Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Signs Executive Order Establishing Statewide Public Safety Communications Task Force

NORTH PLATTE, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order at North Platte Fire Station 3 establishing the Statewide Public Safety Communications Task Force. The whole-of-government initiative is charged with conducting a top-to-bottom evaluation of Nebraska’s public safety communications ecosystem and delivering actionable recommendations to the Governor’s Office within 60 days.

Led by the Nebraska Military Department, the Task Force will identify technical, operational, and structural gaps in emergency communications highlighted during recent severe weather and wildfire events across the state.

“In Nebraska, we take care of our neighbors. When disaster strikes, Nebraskans roll up their sleeves and pitch in,” said Gov. Pillen. “To do that job safely and effectively, our first responders – especially our volunteer firefighters in rural Nebraska – have got to have tools that actually work. When our first responders call for backup on the radio, that line must be clear and reliable across every square mile of Nebraska.”

The Task Force brings together leadership from key state agencies, local municipalities, county officials, and frontline emergency responders. Participating entities include the Nebraska Military Department, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nebraska State Patrol, Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), Office of the Chief Information Officer, Nebraska State Fire Marshal, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Nebraska Public Power District, League of Nebraska Municipalities, Nebraska Association of County Officials, and representatives from rural volunteer fire leadership.

Major General Craig Strong, adjutant general for the Nebraska National Guard emphasized the work that the state has been doing already to create strong and effective relationships with local governments through the Community Partnership Program. Being engaged with local officials, police, fire chiefs, emergency managers and others is incredibly beneficial, especially when those relationships are formed before an event even happens.

“The Nebraska Military Department is uniquely qualified to lead this effort due to our emergency management functions and our experience in bringing together different agencies to execute a whole of government approach to address an area of important need,” added Maj. Gen. Strong.

Under the directive, the Task Force will conduct a comprehensive audit identifying geographic dead zones and structural vulnerabilities in current radio coverage capabilities. Additionally, the group will review multi-vendor equipment compatibility, hardware end-of-life cycles, and user training gaps across jurisdictions, while evaluating local, state, and federal funding streams to support long-term system sustainability. The Task Force must submit its final fact-finding analysis and actionable recommendations to the Governor no later than 60 days from today’s signing.

Colonel Bryan Waugh, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, pointed out the lessons learned during the terror attacks on 9/11 and the need to have communications interoperability, especially when dangerous situations arise.

“The Nebraska State Patrol is committed to this task force and working alongside our partners, especially those serving rural Nebraska, to identify communication gaps and develop practical solutions. Every first responder, regardless of where they serve, deserves the ability to communicate when lives are on the line.”

Senator Mike Jacobson thanked volunteer firefighters attending today’s news conference, acknowledging their around the clock efforts to bring this year’s devastating wildfires under control. Calling effective communications a necessity, especially for firefighter safety, he noted that the task force would be a step forward to addressing what has been a persistent issue.  

“This year’s wildfires showed just how critical reliable communication is for the first responders serving our communities, especially in rural Nebraska,” said Sen. Jacobson. “I appreciate Governor Pillen’s leadership in identifying where gaps exist, and I look forward to working together on practical solutions that give our first responders the tools they need.”

“As one of the most frequent users of this technology, the experience from the Nebraska Department of Transportation, along with the expertise and resources of the Nebraska Broadband office, makes us well positioned to engage and contribute to the task force,” said NDOT Director Vicki Kramer. “We have already begun investigating gaps, researching opportunities, and outlining solutions to support the task force. We appreciate the Governor’s leadership in taking this important step to better the State’s communication network.”

The executive order takes effect immediately. A copy can be found below.

Executive Order 26-24 Text Version

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Signs onto Pledge to Protect Americans from Fraud

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen joined with Vice President JD Vance and other officials in a pledge to fight fraud.  The Pledge to Protect Americans from Fraud is part of the Trump Administration’s ongoing federal ‘war on fraud’ enacted earlier this year.

Vice President Vance kicked off the pledge on X. It reads in part:

“Each year, hardworking Americans pay trillions of dollars to fund a system of benefits programs for citizens in need. Unfortunately, this generosity and willingness to help our fellow Americans has been abused and exploited by fraudsters, illegal aliens, and corrupt bureaucrats. We must do all we can to stop the fraud and bring fraudsters and their enablers to justice, restoring trust and preserving these programs for future generations. Although previous administrations turned a blind eye to fraud, President Trump and Vice President Vance are aggressively fighting fraudsters nationwide.”

Gov. Pillen, who has been a staunch advocate for running government like a business as a means to cut red tape, boost service delivery and improve accountability for taxpayer dollars, has joined other Republican governor’s in promoting the launch of the initiative.

