Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Justin Pinkerman, DED, justin.pinkerman@nebraska.gov

Breakout Sessions and Speakers, Lunch Panel Announced for 2026 Governor’s Summit in Kearney

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen invites Nebraskans to register for the 2026 Governor’s Summit, featuring keynote speakers Ben Sasse and Fred Hoiberg. The event will take place September 28-29 at the Younes Conference Center North in Kearney. Breakout session topics and speakers—along with a lunch panel—have been announced for Tuesday, Sept. 29, the main day of the event. Breakout session information is listed on the Governor’s Summit agenda.

This year, the Governor’s Summit will feature three breakout tracks:

       (1) Why Nebraska’s Workforce Is Growing

       (2) Feeding & Fueling Nebraska’s Ag and Manufacturing Future

       (3) Investing in the Next Generation of Nebraskans

Over lunch, Dr. Josie Schafer, director of the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, will present evidence of encouraging trends in Nebraska’s workforce and population growth. She will also lead a panel discussion featuring young professionals who have decided to stay in Nebraska following graduation from an in-state college. The panel will provide insight on the compelling reasons why young Nebraskans are increasingly choosing to start their careers in the Good Life.

The 2026 Governor’s Summit kicks off on Monday afternoon, Sept. 28, with an update on the 6 Regions, One Nebraska initiative. The Governor’s Office, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, and Nebraska Department of Economic Development co-launched the initiative in 2024 to encourage cooperation, rather than competition, among neighboring communities. Over the past two years, each region has undertaken projects, supported by state and philanthropic funding, to tackle issues like housing affordability and childcare availability.

On Monday evening, the Nebraska Diplomats will host their annual awards banquet at the Governor’s Summit. Gov. Pillen will provide remarks and present awards to individuals, businesses, and communities who have made significant contributions to the state’s growth.

Former Midland University president and U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a native Nebraskan, will headline Tuesday morning’s session at the Summit. Participants will then attend breakout sessions, both before and after lunch, on various topics related to workforce development, agriculture and manufacturing, and creating opportunities for young Nebraskans. Fred Hoiberg, head coach of the Husker men’s basketball team, will keynote the Summit’s afternoon session on Tuesday.

This year’s Governor’s Summit will coincide with the second annual Youth Summit for high school students and recent graduates. The Youth Summit is designed to connect students with rewarding career opportunities in Nebraska. Attendees will meet one-on-one with colleges and employers, gaining privileged access to internships, scholarships, and career opportunities available within the state.

View the Governor’s Summit agenda and register.

View more information about the Youth Summit.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Highlights Key Takeaways from Recent General Fund Receipt Report

LINCOLN, NE -- Governor Jim Pillen is highlighting key takeaways from the most recent General Fund Receipt Report, published today by the Nebraska Department of Revenue.

State receipts continue to be on track for FY 2027. Total receipts for August exceeded the certified forecast by $7.6 million.

Sales tax receipts remain stronger than projected, exceeding the forecast by over $60 million so far, this fiscal year. While gross individual income tax receipts are 5% below forecast, they are down only $1.5 million below the same period of last fiscal year, despite implementing historically low-income tax rates. Income tax refunds are also $37 million below prior year levels so far, tracking nearly exactly with the consensus cash flow forecast.

“Our revenue is on track. That’s great news, but we still have a lot of work ahead of us to deliver a balanced budget for hard-working Nebraskans,” said Gov. Pillen. “Continued spending cuts will further ensure the state is living within its means. That’s running government like a business, and it’s what Nebraskans expect of us.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Reissues Order Relaxing Commercial Motor Carrier Operations

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has reissued an executive order to assist with continued commercial motor carrier operations in support of Nebraska farmers and ranchers impacted by wildfires. The order relaxes certain requirements, facilitating the delivery of feed and other supplies.

The order applies to hours of service and over-dimension restrictions. It is effective through October 11.

Similar orders have continued to be issued by the Governor since mid-March, when the first wildfires occurred.

A copy of the order is included below. 

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Announces Flag Order for Patriot Day

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced that all U.S. and state flags should be flown at half-staff tomorrow, September 11, in recognition of Patriot Day. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks, killing 2,977 Americans.

