Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Issues Memo Directing Further Reductions in State Spending; Outlines Processes to Ensure Compliance

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is directing that state agencies, boards and commissions do their part in reducing state spending, to ensure that Nebraska taxpayers continue to receive the benefit of reduced income tax rates and investments into property tax relief. In fiscal year (FY) 2026, the State paid out $307 million more in refunds than was anticipated. That represents cash directed back into the pockets of Nebraskans, but efforts must continue to close the gap in state revenue.

“I am pleased with the progress we’ve made, but I am not satisfied,” said Gov. Pillen. “We must do better. We must run government like a business and embrace the innovation and change that is necessary to shrink the size of government. Bloated businesses don’t survive for long, and it’s our duty to make sure our State adapts and changes to stay competitive and resilient.”

In his memo, the Governor made clear that appropriations in the current fiscal year as well as the biennium years of FY 27/28 and FY28/29 would be reduced.   Agencies, boards and commissions have been ordered to exercise fiscal restraint in the areas of travel, hiring, membership dues, implementation of technology upgrades and equipment purchases. In addition, those entities are encouraged to consider additional avenues for budget savings like reduction of redundant processes and services, consolidation of duties and ensuring that programs are meeting their stated objectives for Nebraskans.

To ensure compliance, Gov. Pillen is requesting the submission of monthly reports beginning July 31 that detail, among other things, the amount of appropriation saved as a result each entity’s initiatives. The State Budget Division will be responsible for receiving and reviewing those reports, as well as providing final approval for newly created positions and hiring.  

A copy of the Governor’s memo is included below.

Text version of Memorandum for the Cabinet and Heads of all Agencies, Boards, and Commissions
 

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Grace Johnson, NDOL, grace.johnson@nebraska.gov

Nebraska Launches Workforce Pell Grant Program to Expand Short-Term Training Access for Workers

LINCOLN, NE — On Tuesday, Governor Jim Pillen joined Metropolitan Community College, the Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL), the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS), employers, and student trainees to announce the launch of Nebraska's Workforce Pell Grant Program. The program allows federal Pell Grant funding to be used for short-term job training programs leading to high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand occupations across the state. Metropolitan Community College is the first institution in Nebraska to establish Workforce Pell programs, offering programs in CDL, CompTIA Tech + with Google IT Support, Pharmacy Technician, and Phlebotomy Technician.

“This is about meeting people where they are and helping them get where they want to go," said Gov. Pillen. "These opportunities are fast, focused, and designed to lead to real jobs with real wages.”

Students will apply through the same process as regular Pell funding. Institutions can apply for Workforce Pell program approval through the Department of Labor’s website at Nebraska Workforce Pell.

"The strong partnership with the Nebraska Department of Labor and the state’s early commitment to workforce-aligned training has set the stage for the MCC’s continued investment in short-term career pathways, making Workforce Pell a reality for our students,” said Randy Schmailzl, Metropolitan Community College president.

“MCC is proud to help lead this work and remains committed to helping students gain the skills and credentials they need to enter Nebraska’s workforce and contribute to the state’s continued brain gain.” 

Programs must demonstrate strong student outcomes — including a 70% completion rate and a 70% job placement rate — and tuition must not exceed the value-added earnings calculated by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Programs are approved through a two-step process: first by the Governor in consultation with the Nebraska Workforce Development Board (NWDB), then by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

"We designed this process from the ground up to make sure every approved program leads to meaningful opportunities," said NDOL Commissioner Katie Thurber. "Nebraskans who invest their time and Pell dollars in a short-term training program deserve to know that it will lead to a good job. Our occupation list, application requirements, and accountability standards are built around that commitment."

Rob Jeffreys, director of the Department of Corrections, said the new Pell opportunity is a key step forward in transforming how Nebraska supports people who are going through reentry.

“This initiative is ultimately about dignity and opportunity. It sends a clear message: Nebraskans returning from incarceration deserve the chance to rebuild their lives, support their families, and contribute to their communities,” Jeffreys said.

The Workforce Pell program is designed to help employers quickly fill their workforce needs, including jobs in manufacturing and other key industries.

"We are happy to partner with MCC on the new credentialing program, and for the opportunities the Pell program will unlock for the future of the manufacturing workforce.” said Andy Lozier, CEO at Lozier Corporation

Who Is Eligible

Students must meet standard federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements. Students who have already earned a bachelor's degree may be eligible for a Workforce Pell Grant to enroll in an approved short-term training program — an important expansion for workers seeking to upskill or change careers. Students may not receive Pell Grants if their full cost of attendance is already covered by other non-federal grant or scholarship funding.

Nebraska's Approved Occupation and Program List

NDOL has established an initial list of approved occupations for the 2026–2027 award year. Using Nebraska's statewide H3 labor market data, NDOL applied a rigorous, multi-step screening process to identify occupations that are high-skill, high-wage, and/or in-demand. The resulting list of 40 approved occupations — linked to 97 unique training program categories — spans a wide range of sectors including:

•  Healthcare: Licensed Practical Nurses, Dental Assistants, Computer User Support Specialists

•  Trades and Construction: Electricians, Plumbers and Pipefitters, Welders, HVAC Mechanics, Roofers

•  Transportation and Logistics: Heavy Truck Drivers, Industrial Truck Operators, Bus Drivers

•  Manufacturing: Machinists, Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Quality Control Inspectors

•  Public Safety: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers, Correctional Officers

•  Business and Administration: Executive Assistants, Insurance Sales Agents, Office Supervisors

•  Agriculture and Equipment: Farm Equipment Mechanics, Agricultural Equipment Operators

More Information and Application

The application form for institutions, as well as policies and a complete list of approved occupations and corresponding training programs are available at Nebraska Workforce Pell.

