Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Two Nominees Forwarded for District Court Judge in the Third Judicial District

LINCOLN, NE – The Judicial Nominating Commission for the District Court Judge in the Third Judicial District advanced two names for consideration by Governor Jim Pillen: Jennifer A. Huxoll of Palmyra  and Jennifer A. Panko-Rahe of Syracuse.

The Third Judicial District consists of Landcaster County. The vacancy is due to the retirement of Judge Jodi L. Nelson.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Katrina Cerveny, NEMA, 402-326-3179

Gov. Pillen Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for Wildfire Damage

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen requested that President Donald Trump issue a major disaster declaration related to severe wildfires that impacted the state from March through April. The funding will assist with covering the cost of damage to public infrastructure that occurred as a result of the Morrill, Cottonwood, Ashby and Minor fires. More than 821,000 acres were burned in those four fires.

The request includes Arthur, Garden, Grant, Lincoln, and Morill counties and would help cover damage to roads, bridges, and power infrastructure. Power infrastructure was the most impacted, with fires burning through transmission corridors and distribution systems.

“As Nebraska faced historic wildfires, the people of our state came together to jumpstart the recovery process,” said Gov. Pillen. “I’m submitting my request for a disaster declaration to the White House and FEMA. We appreciate President Trump’s attention to this matter and his long-standing support of our state when we have requested disaster recovery funding.”

Preliminary damage estimates by FEMA and NEMA have reached nearly $9.7 million, with state officials saying federal assistance is needed to support long-term recovery efforts.

“Since these fires, we’ve been blessed beyond measure to see the outpouring of support – and load after load of hay – cross county and state lines to support ranching families and communities in the Sandhills, added Gov. Pillen. “Nebraskans are tough as nails, and we’ll get through this moment together.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

USDA Provides Loan Assistance to Counties Due to Drought

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) will provide much-need loan assistance to farmers who are in counties impacted by drought. 

The disaster declaration applies to three primary counties and 10 contiguous counties, listed below:

Primary: Keya Paha, Logan, Rock

Contiguous: Blaine, Boyd Brown, Cherry, Custer, Holt, Lincoln, Loup McPherson, Thomas

“I appreciate the designation provided through the USDA, as we know that many counties in the central and western part of the state have been under sustained drought conditions,” said Gov. Pillen. “The ability of farmers to access this assistance to help them through this season, will be critical.”

Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the disaster declaration to apply. Local FSA offices can provide affected farmers with additional information.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Joins Group at CLAAS to Celebrate Passage of Bills Signaling Nebraska is Open for Business

LINCOLN, NE – State senators, chambers of commerce leaders, company owners, members of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) and others joined Governor Jim Pillen at CLAAS in Omaha on Thursday to spread the message: Nebraska is open for business. Flanked by some of the company’s apprentices and speaking in front of one of CLAAS’ largest agricultural machines, the group spotlighted two newly passed legislative bills aimed at securing the state’s position as a national leader in corporate retention and growing a skilled workforce. Following the presentation, Gov. Pillen signed ceremonial copies of both bills and presented them.

Introduced on behalf of the Governor by Senator Brad von Gillern, LB 1165 – Grow the Good Life Act – was developed to protect Nebraska’s largest employers during high-stakes corporate mergers. Historically, when large companies are acquired, operations and high-paying executive roles often migrate to the buyer’s home state. LB 1165 provides necessary incentives to convince new owners to maintain their headquarters, as well as high-value tech and workforce within Nebraska.

“Our state is home to hardworking, dedicated individuals who know how to show up, work hard, and get the job done,” said Gov. Pillen. “However, it is our responsibility to ensure the right economic environment exists so they can build their futures right here at home. By offering long-term, performance-based incentives, we are giving new owners a compelling reason to maintain their headquarters and high-value operations right here in Nebraska, as well as attract new talent to high-paying careers.

