Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Issues Statement in Honor of Veterans Day

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued a statement in observance of Veterans Day, honoring all active and retired military personnel across Nebraska and recognizing their service to the nation.

“We live in the greatest country in the world, and in a state with the absolute best people, but none of that is possible without the brave men and women who have answered the call to serve,” said Gov. Pillen. “Today, we honor our veterans, thank them for their dedicated service, and reaffirm Nebraska’s commitment to standing behind our military personnel and their families every single day.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Promotes ‘Cap, Cover, Cut’ Strategy to Fix Nebraska Property Taxes

LINCOLN, NE - Delivering a direct message following Tuesday’s election, Governor Jim Pillen held a news conference declaring that Nebraska voters have issued a clear mandate for state leaders to solve the property tax crisis once and for all during the upcoming 2027 legislative session.

While acknowledging that previous state efforts, including expanding tax credits, removing community colleges from property tax rolls, and capping local budget growth have helped roll back the actual taxes paid on land and homes, Gov. Pillen emphasized that temporary fixes are no longer enough.

“Even with all of this effort, it is not enough,” said Gov. Pillen. “We cannot keep up with this property tax credit game. Property valuations continue to increase, and not enough of our local political subdivisions are lowering their levies – resulting in your property tax bill continuing to increase.”

In order to see real change, Gov. Pillen spoke on the importance of Nebraska ending its reliance on credit offsets and enacting structural reform built on a three-pillar strategy: Cap, Cover, Cut. The administration will push to cap valuations and local government spending growth, cover school funding at the state level, and cut overall property tax collections to ensure Nebraskans can afford to stay in their homes.

Gov. Pillen also pledged to hold future and returning state lawmakers accountable for breaking their own election promises of property tax reform by bringing the question directly to voters if there is no action.

“I will be on the frontlines of holding the Legislature accountable to the expectations of our people,” said Gov. Pillen. “And if they fail, I will make sure the people, Nebraska’s Second House, are heard loud and clear on the ballot.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Announces Resignation of CIO McCarville

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced the resignation of Matt McCarville, chief information officer for Nebraska. He will conclude his service to the state in early December.  

“Matt has been with the state since 2024. I appreciate his public service in fulfilling the role of CIO,” said Gov. Pillen. “I wish Matt the best as he moves forward with his career.”

Gov. Pillen has appointed Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Director Lee Will as the interim CIO.  The OCIO is one of the divisions under the purview of DAS.

Additional information about filling the vacancy will be provided by the Governor at a future date.

CONTACT:    

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495   

Recent Report Points to Resilience of Nebraska Businesses

LINCOLN, NE -- A recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights the resilience of Nebraska businesses. Nebraska ranks among the top 10 states for private sector survival rates from 2000 to 2026.

The measure examines individual private sector establishments producing goods or services. The report examined how many establishments, created in 2000, were still in business today.

Nebraska’s survival rate of 20.3% is well above the national average of 15.7%. Nebraska was one of only eight states that had establishment survival rates over 20%.

“Nebraska is open for business,” stated Governor Jim Pillen. “This is further evidence of the resilience of Nebraska’s businesses and economy. Nebraska is the best place in the nation to start a business, build a career, and raise a family.”

The full report can be found here: Outlast State Establishment Survival Rates from 2000 to 2026

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Comments Following Meeting of the Economic Forecasting Advisory Board

LINCOLN, NE – The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board (NEFAB) voted today to add $23.2 million to the current fiscal year revenue projections for General Fund receipts.

Additionally, the Forecasting Board decreased projected revenue receipts by $89.6 million for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2027-2028, and by $276.3 million for the following Fiscal Year 2028-2029. Together, these decreases account for $342.7 million that will need to be addressed to support a balanced state budget over the next three years.

 “The foundations of Nebraska’s economy are stable and resilient,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “We must have the courage to reduce the size of government instead of growing it. Just like ordinary Nebraskans, state government must live within its means. Today’s forecast means we have about $393 million per year to solve for over the next three years. We have some tough decisions ahead, but working together with Nebraskans and the Legislature, we can balance the budget, live within our means, and deliver better government for our taxpayers.”