“Today, I am joining the Vice President’s pledge to protect Americans from fraud and safeguard taxpayer dollars. Together, we will continue working to ensure taxpayer dollars do not end up in the hands of fraudsters but instead go to the American people who need them most,” said Gov. Pillen.

Signatories to the pledge include:

Governor Kay Ivey (AL), Governor Mike Dunleavy (AK), Governor Sarah Sanders (AR), Governor Brad Little (ID), Governor Mike Braun (IN), Governor Kim Reynolds (IA), Governor Jeff Landry (LA), Governor Tate Reeves (MS), Governor Mike Kehoe (MO), Governor Greg Gianforte (MT), Governor Jim Pillen (NE), Governor Joe Lombardo (NV), Governor Kelly Armstrong (ND), Governor Mike DeWine (OH), Governor Kevin Stitt (OK), Governor Henry Dargan McMaster (SC), Governor Larry Rhoden (SD), Governor Bill Lee (TN), Governor Greg Abbott (TX), Governor Spencer Cox (UT), Patrick Morrisey (WV), Governor Mark Gordon (WY).

The Vice President’s pledge is included below. 

Text version.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen: Elite Ranking in Economic Momentum Report is No Surprise

LINCOLN, NE – The latest economic momentum report highlights why Nebraska is open for business. Nebraska’s economic vitality is in the top tier of states, placing 5th in the Index of State Economic Momentum.

“Our elite ranking is no surprise,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “We have fought for a historically conservative budget, improved our state tax code and bolstered the business climate in our state. Nebraskans keep more of their hard-earned money and have seen higher personal income growth than anywhere else in the country”  

Once again, the Index puts Nebraska in the top ten, based on its placement in three metric areas: employment growth, personal income growth, and population growth. Nebraska leads the nation with the highest rate of personal income growth.

Published quarterly by State Policy Reports through Federal Funds Information for States (FFIS), the Index indicates which states are performing well and outpacing the national average.

Below are the categories and rankings for Nebraska:

Economic Momentum Growth, 5th

Personal Income Growth, 1st

Population Growth, 18th

Unemployment Rate, 6th

Labor Force Growth, 19th

National employment growth remains modest, with overall employment increasing just 0.5%. Nebraska improved in this ranking up to 35th, with an increase of 0.2%. The state’s unemployment rate remained one of the lowest in the nation (6th) at 2.9%.

“Our state is strong, people are finding great careers and we have the momentum,” said Gov. Pillen. “The Good Life is open for business and opportunities abound here.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Thanks Trump for Presidential Executive Order to Lower Diesel Prices

GRAND ISLAND, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is thanking President Donald Trump for taking action to ensure that heartland farmers receive even more relief at the pumps. The President signed an executive order at his much-anticipated rally in Grand Island tonight to further address rising diesel prices and assist farmers during their busy fall harvest.

The order clears the path for the temporary use of red dye diesel for highway use and defers the applicable federal excise tax.

“This action expands on state efforts I enacted by executive order just a few weeks ago. This will greatly assist farmers who are dealing with extraordinarily high diesel prices, impacting everything they do – from field operations to transportation of their products and livestock.

I appreciate that President Trump signed his order today in Nebraska. Agriculture is the tip of the spear in our great state, and we need to continue to do all that we can to feed the world and save the planet. President Trump knows that and we appreciate his support.”

Late last month Gov. Pillen issued a pair of executive orders – one to increase the load capacity of trucks hauling seasonably produced products and livestock. The second order authorizes the use of red dye diesel and provides a state tax refund for using clear diesel in ag operations and vehicles.

Information about the President's executive order.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Declares Emergency for Southeast Nebraska

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has declared an emergency for southeast Nebraska in the aftermath of heavy rain and severe flooding. Record setting rainfall amounts were reported across the region, in some areas resulting in the rescue of stranded motorists from flooded roadways.

On Thursday, the Governor joined Erv Portis, assistant director for the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and representatives from the Nebraska National Guard, Lancaster County and the Lower Platte South NRD for a look at some of the affected areas in northern Lancaster County and to receive a briefing on the latest conditions. There, Gov. Pillen signed the emergency proclamation. 

The declaration will allow for the use of state resources and also require state and federal agencies to cooperate with and support the adjutant general of Nebraska, who also serves as the director of NEMA.

NEMA is currently working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Small Business Administration (SBA), and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to align resources as damage assessments are compiled. That information will help to determine if and what level of assistance is available to individuals, businesses and others who have been impacted by flooding.

Text version of the proclamation.

A copy of the proclamation is included below.

Gov. Pillen signs emergency proclamation for southeast Nebraska due to flooding

Governor briefed on flooding conditions