Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Jeff Powell, DHHS, Jeff.Powell@nebraska.gov

Gov. Pillen Celebrates Elimination of the Developmental Disabilities Waitlist

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen joined leaders from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Vital Services, Inc., program participants and families in celebrating the elimination of the developmental disabilities (DD) waitlist and improving support for Nebraskans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The elimination of the waitlist is the result of an unprecedented investment of over $18 million, plus matching federal funds, to better enable the delivery of support services to children with disabilities and their families.

“Eliminating the DD waitlist is a great accomplishment for the state of Nebraska,” said Gov.  Pillen. “Now, children and adults with IDD can access support at the time they need it. The new approach ensures a full continuum of care for individuals and their families, creating better opportunities and outcomes. Our kids are our future, and it is our responsibility to give each one the best future possible.”

Historically, the DHHS Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) has maintained a waitlist for developmental disability waivers. In March of 2024, there were 2,706 individuals on the waitlist. At that time, Gov. Pillen joined representatives from DHHS in announcing that the state would eliminate the waitlist and establish a new approach to DDD services.

During that 15-month process, more than 3,000 individuals were eliminated from the waitlist, including those who came on after March 2024. The new program provides the following:

• Medicaid for DD eligible children that meet the required level of care

• Additional access to family support and day services waivers that allow families to live together

• Case management services for individuals who do not require waiver services

• Employment services

• Comprehensive DD waivers based on a nationally validated needs assessment adopted by DHHS with the support of stakeholders

• New models of staffing including remote support and Legally Responsible Individuals (LRI) as paid providers for personal care

• Expansion of independent providers

“Today we celebrate with everyone who made the elimination of the DD Waitlist possible – Governor Pillen, leadership in the DD community, participants, family members, providers, our partners, front line staff, and many more,” said Tony Green, Director of DDD.   “As of this week, all individuals on the DD waitlist will have received an offer letter. Waivers, natural supports, and Medicaid assistance allow those individuals to remain in their communities, seek employment, and explore a future that meets the needs of each participant at each stage of life.”

Today’s news conference was hosted by Vital Services, Inc., a local organization supporting individuals with IDD by offering residential support, supported employment, and day support in the Lincoln area. Prior to the announcement, Gov. Pillen, First Lady Suzanne, and Dir. Green received a tour of the facility and greeted program participants and staff.

“Vital Services, Inc. teaches life skills to people with developmental disabilities and cares for each person’s unique needs with a variety of assistance programs. Our programs provide individuals with the tools to achieve independence, advocate for themselves, and integrate into their community. We are excited and grateful to celebrate with Governor Pillen the transformation in access to developmental disabilities services in Nebraskans,” said Joshua Bumgardner, Development Director of Vital Services, Inc.

Andi Aschoff and her daughter, Kira Amos also spoke to the benefits they have experienced personally since DHHS changed its service delivery model. Kira currently receives a family support waiver, one of three waiver types, provided through the DDD program and she is a participant at Vital Services, Inc.

“Having the support has changed our daily lives,” said Aschoff. “We do feel supported, and that really does make a big difference.”

For more information on programs for individuals with IDD, or to apply for services, please visit the DDD website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Developmental-Disabilities.aspx

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Celebrates Ruling Protecting Nebraska Nursing Homes From Biden-era Rule

LINCOLN, NE -- Today, Governor Jim Pillen celebrated a federal court ruling that blocked a Biden-era rule that would have put critical nursing homes in rural Nebraska out of business.

In November 2023, Gov. Pillen joined fellow Republican Governors in submitting a letter to the Biden administration objecting to the impact of proposed federal staffing requirements on long term care facilities. The burdensome and arbitrary new rules would have been nearly impossible for many nursing homes to meet and could have forced their closure.

“This decision is an important and significant win for Nebraska seniors,” said Gov. Pillen. “The overturned rule was issued without regard for the needs of rural America and would have hurt our seniors.  With this court ruling, our rural nursing homes can rest easy that they will not be subjected to baseless and arbitrary staffing requirements that would have certainly impacted the quality of care and their ability to remain open. I am grateful to Attorney General Hilgers and his team for their work representing the State of Nebraska in this case.”

A link to the Attorney General’s news release regarding this ruling is available here:

https://ago.nebraska.gov/news/attorney-general-hilgers-announces-victor…

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Appoints Judge Coffey to Liquor Control Commission

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of J. Michael Coffey to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, representing the 2nd Congressional District. His appointment, while immediate, is subject to confirmation next year by the Nebraska Legislature.

Coffey is a former district court judge in the 4th Judicial District, which consists of Omaha. He retired in June 2023 after nearly 25 years on the bench. Prior to his appointment to the court, Coffey was a practicing attorney in Omaha. He earned his juris doctor from the Creighton University School of Law.

Members of the Liquor Control Commission serve six-year terms. Each person represents a different congressional district in Nebraska.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Appoints Doele as District Court Judge in the Fifth Judicial District

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Jason S. Doele of Norfolk as district court judge in the Fifth Judicial District. That district consists of Boone, Butler, Colfax, Hamilton, Merrick, Nance, Platte, Polk, Saunders, Seward, and York counties.

Doele has been a partner in the law firm of Stratton, DeLay, Doele, Carlson, Stover & Stratton in Norfolk since Feb. 2010. Before that, He was with the firm of Jewell, Collins, DeLay, Gray and Flood, also in Norfolk.

Doele is licensed to practice in both Nebraska and South Dakota. He has held a variety of positions with the Nebraska State Bar Association and served on a variety of committees. Doele is also a member of the Madison County Bar Association where he previously served as president. He is a board member of Faith Regional Health Services and the Lutheran Community Hospital Board. He continues to assist as a mock trial coach through the Nebraska State Bar Foundation.

 Doele attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and earned his juris doctor from the University of South Dakota School of Law.

The vacancy in the Fifth Judicial District was due to the appointment of Justice Jason M. Bergevin to the Nebraska Supreme Court.

MEDIA CONTACT:  

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Encourages Observance of Flag Day

LINCON, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued the statement below, regarding the observance of Flag Day.

“I encourage all Nebraskans to proudly display their American flags in accordance with President Trumps’s proclamation marking June 14 as Flag Day.

The U.S. flag is the most recognizable symbol of freedom, strength and unity across the globe.  It is a reminder of the hard-fought battles that were waged and won, permitting us to live under its banner.   On this day, we should look upon the Stars and Stripes with reverence for all that it represents.”