“I am thrilled to see the Grow the Good Life Act signed into law. Thousands of good-paying jobs will remain in Nebraska and possibly thousands more will be created,” said Sen. von Gillern. “This act sets the standard for economic incentives by ensuring benefits are only awarded after hiring and investment goals are met. With its strong taxpayer protections, this act guarantees a positive outcome for all Nebraskans.”

If it meets the requirements set out in LB 1165, a large employer merging with an out-of-state company will be eligible to receive tax credits of up to $50 million over 10 years, upon retaining its headquarters and most of its base year employees in Nebraska.

The bill also creates a grant program to help with employee retention and recruitment during a business merger and allows companies to use ImagiNE Nebraska Act credits to pay up to 50% of employees’ childcare costs. Additionally, LB1165 increases credit percentages for companies that meet certain job creation and investment thresholds.  

“LB 1165 is a significant step forward for Nebraska’s economic future and a clear signal that our state is serious about competing and winning in today’s national economy,” said Heath Mello, President & CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. “This legislation strengthens our ability to grow primary jobs, support working families, and provide the tools businesses need to expand and invest in Nebraska, positioning our state to compete at a higher level.”

Matt Williams, interim president of the NE Chamber of Commerce & Industry, reinforced the bill’s ability to strengthen Nebraska’s competitiveness with disciplined, transparent, performance-based incentives.

“LB 1165 meets the moment. It supports manufacturing growth, expands workforce participation through childcare investment, and attracts high-wage jobs that benefit every community. This bill is a thoughtful, forward-looking step to grow our economy, retain talent, and create opportunity for the next generation of Nebraskans,” said Williams.

In addition to ceremoniously signing LB 1165, Gov. Pillen also touted LB 847 brought by Senator Kathleen Kauth, which puts a significant focus on boosting apprenticeship opportunities across the state. Building off the Good Life, Great Careers initiative, created through the Governor’s executive order last fall, the bill establishes the Nebraska Office of Registered Apprenticeship within the Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL). By transitioning oversight from the U.S. Department of Labor to a state apprenticeship agency, Nebraska will gain authority to design, register, and oversee apprenticeship programs that better reflect its workforce needs.

“Work that leads to self-sufficiency is an essential component of the human condition. This bill showcases, reduces red-tape, and streamlines training for a wide variety of jobs that will be needed as we look toward growing Nebraska,” said Sen. Kauth.

As part of the Good Life, Great Careers initiative, Gov. Pillen said the state would look to add 6,000 new registered apprentices by December 31, 2030.

“Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships are some of the best ways to create pathways, especially for young people, to pursue successful careers,” he added.

“With LB 847 and the new Nebraska Office of Registered Apprenticeship, we can respond faster to workforce needs, tailor standards to employer skill demands, and streamline the whole process of building quality apprenticeship programs,” said NDOL Commissioner Katie Thurber. “Ultimately, employers and workers will both have more flexibility and a quicker path to success.”

To further support workforce development in the state, LB 847 includes another piece of legislation (LB 1015) that will stabilize funding available for programs provided under the Business Innovation Act (BIA). Managed by DED, the BIA provides a variety of grants to businesses and high-tech startups that are looking to get off the ground or are in the early stages of product development

“The Business Innovation Act helps close financial gaps, keeping companies in Nebraska and sends a strong message that Nebraska is committed to long-term innovation and economic competitiveness,” said bill sponsor Sen. Teresa Ibach. “I want to thank Governor Pillen for signing LB 847, and by extension, LB 1015, into law to provide a reliable funding stream for the BIA, supporting growth and opportunity for businesses in Nebraska.”

“We are pleased to see our state leaders prioritizing this collection of big and bold legislation for economic growth,” said Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development President/CEO Jason Ball. “We talk a lot about ROI in business. We fully expect these legislative initiatives, LB 1165 and LB 847, will have an outstanding ROI for job and investment growth that will Grow the Good Life for all Nebraska.”

Based in Germany, CLAAS is an agricultural machinery manufacturer. Its North American headquarters is based in Omaha. In addition, the company, in coordination with Metro Community College, engages apprentices through a highly regarded apprenticeship program.

