Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Signs First-In-Nation Digital Asset Bank Charter

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen, joined by Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance (NDBF) Director Kelly Lammers, issued a charter to Telcoin Digital Asset Bank to operate a digital asset depository institution in Nebraska. This new charter for a digital asset bank is the first of its kind in the United States.

“With this first-in-the-nation approach, Nebraska is leading a new era of digital payments by issuing a charter to a digital asset bank that can 'mint' stablecoins,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “Our message to the industry is simple: Nebraska is open for your business.”

“This special purpose bank is designed under Nebraska law to ensure the payment is always good,” said NDBF Director Kelly Lammers.  “The funds backing each stablecoin are predominantly U.S. government bonds or deposits in FDIC-insured Nebraska banks. We appreciate Governor Pillen’s support in pioneering a new type of bank for Nebraskans.”

“We’re very thankful to Governor Pillen, Congressman Flood, Director Lammers and his team for having the vision to see that this is about more than cryptocurrency. It’s about the technology of money, payments, and banking – financial technology innovation right here in Nebraska,” said Paul Neuner, founder and chief executive officer of Telcoin. “This charter is a milestone in the history of banking, but it also demonstrates that rural communities can play a part in emerging technologies – Norfolk, Nebraska can be at the center of the internet of money.”

For Nebraskans, stablecoins – a version of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a steady value – may soon be another payment option alongside checks, debit cards, and digital wallets. 

Telcoin’s Digital Asset Banks charter under the Nebraska Financial Innovation Act will allow them to operate a stablecoin and digital asset business within the regulated financial industries of Nebraska, bringing together financial innovation and banking.

By effectively and efficiently regulating chartered digital asset entities such as Telcoin Digital Asset Bank, the NDBF will help ensure that Nebraska remains at the forefront of financial innovation and supervise all chartered digital asset entities to ensure they operate in a safe and sound manner.

Nebraska has been a leader in developing a regulatory framework for digital assets. On May 26, 2021, the Nebraska Financial Innovation Act was signed into law and became effective on October 1, 2021. It was championed by Mike Flood, now-U.S. Representative for Nebraska’s 1st District.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Appoints Derek Vaughn as Associate Supreme Court Justice

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of the Honorable Derek Ray Vaughn of Omaha to the Nebraska Supreme Court, representing the Second Judicial District. His appointment fills the vacancy left by Justice Miller-Lerman who stepped down Oct. 31 after 33 years of service.

“Judge Vaughn has notable experience as a judge and as a prosecutor,” said Gov.  Pillen. “He has a heart for the Omaha community and a long-standing history of public service. His integrity and commitment to the law are evident and I’m pleased to promote him to this role on the Nebraska Supreme Court.”

Standing next to his wife Jacqueline, his children Raionna and Darius, and other family members including his mother Shirley, Justice Vaughn offered his profound appreciation.

“I’m grateful to Gov. Pillen for this amazing opportunity,” said Justice Vaughn. “I look forward to continuing my service to the people of Nebraska.”

Since August 2023, Justice Vaughn has been a district court judge in Douglas County. Prior to that, he was a county court judge for 10 years, also in Douglas County. He spent several years in the Douglas County Attorney’s Office, handling criminal and civil cases as well as a considerable caseload for the county’s problem-solving courts.

Justice Vaughn has been an adjunct instructor at several regional colleges and universities including the University of Nebraska – Omaha (UNO), Midland University and Dana College. He has served on a number of boards including the City of Omaha Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Urban League of Nebraska Board of Directors, the Nebraska Coalition for Juvenile Justice and the Office of Violence Prevention Advisory Board.

Justice Vaughn is part of the Nebraska Bench Media Committee, which works to foster positive and professional relationships between attorneys, courts and the media. He is also involved with the Salem Baptist Church and is a coordinator for the Zion Baptist Church Wild Game Feast.

During today’s announcement, Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly talked about his longstanding friendship with Justice Vaughn, which began more than 20 years ago when they were both prosecutors. Lt. Gov. Kelly highlighted a few of the things that made Justice Vaughn a great fit for the state Supreme Court -- one of those being Justice Vaughn’s love of community and things he did “off of the bench.”

“He’s a people person,” continued Lt. Gov. Kelly. “He likes to meet people, he likes to learn about what they’re doing, what they’re up to and he listens. Listening is a great part of the job.”

Justice Vaughn has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and earned his juris doctor from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL) College of Law.  

The Nebraska Supreme Court Second Judicial District consists of Douglas County.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Governor Pillen Signs Executive Order Restricting Taxpayer Dollars

to Abortion Providers

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order placing restrictions on abortion providers from receiving taxpayer dollars. The order directs the Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to review those providers receiving Medicaid funds and determine if those providers have been excluded, disenrolled, or sanctioned by a Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program of any state. Those determined to be in violation will be sanctioned or disenrolled.

“Nebraskans have made clear they support a culture of love and life in our state – one that provides protections for the unborn,” said Gov. Pillen. “Throughout my administration, I have advocated for laws that support those values. I’m proud that we can take this bold step in halting funding to abortion providers that receive Medicaid funding.” 

