Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Signs $20 Million Property Tax Relief Executive Order

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has signed Executive Order 25-13, the latest action in his Administration’s ongoing efforts to provide meaningful property tax relief to Nebraska families. 

Due to an increase in casino gambling revenue and unused money remaining in the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund and the School District Property Tax Credit Fund, these funds grew by more than the amount originally appropriated by the Nebraska Legislature. Executive Order 25-13 directs Nebraska’s Property Tax Administrator to certify and distribute the full amount in the funds to taxpayers, which will result in an additional $20 million in property tax relief.

“As Governor, fixing our broken property tax system is my top priority,” said Gov. Pillen. “Whenever possible, we must get bureaucracy out of the way and ensure that Nebraskans receive the full amount of property tax relief possible. By signing this executive order, we are ensuring that all money in these funds is fully given to taxpayers. This is a common-sense, good government measure that will help Nebraska families across the state,” said Gov. Pillen.

This executive order follows a number of initiatives led by Gov. Pillen to reduce property taxes, which has resulted in:

• Increasing direct relief to property taxpayers to $1.26 billion
• Removing community colleges from property tax rolls
• Placing revenue caps on school districts, cities, and counties

“We still have work to do with our senators,” said Gov. Pillen. “Due to ideological beliefs and special interest groups, the Legislature has unfortunately failed to deliver true and meaningful property tax relief. The state should never sit on funds that can be distributed to taxpayers. We will continue to put all our efforts into getting the crippling property tax crisis fixed for Nebraskans. We are fighting hard for Nebraskans to solve the problem.”

A copy of Executive Order 25-13 is attached.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Applications Accepted for State Racing and Gaming Commission Vacancy

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the State Racing and Gaming Commission (NRGC). The vacancy is due to the resignation of Tony Fulton, who has served on the commission since June 2021, as an at-large representative in District 1.

The commission consists of seven members who serve four-year terms. For the purposes of the current vacancy, applicants can be of any political party and live in any of the three congressional districts.

Applicants must have experience with the gaming industry; however, they may not have any personal financial interest in any licensed racetrack enclosure or authorized gaming operator as defined in the Nebraska Racetrack Gaming Act. The selected applicant will require confirmation by the Legislature.

Applications may be submitted through the Governor’s website: https://governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, October 15 at 5 p.m.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Addresses Memorandum of Understanding Executed by Nebraska Secretary of State with the Government of the Republic of Kenya

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen’s office is addressing the memorandum of understanding (MOU) entered into between Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen and the Government of the Republic of Kenya.

The MOU is exclusively between Secretary Evnen and the Kenyan government. The Secretary of State is an independent state constitutional office and is neither directly accountable to the Governor, nor in control of any code agency of state government, including the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). That agency is directly accountable to the Governor, who is likewise principally responsible for conducting the State of Nebraska’s foreign trade activities.

The MOU is nonbinding, was not coordinated in advance by the Secretary of State with either the Governor or any other state agency and does not represent the policy of the government of the State of Nebraska. To be clear, the Secretary of State has no authority over driver licensure and is not part of the consultative process for policy development in that area.

“The Nebraska DMV is the sole state agency responsible for administering state driver licensure laws and consulting on reciprocal licensure agreements,” said DMV Director Rhonda Lahm. “At Governor Pillen’s direction and pursuant to federal law, we will continue to diligently ensure only individuals with lawful status in the United States receive Nebraska driver licenses of any type.”

Gov. Pillen reiterates his strong support for maximizing career opportunities for Americans and ensuring state government does everything possible to keep kids here in Nebraska to explore the countless tremendous career opportunities in our great state, including in our trucking and transportation industry. Nebraska is not only centrally located, but it’s also a hub of America’s national transportation network and home to the headquarters of several major freight transportation companies.

Derek Leathers, CEO of Werner Enterprises, a leading American trucking company specializing in freight shipping and logistics management, provided a supportive statement regarding current state policy and governance over commercial driver licensure: “Werner is grateful for Governor Pillen’s leadership to grow Nebraska, pursue foreign trade opportunities, and connect Nebraskans to great American jobs.”

