Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Appoints Flaherty as County Court Judge in Fifth Judicial District

LINCOLN, NE -- Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Breanna D. Flaherty of Columbus as county court judge in the Fifth Judicial District. That district includes Boone, Butler, Colfax, Hamilton, Merrick, Nance, Platte, Polk, Saunders, Seward, and York counties. The vacancy is due to the retirement of Judge C. Jo Petersen.

Flaherty is presently the Platte County Attorney. She has been in that office since 2012, having also served as a deputy and chief deputy in that office. Flaherty is also an adjunct instructor at Central Community College where she has taught criminal law, criminal procedure and other related topics at the Columbus campus.

Flaherty is currently a board member of both the Centro Hispano Comunitario de Nebraska and the Columbus Optimist Club. She has served several state organizations including the Nebraska Coalition for Juvenile Justice, County Attorney Standards Advisory Council and the Nebraska Children’s Commission. Flaherty is also a mock trial attorney coach for Scotus Catholic School.

Flaherty received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Wayne State University, a master’s degree in forensic science from Nebraska Wesleyan University and her juris doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law.

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.