Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Report Highlights Nebraska's Low Poverty Rates

LINCOLN, NE – A recent report highlights Nebraska’s low poverty rates, ranking Nebraska among the lowest in the nation. Nebraska has the second lowest supplemental poverty rate in the country at 7.5%, compared with rates ranging from 8% to 10.8% in neighboring states.

The Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) has been reported since 2011 and provides a comprehensive picture of economic well-being by accounting for factors such as utility expenses, after-tax income, and government benefits. Nebraska also ranks fourth lowest nationally under the official poverty measure, with a poverty rate of 7.3%.

Broken down by age, among children under 18, Nebraska is ranked fifth on the SPM and is third for those ages 18 to 64. The state is ninth for people over 64, as determined by the SPM.

The report, issued by the U.S. Census Bureau, calculates data over a three-year average.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Kevin Hynes, Nebraska National Guard, (402) 309-8390

Governor and First Lady Honor Military Spouses with New Service Ribbon

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen and First Lady Suzanne honored five spouses of recently retired Nebraska National Guard soldiers and airmen yesterday during a ceremony at the Governor’s Residence. Each spouse was presented with the state’s new Nebraska National Guard Military Spouse Service Ribbon.

“I just want to simply say on behalf of all the people in Nebraska, thank you very, very much,” said Gov. Pillen. “It takes an extraordinary family to support the spouse that loves this place and is committed to do everything they can. We’re just incredibly grateful.”

As commander-in-chief, the Governor talked about the opportunity to engage with members of the Nebraska Army and Air National Guard -- public servants he described as  “second to none.”

“It can’t happen without the other half being 100 percent committed, 100 percent on the team,” added Gov. Pillen, who signed a proclamation marking Oct. 27 as Military Spouse Appreciation Day.  That document also calls for the permanent creation and presentation of the Nebraska National Guard Military Spouse Service Ribbon as an official state decoration.

The ribbon, which is now included in the Guard’s state-level awards program, was authorized by Maj. Gen. Craig Strong, Nebraska’s adjutant general. It is to be presented to the spouse of a Guard service member in recognition of their “profound and meritorious service” on the occasion of their service member’s retirement.

The 1 3/8th inch ribbon, consisting of multiple gold, white, blue and red stripes, is designed to be worn on the lapel of the spouse during formal occasions. Eligibility for the new ribbon is retroactive to Guard spouses whose service member retired after May 8, 2026.

The initiative for creating the ribbon was jointly spearheaded by senior enlisted leaders of the Nebraska National Guard – Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Krecklow (Army) and Command Chief Master Sgt. Scott Tontegode (Air). It’s believed that Nebraska is the first state to have such a recognition.

“Throughout the history of this great state, when emergencies and disasters have happened, our Nebraska National Guard soldiers and airmen have been ready to shoulder whatever burden they have been given to help their communities, their state and their nation,” said Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly. “But, along with our state’s soldiers and airmen, our National Guard spouses also made that commitment by shouldering enormous burdens, making numerous sacrifices as their loved ones continued to serve.”

First Lady Suzanne Pillen echoed those thoughts, adding that the new ribbon helps recognize the countless sacrifices that Guard spouses make in support of their soldiers and airmen.

“When a Guard member is called, it is the spouse who is called upon to hold the family together. That person ensures that home life continues, taking children to school, maintaining their own job, paying the bills, fixing the meals and, in some cases handling critical issues while their military member is away,” said the First Lady. “It is a tremendous responsibility. Deployments can last months, and sometimes much longer. Our spouses serve just as assuredly as those who wear the uniform. They represent a partnership in service to our state.”

“Anyone who has worn the uniform of the Nebraska National Guard knows an undeniable truth: the soul of our formation does not reside in our armories, our readiness centers, our aircraft or our weapons systems. It resides around the kitchen tables of Nebraska, in the hearts of the spouses who stand watch at home while our soldiers and airmen stand watch across the globe,” added Maj. Gen. Strong. “In military doctrine, we speak often of “force multipliers’ -- assets that dramatically increase the combat effectiveness of a force. Make no mistake, our military spouses are the ultimate force multipliers of the Nebraska National Guard."