All questions regarding commercial driver licensure law and policy should be directed to DMV Director Lahm, who is a member of Governor Pillen’s cabinet. Questions regarding the State of Nebraska’s official foreign and trade relations can be directed to the Governor’s office.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Administration Releases Letter Regarding Democrats Interim Study

LINCOLN, NE – In a letter to Senator Terrell McKinney, chair of the Urban Affairs Committee, Kenny Zoeller, director of the Governor’s Policy Research Office, informed the senator that Gov. Pillen’s Administration will not be participating in the Urban Affairs Committee interim study on Friday, September 12, citing committee jurisdiction issues. 

The letter states: 

“The Governor’s Office, including all agencies under the Governor’s purview, will not be participating in the Urban Affairs Committee interim study… to examine alleged building code issues related to the Governor’s decision to make the McCook Work Ethic Camp available to the United States Department of Homeland Security for criminal illegal alien detention.”

The letter goes on to detail that the Urban Affairs Committee lacks legal jurisdiction and oversight authority to examine these issues:

“The Jail Standards Board…was created by legislation originating from the Judiciary Committee, meaning the Judiciary Committee maintains oversight responsibilities over conformance to minimum standards relating to the operation and physical structure of criminal detention facilities.” 

“Furthermore, the Nebraska Jail Standards Program clearly exempts state correction facilities from the program’s jurisdiction in Neb. Rev. Stat. §83-4,125 through the definition of a criminal detention facility.”

Additionally, the letter highlights the accreditation of the Work Ethic Camp:

“Each of NDCS’ facilities, including the Work Ethic Camp, are accredited by and meet the occupancy standards established by the American Correctional Association (ACA).” 

The letter concludes addressing misguided concerns with overcrowding:

“Finally, your letter cited Neb. Rev. Stat §83-962 to incorrectly suggest that the additional criminal illegal alien population at the Work Ethic Camp will trigger a correctional system overcrowding emergency. This statute does not apply in this scenario since an emergency declaration is only required when the Department’s system-wide inmate population is over 140% of operational capacity. The current average daily population for all NDCS facilities is approximately 115% of system-wide operational capacity. The addition of 300 criminal illegal aliens to the system will not put NDCS facilities anywhere near the 140% occupational capacity threshold needed to trigger an emergency declaration. It is also important to note that systemwide, our correctional facilities have 5,929 beds with 5,730 inmates, meaning we have flexibility within our current correctional facilities to accommodate this new mission.” 

“Even if this additional population did result in a correctional system overcrowding emergency, the Judiciary Committee would have jurisdiction over this issue, not the Urban Affairs Committee. That is why the Executive Branch has taken the appropriate action and has properly informed members of the Judiciary committee on plans to reconfigure the Work Ethic Camp.”

The full letter is attached to this email. 

Background:

Gov. Pillen announced the partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security last month in McCook. This arrangement allows Nebraska to do its part to help get criminal illegal aliens off America’s streets and address years of President Biden’s failed border and immigration policies. Additionally, the state will benefit from federal dollars that will offset costs to Nebraska taxpayers.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Reacts to Shooting Death of Charlie Kirk; Nebraskans Asked to Fly Flags at Half-Staff

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement in reaction to the death of 31-year-old Charlie Kirk. Kirk, a conservative commentator, activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while taking part in an event at Utah Valley University earlier today.

“The news of Charlie Kirk’s assassination is devastating, not only for conservatives, but for supporters of liberty and free expression everywhere. Charlie stood fearlessly, not only for his own beliefs, but for engagement and debate. Indeed, he was doing just that when he died. He inspired countless young people with his principled activism, including on campus right here in Nebraska.

Suzanne and I are deeply saddened by this act of senseless political violence, and I ask that all Nebraskans pray for God’s grace and comfort to be brought to his wife and young kids. We must condemn and end political violence in America.”

Gov. Pillen is also asking that Nebraskans heed the proclamation issued this afternoon by President Trump requesting that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff, starting immediately and until sunset on Sunday, Sept. 14, in memory of Kirk. In alignment with the President’s order, all state, POW and other flags should also be flown at half-staff.