Governor Pillen speaks at Workforce Pell Grant announcement

Director Thurber speaks at Workforce Pell Grant announcement

Director Jeffreys speaks at Workforce Pell Grant announcement

MCC President Schmailzl speaks at Workforce Pell Grant announcement

CEO Andy Lozier speaks at Workforce Pell Grant announcement

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Secures Federal Loan Assistance for Farmers and Producers Impacted by Wildfires

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is announcing federal financial loan assistance to help Nebraska farmers and producers impacted by major wildfires in March and April. The request he submitted last month for a Secretarial Disaster Declaration has been approved by the USDA.  In addition to four primary counties, the declaration also covers 17 additional counties. 

“We appreciate the swift response by Secretary Brooke Rollins and the USDA to this request. This provides an avenue for producers and farmers to receive much needed financial support as they continue to deal with the aftermath of the Morrill, Cottonwood, Ashby and Minor fires,” said Gov. Pillen.

The Secretarial Disaster Declaration enables those living in qualifying areas to be considered for Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loan assistance. Applications for assistance must be submitted within the next eight months. Primary and contiguous counties covered by the designation are listed below:

Primary: Garden, Grant, Lincoln, Morrill

Contiguous: Arthur, Banner, Box Butte, Cherry, Cheyenne, Custer, Dawson, Deuel, Frontier, Hayes, Hooker, Keith, Logan, McPherson, Perkins, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan

Affected farmers can reach out to their local FSA office for additional information and help with applications.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Reminds Nebraskans About Upcoming and Ongoing 250th Activities

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is joining state partners in reminding Nebraskans about activities still available for celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

“There are a variety of events and programs that continue across Nebraska, some lasting through the end of the year,” said Gov. Pillen. “They include quilt displays, community archives, films, live performances and more. I encourage Nebraskans to take in all the special events happening in their community as well as across the state.”

On Wednesday, the public is invited to hear live readings of the Declaration of Independence, sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution.  They will happen simultaneously in Nebraska and across the nation as part of Sharing the Spirit of America.

In Lincoln and Omaha, programs will start at 4:30 p.m. with a presentation of the colors, the National Anthem, guest speakers and a reading of the Declaration. In Lincoln, the program will take place on the north steps of the State Capitol. The reading in Omaha will happen on the Monument Walk on the north side of Memorial Park.

Similar events are scheduled to take place in other communities across Nebraska including Nebraska City, Blair, Verdigre and Anselmo. A complete listing of locations can be found here: Declaration Reading Locations.

Throughout the month of July, visitors to the State Capitol can view a display of student artwork commemorating the semiquincentennial, coordinated through the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Department of Education. In addition, Quilts of Valor are on display in the Legislative Chamber on the Second Floor of the State Capitol.

The first level of the State Capitol continues to host The Founders Museum, a collection of more than 80 photos of the nation’s most influential men and women during the Revolution, as well as the events that helped shape the nation. Each photo has a QR code that can be scanned for more information about the person or event.

The State Capitol Gift Shop is one of dozens of stops featured in Visit Nebraska's 2026 Nebraska Passport program. As part of the Party Like It's 1776 Tour, the Capitol joins six other destinations that highlight Nebraska's connections to the nation's founding and Nebraska’s evolution. The Nebraska Passport program continues through September 30.

“The Nebraska Passport program is now in its 17th year and is the most successful statewide passport program in the country,” noted Executive Director Jenn Gjerde. “This year’s program features 70 stops and encourages exploration of local attractions and businesses in communities of all sizes.”

The Nebraska Semiquincentennial Commission website continues to feature events in communities across the state. Organizers are encouraged to submit their information to the website america250.nebraska.gov.

“Independence Day has just concluded, but there are plenty of opportunities to dive into our founding, as a territory and then a state, through a variety of interactive and exciting attractions. Many museums and libraries have displays available and communities will continue to celebrate through their local fairs,” said Daryl Bohac, director of the Nebraska Historical Society.

Nebraska’s State Fair will be happening at Fonner Park in Grand Island Aug. 28 – Sept. 7. This year’s theme, It All Happens Here, will incorporate patriotic elements, special historical and educational exhibits and a variety of events tied to its Veterans Day Celebration on Sept. 7. Information about the fair can be found at statefair.org.

Nebraska Governor’s Residence continues to feature patriotic décor in honor of America’s 250th

Student artwork on display in the Nebraska State Capitol

Student artwork on display in the Nebraska State Capitol

State Capitol Gift Shop, one of the stops on the Party Like It’s 1776 Tour

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Encourages Nebraska Student-Athletes to Participate in the Patriot Games

LINCOLN, NE – This Friday marks the deadline for student-athletes to enter the 2026 Patriot Games, an event sponsored by The White House in honor of America’s 250th birthday. Governor Jim Pillen is encouraging Nebraskans, ages of 14 – 17, to apply for this national competition.

Male and female athletes will be selected to represent their home state or territory. They will take part in a series of high-intensity challenges designed to test strength, speed, agility, teamwork, resilience, and leadership.

“Here in Nebraska, we are known for our grit, determination, and hard work. This event provides our youth with a chance to prove to the rest of the country that we have amazing student athletes who demonstrate those outstanding qualities,” said Gov. Pillen.

The competition will be held Aug. 9-11. The televised finale will air on ESPN Aug. 13. At the end, one male and one female Patriot Games champion will be recognized. Each one will receive $125,000 in scholarship funding.

Additional information and a participant application can be found at: Patriot Games. A short video needs to be submitted as part of the application.

All applications are due Friday, July 10.