“This year is particularly somber, as we mark what was the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil,” said Gov. Pillen. “Like many tragic moments that have defined our collective history, we can still recall where we were when the attacks took place. It is incumbent on all of us, including those not even born yet, to remember the heroism and sacrifices of those who died, as well as the courage and strength displayed as a nation to prevail in the aftermath.”  

The flag order is effective from sunrise tomorrow until sunset.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Holds Ceremonial Bill Signing for LB 1091 to Expand Access to Specialized Healthcare

OMAHA, NE – On Wednesday, Governor Jim Pillen hosted a ceremonial bill signing for LB 1091, designed to protect and streamline specialized medical coverage for vulnerable patients. The event was hosted at Quality Living, Inc., which provides world-class rehabilitation and care to people from across the U.S. as well as Nebraska. Participants at the event included Senator Elliot Bostar, QLI board and staff members, representatives from Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals and Ambassador Health, and clients from QLI.

Introduced by Sen. Bostar and passed unanimously by state lawmakers, LB 1091 ensures consistent, high-quality care for individuals with special and long-term medical needs under Nebraska’s medical assistance program.

“LB 1091 reflects a simple but importance commitment – Nebraskans living with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other complex medical conditions deserve access to specialized care that gives them the best opportunity to reach their fullest potential and to do so with dignity,” said Gov. Pillen. “The partnership between our long-term special needs providers and the State of Nebraska has improved the lives of thousands of our most vulnerable residents and LB 1091 strengthens that partnership for what I know will be years to come.”

Historically, individuals requiring high-acuity long-term care such as those living with complex medical dependencies, faced prior-authorization roadblocks and administrative delays from Nebraska’s Medicaid managed care program. LB 1091 addresses these barriers by routing high-acuity long-term care through a direct fee-for-service structure under the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Because Nebraska’s Medicaid managed care program relies on strict prior authorizations and utilization management to control costs, exempting high-acuity special needs care will eliminate unnecessary delays that can disrupt urgent or continuous treatment. Through close collaboration among healthcare providers, key stakeholders, DHHS, and the Health and Human Services Committee, the final legislation was structured to be cost-neutral.

“Passage of this legislation will ensure that Nebraskans with complex medical needs can access the highly specialized long-term care they need to recover, regain their independence and return home,” said Sen. Bostar. “Getting this bill across the finish line took collaboration among providers, families, DHHS, the Governor’s team, and my colleagues in the Legislature. I’m grateful to QLI, Madonna and Ambassador Health for their leadership and advocacy, and proud that Nebraska came together around a solution that puts patients and their long-term outcomes first.”

Healthcare leaders who partnered on the effort emphasized the law’s immediate impact on patients’ stability and access to specialized services.

“Our mission has always been about more than providing care. It’s about helping people rebuild their lives and showing them there can still be hope after a catastrophic injury,” said Nash Mahupete, President and CEO of QLI. “With LB 1091, the system helps to get them that care, not stand in their way.”

“LB 1091 provides important stability for Nebraskans with complex medical and nursing needs who rely on specialized care,” stated Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals. “Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals was proud to partner with QLI, Ambassador Health, and state leaders to help advance this legislation. We are especially grateful to Senator Bostar for championing LB 1091, Senator Prokop for making it a legislative priority, and Governor Pillen for signing this important measure into law.”

“LB 1091 is a tremendous outcome for Nebraskans with medically complex needs, improving access to specialized services and coordination of care,” added Ambassador Health. “It is a great example of what Nebraska can accomplish when state leaders, providers, patients, and families work together. Ambassador Health is proud to have been part of that effort and to continue serving children with medically complex needs and adults requiring ventilator care.”

Under the bill, DHHS must amend Medicaid managed care contracts, including revisions to enrollment processes, no later than six months after the bill’s effective date.

Gov. Pillen addresses attendees at ceremonial signing for LB 1091

QLI CEO & President Nash Mahupete addresses attendees at ceremonial siging for LB 1091

Gov. Pillen signs LB 1091, with Sen. Bostar and QLI CEO Nash Mahupete