraska taxpayers a dime.”

Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, who has attended community meetings about the clean-up efforts, acknowledged the concerns he and the Governor shared in 2022 when they discussed the situation in Mead and wondered -- what if the same thing happened in their own hometowns?

“The Governor had his eye on this problem from the get-go,” added Lt. Gov. Kelly.

In addition to serving on the Saunders County Board, Reece has been a member of the Mead Community Group, which has closely monitored developments at the site.

“The Mead community and nearby residents have been resilient throughout these cleanup efforts. They know their town is worth standing up for and we’re glad to see the progress that has been made at AltEn,” said Supervisor Reece. “I want to thank the State and the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) for being responsive, responsible, professional and timely and for keeping the community informed during every step of the remediation.”

The now-closed AltEn facility made ethanol using treated seed corn, which generated pesticide-impacted byproducts that were improperly stored on site. AltEn shut down in February 2021. In June 2021, six seed companies came together and formed the AFRG to remediate the site through the state’s Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP). Those seed companies are AgReliant Genetics, Bayer, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Corteva Agriscience, Syngenta Seeds, and WinField Solutions.

Because the AFRG is working through the VCP, the remedial actions have been completed at no cost to Nebraska taxpayers.

Through the VCP, the AFRG has carried out remedial action plans (RAPs) for the site’s wetcake byproducts and the wastewater stored in the site’s industrial lagoons. The RAP cleanup efforts completed to date include:

• Combining 84,000 tons of wetcake with solidifying material for transport and disposal at a permitted landfill
• Nearly 7,300 trucks moving over 165,000 tons of mixed material to Pheasant Point Landfill
• Treating millions of gallons of wastewater from the industrial lagoons for beneficial application to nearby agricultural fields

 The AFRG has also improved stormwater controls on site.

“There has been a lot of great work done at the AltEn facility,” said Director Bradley. “But there is more to be done, and our team at DWEE is committed to continue this work with the AFRG and the community to ensure that the site is cleaned up and the Mead community continues to thrive.”

“We have made significant progress and value the community’s partnership and support from DWEE,” added Don Gunster with ERM Newfields. “The AltEn site has been stabilized, and we are planning the remaining activities to complete the job.”

Moving forward, the AFRG will submit and complete RAPs for lagoon solids, groundwater and on-site soils, per a memorandum of agreement between the group and DWEE. Those plans will ensure that continued and sustained progress occurs at the site.  The AFRG and DWEE have also agreed to complete future off-site environmental investigations to determine if an off-site RAP is necessary.