The first recipients of the new Nebraska National Guard Military Spouse Service Ribbon are:

• Angie Ropers, wife of retired Army Brig. Gen. Gary Ropers
• Jeanne Varejcka, wife of retired Army Col. Shane Varecjka
• Stacie Koehler, wife of retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Curtis Koehler
• Shellie Mueller, wife of retired Air Force Col. Wade Mueller
• Michelle Haugland, wife of retired Air Force Master Sgt. Tyler Haugland

Nebraska National Guard Military Spouse Service Ribbon

Gov. Pillen addresses Guard military members and their spouses at the Governor’s Residence

First Lady pins ribbon during ceremony recognizing military spouses

First Lady thanks ribbon recipient

Group photo of Guard military members, ribbon recipients and ceremony participants

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for Flood Damaged Counties

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has requested a federal disaster declaration due to severe flooding that occurred Sept. 30 through Oct. 6. The request for public assistance applies to the following counties: Douglas, Fillmore, Lancaster, Saline, Sarpy, Saunders, Seward and Thayer.

Those counties sustained damage to water control facilities, roadways, bridges, electrical distribution infrastructure, schools, public buildings and equipment. In addition, Lancaster, Thayer and Saunders counties had extensive amounts of debris that required removal. Damage assessments have already exceeded $23 million and could go higher.

“I have asked President Trump, through a request submitted to FEMA, to consider the extent of damage resulting from this extraordinary flooding event and to grant a request for public assistance, which will help cover the costs that communities, counties and our Natural Resource Districts will incur through repairs and recovery,” said Gov. Pillen.

Thunderstorms, which started on Sept. 30 caused widespread flash flooding. Rainfall was particularly significant in Lancaster and Douglas counties. In Omaha, 80 water rescues were reported.

In a separate request, Gov. Pillen has asked for a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration for Douglas County. As a result of the same flooding event, at least 25 homes and/or businesses were damaged, exceeding uninsured losses of at least 40 percent.

If granted, those property owners would have access to low interest loans to assist with their recovery.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Governor and Energy Assistant Secretary Tout Investments into State’s Grid

FREMONT, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen touted investments to Nebraska’s energy grid during a news conference with Assistant Secretary Katie Jereza of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Electricity. In addition to announcing additional federal funding resources, Gov. Pillen and Asst. Sec. Jereza joined Director Jesse Bradley of the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) and Fremont Mayor Dev Sookram in recognizing local projects that benefited through the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant program.

The program, which is administered by DWEE, provides funding to modernize critical energy infrastructure, lower electricity costs, and strengthen America’s power grid. Over the first three years of the program, the state has received $15.7 million and received an additional $9.28 million combined for the program’s last two years.

“Reliable electricity is essential to Nebraska’s families, farms, businesses, and communities,” said Gov. Pillen. “Strengthening the infrastructure that delivers that electricity helps protect public safety and supports our state’s economic future.”

“A strong and dependable grid is the backbone of American economic prosperity,” said Asst. Sec.  Jereza. “This funding will help Americans across the country, including our tribal partners, optimize their electricity systems and prepare for future growth while strengthening energy security and deploying technologies that lower the long-term cost of delivering reliable power.”

Through the Grid Resiliency program, DWEE has awarded more than $13.8 million among 14 Nebraska communities and public power districts. Combined with more than $12.3 million in matching funds, these projects represent $26 million in grid infrastructure investments.

Awarded projects include replacing old poles and transformers, improving substations, installing stronger and more efficient transmission lines, and using new technology to better monitor and manage the flow of electricity.

“These investments address specific local risks and impact communities across Nebraska,” said Dir. Bradley “Our goal is to help utilities prevent avoidable outages, limit the impact of disruptions, and restore service more quickly for the communities they serve.”

The City of Fremont received $1.9 million in Grid Resiliency funds to relocate one of its 69kV transmission circuits to eliminate a double-circuited power supply. The upgrade included storm mitigation-based design standards using upgraded poles and conductors. The city provided $3.1 million in local matching funds for the project.

“This grant is helping Fremont strengthen our electric system by reducing the risk of storm-related outages and providing more flexibility for maintenance. By moving a transmission line onto its own route and using stronger materials, we can better protect the reliable service our residents and businesses depend on,” explained Mayor Sookram. “We appreciate DOE and the state’s partnership in making these improvements possible for our community.”

