Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Thanks Trump for Presidential Executive Order to Lower Diesel Prices

GRAND ISLAND, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is thanking President Donald Trump for taking action to ensure that heartland farmers receive even more relief at the pumps. The President signed an executive order at his much-anticipated rally in Grand Island tonight to further address rising diesel prices and assist farmers during their busy fall harvest.

The order clears the path for the temporary use of red dye diesel for highway use and defers the applicable federal excise tax.

“This action expands on state efforts I enacted by executive order just a few weeks ago. This will greatly assist farmers who are dealing with extraordinarily high diesel prices, impacting everything they do – from field operations to transportation of their products and livestock.

I appreciate that President Trump signed his order today in Nebraska. Agriculture is the tip of the spear in our great state, and we need to continue to do all that we can to feed the world and save the planet. President Trump knows that and we appreciate his support.”

Late last month Gov. Pillen issued a pair of executive orders – one to increase the load capacity of trucks hauling seasonably produced products and livestock. The second order authorizes the use of red dye diesel and provides a state tax refund for using clear diesel in ag operations and vehicles.

Information about the President's executive order.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Declares Emergency for Southeast Nebraska

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has declared an emergency for southeast Nebraska in the aftermath of heavy rain and severe flooding. Record setting rainfall amounts were reported across the region, in some areas resulting in the rescue of stranded motorists from flooded roadways.

On Thursday, the Governor joined Erv Portis, assistant director for the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and representatives from the Nebraska National Guard, Lancaster County and the Lower Platte South NRD for a look at some of the affected areas in northern Lancaster County and to receive a briefing on the latest conditions. There, Gov. Pillen signed the emergency proclamation. 

The declaration will allow for the use of state resources and also require state and federal agencies to cooperate with and support the adjutant general of Nebraska, who also serves as the director of NEMA.

NEMA is currently working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Small Business Administration (SBA), and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to align resources as damage assessments are compiled. That information will help to determine if and what level of assistance is available to individuals, businesses and others who have been impacted by flooding.

Text version of the proclamation.

A copy of the proclamation is included below.

Gov. Pillen signs emergency proclamation for southeast Nebraska due to flooding

Governor briefed on flooding conditions

CONTACT:    

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495   

Gov. Pillen Hosts 2026 Governor’s Summit in Kearney

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen welcomed more than 1,050 participants to Kearney for the 2026 Governor’s Summit: Growing Nebraska and the second annual Governor’s Youth Summit.

The annual Governor’s Summit, co-hosted by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, convenes the state’s economic development community to discuss shared strategies to grow Nebraska. This year’s event featured breakout tracks on (1) creating opportunities for Nebraska’s growing workforce, (2) fueling and feeding Nebraska’s agricultural and manufacturing future, and (3) investing in the next generation of Nebraskans.

The Youth Summit facilitated one-on-one interactions between high school students and business, college, and military leaders. Throughout the day, employers and educators presented student attendees with internship, scholarship, and job offers in Nebraska.

“There’s no better place to farm, ranch, or build a business than here in the Good Life,” said Gov. Pillen. “Today’s Summit brought together industry leaders from across Nebraska to talk about how to open doors for our kids and grandkids to achieve their dreams. During the event, we had the incredible opportunity help 500 students make direct connections with rewarding careers opportunities right here in Nebraska.”

Husker Athletic Director Troy Dannen kicked off Tuesday’s morning session with keynote remarks. He shared the ambitious actions that the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is taking to invest in its student-athletes and facilities to compete at the highest level of college sports.

The Summit’s lunch session featured a presentation from Dr. Josie Schafer, director of the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She shared data showing positive trends in Nebraska’s population growth and domestic migration. Dr. Schafer also moderated a panel of young professionals who shared their reasons for choosing to start their careers in Nebraska after graduating from in-state colleges.

The Governor’s Summit concluded with an afternoon plenary session headlined by Fred Hoiberg, head coach of the UNL men’s basketball team. He highlighted Nebraska’s second-to-none support of college athletics. He also shared insights on building a winning culture through a relentless focus on empowering each member on the team.

During the Youth Summit, participating businesses offered more than $20,000 in scholarships to student attendees. In its second year, the event doubled its attendance, drawing more than 600 youth, chaperones, and sponsors to Kearney.

Gov. Pillen delivers opening remarks at Governor’s Summit in Kearney

Husker Athletic Director Troy Dannen speaks to attendees at Governor’s Summit in Kearney

Gov. Pillen greets students participating in the Governor’s Youth Summit

Husker Men’s Basketball Coach Fred Hoiberg speaks to attendees at Governor’s Summit in Kearney

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Signs Executive Order Establishing Coordinated Statewide Economic Strategy

KEARNEY, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed Executive Order 26-22 during the Governor’s Summit at the Younes Conference Center, establishing a unified statewide strategy for business recruitment, site selection, and economic expansion.