“CLAAS in Omaha greatly appreciates Governor Jim Pillen and our state senators for their continued support of manufacturing businesses across Nebraska,” said Matthias Ristow, managing director for business administration.  “LB1165 and LB847 have a direct and meaningful impact on our investment activities within the state and on our long-term growth plans. CLAAS is currently constructing a new R&D Center that will benefit from LB1165, while LB847 will help us further expand and strengthen our apprenticeship program.”

Gov. Pillen meets apprentices at CLAAS

Gov. Pillen addresses group for ceremonial signing of LB 1165 & LB 847

Group following presentations and bill signings

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Katrina Cerveny, NEMA, 402-326-3179

Kevin J. Hynes, Nebraska National Guard, 402-309-8390

Gov. Pillen Calls Attention to Recent Firefighting Efforts Involving the State

LINCOLN, NE -- Governor Jim Pillen is calling attention to recent firefighting efforts involving the state.  Between April 22 and 26, the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) closely monitored a series of significant wildfires across Nebraska, highlighting the scale and coordination required to respond to multiple incidents at once.

One of the largest fires was the Pressey Fire near Oconto in Custer County, which burned around 10,000 acres.  Just by chance, members of the National Guard’s Company G, 2-104th General Support Aviation Battalion, were in the area conducting training operations, when they were redirected to assist at the fire about eight miles away. Over three days, two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters dropped 82 buckets, totaling 54,120 gallons of water. In addition to 11 Army National Guard aviators, a joint hand crew of 10 Air and Army Guard members also assisted in firefighting efforts.

Prior to the Pressey Fire, Gov. Pillen put the National Guard on active-duty status, which also helped facilitate the state’s quick response.

“This year the fire threat has been especially acute, given the combination of drought conditions and high winds. It doesn’t take much for a single spark to spread and become an inferno covering more than 15 square miles,” said Gov. Pillen.

“As we continue through this historically dry year, the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency and the Nebraska Army and Air National Guard continue to maintain their vigilance and readiness to support our local communities and firefighting organizations should the need arise, no matter where or when,” added Major General Craig Strong, adjutant general for the Nebraska National Guard.

Additional support for the Pressey Fire included a Wildland Incident Response Assistance Team (WIRAT), Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) water drops, and deployment of a state Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT). Gov. Pillen also issued an emergency proclamation for Custer County, clearing the way for state funds to be used in covering costs associated with fighting the fire.

“We’re really grateful for how well everyone worked together—state, local, and federal partners, along with our National Guard and volunteer firefighters,” said NEMA Assistant Director Erv Portis. “They jumped into action quickly, and their teamwork made a real difference in protecting lives, property, and thousands of acres across Nebraska during a tough stretch.”

Several other fires were reported across the state during the same period. The Arthur-McPherson area saw six separate fires, while the Peterson Fire in Holt County burned approximately 1,000 acres. A fire in Knox County near the Nebraska–South Dakota border covered 180 acres, with suppression efforts supported by SEAT and WIRAT resources.

In northern Nebraska, the Cherry County Complex -- comprised of six separate fires -- burned an estimated 10,500 acres. Meanwhile, the Whitman Fire in Grant County impacted approximately 10,000 acres.

Since the Cottonwood, Morrill, Anderson Bridge and Road 203 fires in March, Gov. Pillen has continued to re-issue executive orders allowing for the transportation of donated hay, fencing and other supplies to livestock producers who have lost pastureland. The most recent of those orders remains in effect through May 14. The order relaxes hours of service, load and weight limits, as well as other regulations for commercial motor carriers.

High winds, low humidity and dry conditions continue to be a concern and could produce conditions that would endanger Nebraskans and damage public and private property. Local fire bans may be in place. During this camping season, visitors should check with their park or recreation area to see if campfires are being permitted.

Additionally, while there is currently no statewide burn ban, it is possible that conditions are not conducive for open burning in some locations. Fire chiefs and their representatives will determine whether such fires pose a safety concern and if permits should be approved.