Nebraska’s additional funding allocation will provide an opportunity to build on the projects already taking place across Nebraska and support further grid resilience improvements.

“Nebraska utilities understand the challenges that severe storms, high winds, and ice place on their systems. These investments help communities prepare before the next storm and recover more quickly when disruptions occur,” noted Gov. Pillen. “We appreciate the DOE’s partnership and the commitment of Nebraska’s utilities, local leaders, engineers and utility workers. Together, we are investing in dependable electricity and stronger Nebraska communities.”

Gov. Pillen addresses attendees at news conference touting investments through the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant program.

Asst. Sec. Jereza addresses attendees at news conference touting investments through the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant program.

Gov. Pillen, Asst. Sec. Jereza, Director Bradley and Mayor Sookram stand with representatives from public power utilities and news conference attendees

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Carla Felix, DWEE, (402) 471-4223

Gov. Pillen Recognizes Plattsmouth for Improvements to Drinking Water & Wastewater Infrastructure for Residents

PLATTSMOUTH, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen recognized Plattsmouth for its efforts in improving water infrastructure for its residents. Speaking at the Plattsmouth Public Library, the Governor was joined by Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) Director Jesse Bradley, NEMA Recovery Section Administrator Donny Christensen, and Plattsmouth Mayor R. Paul Lambert.

Plattsmouth has partnered with DWEE to improve its drinking water and wastewater infrastructure following the devastating flooding in 2019. Flooding left the city’s water and wastewater facilities inundated and inoperable for months. Through the state’s State Revolving Fund (SRF), DWEE was able to provide bridge funding for Plattsmouth to make repairs as soon as possible until FEMA funding could be provided.

“Plattsmouth has shown extraordinary resiliency in the aftermath of the flood, and it continues to do so as it builds drinking water and wastewater infrastructure that will serve its citizens into the future,” said Gov. Pillen.

The State’s Drinking Water (DW) and Clean Water (CW) SRF programs provide low-interest loans and loan forgiveness to communities for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects, respectively.

Plattsmouth received $23 million in DWSRF funds to connect its drinking water to the Metropolitan Utilities District of Omaha to secure reliable, safe drinking water, relieving the city from relying on wells and treatment that is vulnerable to flooding. The city also received $37.9 million in CWSRF funding to construct a lift station to send wastewater to its new treatment facility that is protective of the 500-year floodplain.

“The 2019 flooding caused devastating damage to Plattsmouth’s wastewater facility,” said DWEE Dir. Bradley. “Now, Plattsmouth is looking ahead and building resilient infrastructure for its future.”

Plattsmouth received this SRF funding at a 0% interest rate to remain in compliance with the SRF’s memorandum of understanding with FEMA to ensure there is no duplication of funds.

“Recovering from a disaster of this scale takes time, coordination, and strong partnerships,” added NEMA Administrator Christensen “Through the coordinated efforts of local, state, and federal partners, funding was secured to support critical repairs and help Plattsmouth restore essential water and wastewater services while building greater resilience for the future.”

Infrastructure improvements like Plattsmouth’s help protect the health and safety of Nebraska residents, improve resiliency, and help strengthen Nebraska’s economy, all while keeping the financial burden on taxpayers to a minimum.

“Today, we celebrate far more than a wastewater plant or a water project. We celebrate resilience. We celebrate partnership. And we celebrate a future built on infrastructure that will serve the citizens of Plattsmouth for generations to come,” said Mayor Lambert.  “Together, we are building more than infrastructure. We are building Plattsmouth’s future.”

Since their inception, Nebraska’s SRF programs have provided more than $1.75 billion in assistance across 713 loans to 326 communities. DWEE expects to fund roughly 40 new projects over the next two years, totaling approximately $220 million. These programs operate as a revolving fund, so repaid dollars continuously cycle back into the program to benefit additional communities.

“Safe drinking water and proper wastewater treatment are fundamental to the health of our communities and the strength of our economy,” said Gov. Pillen. “This project is about more than pipes, valves and equipment. It’s about protecting public health, supporting the community, and investing in Plattsmouth’s future.”