Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Accepts Resignation from Oldenburg on Medical Cannabis Commission; Takes Applications for Vacancy

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen thanked Dr. Monica Oldenburg for her work on the Medical Cannabis Commission and announced that he would take applications to fill her vacancy. Oldenburg was appointed to serve on the Commission in May of last year.  She submitted her letter of resignation to the Governor Monday evening.

Those interested in serving on the Commission may submit an application through the Governor’s website: https://governor.nebraska.gov/boards-commissions-open-positions. Applications may also be mailed to: Office of the Governor, P.O. Box 94848, Lincoln, NE 68509-4848.

Members of the Medical Cannabis Commission serve six-year terms. The appointment is subject to legislative confirmation.

The deadline to apply is Tuesday, March 3 at 5 p.m.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Governor Pillen: “This is justice for the Root family.”

LINCOLN, NE — Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement after a Nebraska court sentenced Eswin Mejia to 20+ years for the drunken, 2016 street racing crash that killed Sarah Root in Omaha. After posting bond, Mejia disappeared and was on the run from American law enforcement for nearly a decade, having fled the United States and returned to Honduras.

“This is justice for the Root family,” said Gov. Pillen. “Sarah Root’s life tragically ended way too early — and our hearts continue to break for her loved ones. But today, we now know that the illegal immigrant who killed Sarah while he was street racing and drunk — who then evaded justice for nearly a decade — was sentenced to more than 20 years in a cold prison cell.

This tragedy absolutely could have been prevented if not for failed immigration enforcement policies of the Obama Administration. We thank federal and local law enforcement for their years-long pursuit of this criminal, and the members of Congress who kept pushing for justice. Thankfully, President Trump signed Sarah’s Law in one of the first actions of his second term, to make sure that this never happens again.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Offers Statement After Girl is Hit by Vehicle at Demonstration

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen offered the following statement upon reports that a girl was struck by a vehicle outside of Fremont High School during a demonstration.

“Here’s a fundamental truth we should all agree upon: Political violence – no matter what – is never okay.

There is a lot about this particular situation we still need to learn, and we trust that local law enforcement will carry out a thorough and complete investigation.

The freedom to peacefully assemble is a cornerstone of American government and must be protected.

We will continue to monitor this situation and pray for the health of the girl who was hit.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Pillen Supports LB730 To Protect Women’s Spaces

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement as the Nebraska Legislature’s Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee holds a hearing on LB730, which would protect the privacy rights of Nebraskans and prohibit members of the opposite sex from utilizing locker rooms and bathrooms reserved for a particular gender. 

“Men shouldn’t be in girl’s private spaces,” said Gov. Pillen. “That’s a straightforward statement — and it shouldn’t be controversial. Unfortunately, many on the left don’t agree. Through LB730, we’re taking action to protect the privacy rights and dignity of students — especially young women — in locker rooms and bathrooms. The safety of our kids is too important, and the vast majority of Nebraskans believe in common-sense, biological realities.”

LB730 was introduced by Senator Kathleen Kauth. Last session, Governor Pillen signed the Stand With Women Act, introduced on his behalf by Senator Kauth, to protect women’s athletics by preventing biological men from competing against girls in K-12 and postsecondary school sports. 

“I proudly support Senator Kauth’s efforts to bring forward this legislation,” Governor Pillen concluded.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Leads Husker Student-Athletes and Others in Governor’s Wellness Walk

LINCOLN, NE – Husker student-athletes joined Governor Jim Pillen and others in taking a few laps around the field at Hawks Championship Center Tuesday for his annual Governor’s Wellness Walk. The event highlights the importance of physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. This year, organizers are adding a new challenge as part of America’s 250th anniversary.

“Our health is one of the most important things we can take care of in our day-to-day lives,” said Gov. Pillen. “You don’t have to be a nutritionist to make active, healthy choices each day. For me, it’s spiritual and mental, and it’s about maintaining a routine -- taking that extra step every day to be the best version of myself; not just for me, but also for my family.”

The Governor’s Wellness Walk is an annual call for all Nebraskans to engage in healthy habits, especially daily physical activity, as one of the many steps people can do to avoid significant health issues. This year, the event also serves as the official kick-off for the America 250 Challenge, a free online activity-tracking challenge produced by the Nebraska Sports Council as part of its WellPower Movement program. 

The WellPower Movement, which has more than 9,800 active members, provides virtual badges and gift card prizes to those who log their physical activity during the year.  Those who log more than 250 miles by June 30 will earn an America 250 badge and will be entered into the grand prize drawing. Winners will be announced on July 4.

“Husker coaches and athletes in every sport know the benefits of competitive practice,” said Mlnarik. “We are calling on all Nebraskans to be competitive with their health, especially boosting our daily physical activity to live healthier and more productive lives.”

Gov. Pillen and Mlnarik were joined by Dr. Tim Tesmer, chief medical officer at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Director Daryl Bohac of the State Historical Society in addressing walkers prior to hitting the football field.  First Lady Suzanne Pillen also joined the group in completing several laps.

“Physical activity is essential to both our physical and mental health, yet too many Nebraskans are not moving enough,” said Dr. Timothy Tesmer, chief medical officer at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. “The good news is that even small steps, like 30 minutes of movement a day, can make a powerful difference. We all have the power to improve our health through everyday choices.”

"Nebraskans will be celebrating our nation's 250th birthday in a variety of ways as we reflect on that pivotal moment in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Revolutionary War began,” noted Dir. Bohac.  “This marks the kick-off of the Nebraska Sports Council's America 250 Challenge, asking Nebraskans to get moving! It’s going to be fun to see how Nebraska stacks up with other states holding similar challenges."

In addition to walking and running, other types of physical activity are also eligible to qualify for the America 250 Challenge including, biking, strength training, hiking and other sports activities. Participants should log onto the portal to register and track their activities. Throughout the year, virtual badges will be awarded to participants for every 50 miles of activity achieved.

For more information about the program, go to wellpowermovement.com. Look for the program under the ‘Challenges’ tab.