Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Announces Departure of Broadband Director Haggerty

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced that Patrick Haggerty, director of the Broadband Office will be leaving his position with the state. Haggerty’s last day with the agency will be May 1, 2026.

“I appreciate Director Haggerty’s public service to the citizens of Nebraska. He has been part of our early and ongoing efforts to expand the state’s broadband infrastructure. I thank him for the leadership he provided to the Broadband Office, and I wish him success in all his future endeavors,” said Gov. Pillen.

“It has been a privilege to serve the citizens of Nebraska and in particular, being part of the process to ensure that we completed all necessary steps and met all deadlines to be considered for critical federal funding to expand broadband into rural areas of our state,” said Haggerty. “I appreciate the work of our broadband team, knowing that this important implementation will move forward, making a difference to all Nebraskans.”

The Broadband Office, which was created by Governor Pillen, is housed in the Department of Transportation. DOT Director Vicki Kramer will serve as interim director of the Broadband Office after May 1.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Issues New Executive Order for Carriers Hauling Wildfire Supplies

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has signed a new executive order to loosen regulations for commercial motor carriers who are hauling feed and other supplies to those impacted by the state’s recent wildfires.

EO 26-11 supersedes the prior executive order (26-09) which went into effect March 28. The new order expires at the end of April 14. 

A copy of EO 26-11 is below.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Signs Mid-Biennium Budget Adjustment Package 

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed the 2026 mid-biennium budget adjustment package with no line-item vetoes.

The Governor thanked Chairman Clements and the Legislature for its work in developing a fiscally conservative bipartisan budget. The final approved budget adopts 91% of the budgetary recommendations championed by Gov. Pillen. These efforts have solved the $627 million biennial budget variance, honored the state’s commitment to providing tax relief for Nebraskans and still maintains nearly $900 million in unobligated reserves.

 “We must be responsible stewards of the public's resources, prioritizing what is necessary over what would be nice to have. We have made extraordinary progress with this year’s budget reductions. We will keep working to meet the expectations of Nebraskans -- reducing government spending, investing in our kids, and lowering property taxes,” said Gov. Pillen.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Appoints Goding as County Court Judge in Ninth Judicial District

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Stacie A. Goding of Grand Island as county court judge in the Ninth Judicial District.  That district consists of Buffalo and Hall counties. The vacancy is due to the resignation of Judge Arthur S. Wetzel.

Goding has practiced law in central Nebraska for 20 years, most recently in her own firm, which has included handling civil and criminal cases, plus a focus on juvenile law, adoptions, and guardianships. She has chaired mental health boards in Hall, Adams and Merrick counties. Goding has also taught law classes through Doane University and Central Community College and has served on several local boards and committees.

Goding received a bachelor’s degree from Hastings College and earned her juris doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law.

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.