While federal and Nebraska laws have prohibited taxpayer funds from being used specifically for abortion, abortion providers have, prior to this executive order, been able to receive taxpayer funds for other services like family planning. Typically, those services make up a small percentage of what providers offer, whereas the primary service consists of performing abortions.  

“This has been an issue that's been in the background for a long time for a lot of people. In fact, the desire of Nebraska taxpayers to not have their funds be used for abortions has been in state statutes for some time,” noted Attorney General Mike Hilgers.

He explained that two things happened recently, clearing the way for Gov. Pillen’s executive order. The first was passage of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, prohibiting the use of federal tax dollars to pay certain entities that provide abortions. 

The second was a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of South Carolina’s actions in terminating abortion providers and their affiliates from that state’s Medicaid program. South Carolina’s actions triggered Nebraska regulations that allow DHHS to terminate the enrollment of providers and their affiliates that have been terminated or excluded from another state’s program. 

“Nebraskans care about the lives of the unborn. And through laws passed by their state and federal representatives, Nebraskans have made clear that they want their hard-earned taxpayer dollars going to good healthcare, not subsidizing abortions,” added AG Hilgers. “I am thankful for the opportunity to work with the Governor to ensure taxpayer dollars go to those who help Nebraskans and not those who do harm.” 

Medicaid payments to abortion providers for non-abortion services in Nebraska totaled $172,164.11 in FY 2024 and $341,972.18 in FY 2025.

Gov. Pillen joined DHHS CEO Steve Corsi in explaining that while the executive order may result in the disenrollment of some clinics from Medicaid, there are other clinics and resources available across the state. 

“I want to stress Nebraska has ample resources for women who need health care services. There are 12 clinics across Omaha and four in the city of Lincoln,” said Gov. Pillen.

Medicaid-approved providers can be found on DHHS’ website: https://mltcfindprovider-dhhs.nebraska.gov/. 

The Governor’s executive order is attached to this email.

CONTACT:    

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495   

Gov. Pillen Accepting Applications for Douglas County Election Commissioner

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is accepting applications to fill the position of Douglas County Election Commissioner. The vacancy is due to the resignation of Brian Kruse, who is leaving the role for an opportunity in the private sector.

Gov. Pillen thanked Kruse for his decade of service to the citizens of Douglas County.

“Brian has always maintained high standards for his office and ensuring the integrity of local, general and special elections. I appreciate his years of public service and the level of excellence that he brought to such a critical role.”

In his resignation letter, Kruse extended his appreciation to Gov. Pillen adding, “It has been an honor and a privilege for the last decade to serve the voters of Douglas County in administering fair, accurate and impartial elections.”

Per state law, the governor appoints election commissioners for counties larger than 100,000 people which includes Douglas, Sarpy and Lancaster. 

Applications should be submitted through the Governor’s website at https://governor.nebraska.gov/boards-commissions-open-positions  or in writing to: Office of the Governor, P.O. Box 94848, Lincoln, NE 68509-4848.

The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. on November 26.

CONTACT:    

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495   

Gov. Pillen Appoints Joey Spellerberg as State Treasurer, Thanks Tom Briese for Service

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Joey Spellerberg to the position of state treasurer. Spellerberg fills a vacancy due to the departure of Tom Briese, who is resigning to spend more time with his family.

“In terms of having someone ready to jump into the role of state treasurer, I could not be more pleased in announcing my appointment of Joey Spellerberg,” said Gov. Pillen. “He expressed interest in the role two years ago. He has strong credentials as a fiscal conservative, business owner and leader for the community of Fremont.”

Spellerberg has been mayor of Fremont since 2020. He was re-elected to his second term last year. Spellerberg’s administration has focused on fiscal responsibility, public safety, attracting new business and economic development. Spellerberg has led efforts to reduce the city’s property tax levy and has helped to establish the Fremont Inland Port Authority.

Spellerberg is also president of his family’s tour and travel business, Moostash Joe Tours, which has grown from a small home-based business to a regional leader in tour operations. He is vice president of the League of Nebraska Municipalities, chairman of the League Association of Risk Management and co-chair of the Metro Community College region for Gov. Pillen’s 6 Regions, One Nebraska initiative.

At today’s announcement, Spellerberg admitted the call to leadership came unexpectedly, but that he was ready to go to work.

“As treasurer, my mission will be to represent the people of Nebraska to the highest standard. I will work tirelessly to be the best steward of the resources and duties that have been entrusted to this office, and I’ll give my all for the betterment of our people and the advancement of our state.”

Spellerberg said that he would be working with Treasurer Briese in the coming days to ensure a smooth transition within the office.

Gov. Pillen also thanked Treasurer Briese for his years of public service.

“Tom has been an extraordinary and staunch leader of conservative fiscal policy. He has helped me immensely since I’ve been governor. He’s a big believer in state funding for K-12 education and identifying efficiencies in state government.”

“It really has been an honor and a privilege to serve Nebraskans for the past nine years – seven years as state senator and the last couple years as your state treasurer,” said Treasurer Briese. “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve in those positions and I’m extremely grateful to the Governor for entrusting me with leadership of the treasurer’s office.”  

A native of Fremont, Spellerberg returned home after earning a degree in marketing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He and his wife Ashley have four children – Sarah, Hannah, Ava and Joseph.