“We are taking a major step forward to ensure Nebraska competes – and wins – on the national and global stage,” said Gov. Pillen. “Since taking office, my vision has been clear: run state government like a business, cut taxes, eliminate red tape, and partner directly with our job creators. To win corporate expansions, attract major capital investment and keep our best talent here, we must fire on all cylinders as one team across all 93 counties and all six regions of Nebraska.”

At the news conference, Gov. Pillen highlighted how the state is the premier place to do business, raise a family, and build a high-quality life. Nebraska ranks as the fifth best state overall by U.S. News & World Report and the #1 state in infrastructure. Additionally, Nebraska stands as the nation’s third most affordable energy state for business, fueled by 100% public power, and its top-tier AAA credit ratings reflect long-term fiscal stability.

The executive order officially establishes the Governor’s Economic Growth Working Group, chaired by the Director of the Department of Economic Development (DED). Instead of state officials, local chambers, and regional developers working independently or competing against each other, it will bring these key leaders together to align strategy for economic development.

Chaired by DED Director Maureen Larsen, the Working Group will also include members from the Governor’s Policy Research Office, DED, the Nebraska Economic Developers Association (NEDA), the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Omaha and Lincoln chambers, and regional economic development leaders from all six regions.

“Today is about one thing: Nebraska working together to compete and grow. NEDA is proud to have helped shape this framework alongside the Governor’s office, DED, our chambers, and economic development partners across the state,” said NEDA President  Luke Peltz. “When we share resources, align our efforts, and work as one economic development community, we can create more opportunities for businesses and communities in all 93 counties. We’re ready to get to work and make it happen.”

One of the key aspects of the Working Group is to create more collaboration with local leaders, making sure their needs are met. The Working Group will co-design a multi-year economic plan and DED will lead the charge to host recurring business roundtables in every region, maintaining a continuous feedback loop with employers.

“This year, through the Nebraska Chamber Foundation’s Go Big Future initiative, and nearly two dozen community visits, we’ve heard from business and community leaders across the state,” said Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry President & CEO Joseph Young. “They are optimistic about Nebraska’s potential. We have no shortage of opportunities. Our task is to get ambitious and organized. Faced with countless chances to grow, Nebraska needs to speak with one voice and move as one team.”

The Working Group will also establish an annual, prioritized statewide site selection and corporate recruitment plan by evaluating national site-selector conferences, trade missions, corporate headquarters visits, and industry expos, ensuring Nebraska is represented and pitching one cohesive message. Further, the initiative will build a synchronized statewide inventory of available industrial sites, commercial properties, and infrastructure assets to maximize speed-to-market for expanding businesses.

“Nebraska is strongest when we can present a clear, coordinated approach and demonstrate that our state and global partners are working together for the same goals,” said Heath Mello, president & CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. “That is why the Greater Omaha Chamber welcomes this effort to strengthen coordination across the state of Nebraska. A shared strategy can help us improve site readiness, align business recruitment efforts, better coordinate our engagement efforts with existing companies and site collectors and ensure we are making the most of our assets and opportunities that exist in every region across the state. Greater Omaha success is closely connected to the success across communities in Nebraska.”

The Working Group is expected to submit an initial strategic framework to the Governor by December 31, 2026, with a full multi-year strategic plan scheduled for publication by June 30, 2027.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Report Highlights Above Average Savings of Nebraskans, Points to Economic Resilience and Growth

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is highlighting findings from a recent report demonstrating the resilience and growth of Nebraska’s economy. Analysis published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City indicates that Nebraskans’ savings is approximately double the national average.

Nebraska has consistently ranked among states with the highest savings rates in the nation. Strong income growth has contributed to higher savings and greater stability for Nebraska families.

““When we say Nebraska is open for business, this is another indicator of what we have to offer,” said Gov. Pillen. “Nebraska’s economic strength continues to make it the best place in the country to live, work, and raise a family.” 

As noted in the report, nationally, households have faced the impact of increased costs and reduced savings over the past several years. Despite inflationary pressures, “strong income growth has positioned Nebraska households to weather the pressures better than many other places.”

In Nebraska, income growth has exceeded the rate of consumption – a trend that has persisted for a number of years, including during the pandemic. Additionally, the report indicates that, “Nebraska's higher savings rates have made down payments more attainable than in the rest of the country, especially for first-time [home] buyers.”

View the complete report