Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Highlights Department of Revenue Tax Return Improvements

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is highlighting system changes made by the Nebraska Department of Revenue (NDOR) to speed up refund timeframes for tax returns by applying new system automations, testing initiatives, and process improvements.

“We’re running government like a business – and that means constantly evaluating how we can improve processes to save taxpayer money while bettering services,” said Gov. Pillen. “The Department of Revenue has made major improvements that are allowing tax returns to be processed faster, which means money is getting back to Nebraska families quicker.”

“The Department of Revenue is processing tax returns for Nebraskans faster than ever,” said Nebraska Tax Commissioner Jim Kamm. “So far this tax season the Department has processed 40,000 more returns than we had at this time last year. The Department is processing these filings more efficiently and with a higher accuracy rate. Nebraska families are getting tax refunds sooner, and the Department has seen a material reduction in call volume, improving taxpayer experience.”

Regarding call volume, Kamm noted that these improvements have led to a noticeable reduction in calls to DOR’s Taxpayer Assistance Center regarding the status of refunds, resulting in about 3% fewer calls than last year through March. Commissioner Kamm continued, “The Department has also had success in improving its debt collection processes. The Collections Team has recovered $14.2 million more from October 2025 through March 2026 when compared with the same period a year ago, a 58% increase.”

Increased collections have not translated into increased costs. On the contrary, the Department of Revenue was able to close an office. The operating cost savings are projected to be about $490K annually.  

“This is what a business-minded approach to government can do,” Governor Pillen concluded. “System improvements are creating results that increase quality while also lowering the cost of government and providing more timely refunds to taxpayers.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Announces Retirement of Crime Commission Executive Director Tuma

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pilen announced the retirement of Executive Director Bryan Tuma of the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. His final day with the agency will be June 5.

Tuma has served the state for nearly 45 years, launching his career in the Nebraska State Patrol. He was superintendent of the Patrol for six years. Other leadership roles followed, interspersed with periods of retirement, including as assistant director for the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and most recently, head of the Crime Commission.

“Bryan’s dedication to public safety is unsurpassed. He has spent his life ensuring that our citizens are protected and that those responsible for our safety are trained and ready to respond when the need occurs,” said Gov. Pillen. “Bryan has earned the trust and respect of those with whom he has served. His steady leadership has been an asset to our state.”

“Bryan has made a positive, lasting difference in Nebraska law enforcement,” added Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly. “Nebraskans are safer because of his hard work and dedication.”

Tuma expressed his appreciation to Gov. Pillen for being appointed executive director to the Crime Commission.   

“I wish to thank you for placing confidence in me to lead others to address the important issues related to public safety and criminal justice in Nebraska. While I performed my duties based on obligation, my service to others is voluntary and comes from a deep desire to make Nebraska a better place to live. I cannot overstate the love I have for this state and the people who live here.”

A decision about filling the impending vacancy will be made at a later date.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Announces Departure of Broadband Director Haggerty

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced that Patrick Haggerty, director of the Broadband Office will be leaving his position with the state. Haggerty’s last day with the agency will be May 1, 2026.

“I appreciate Director Haggerty’s public service to the citizens of Nebraska. He has been part of our early and ongoing efforts to expand the state’s broadband infrastructure. I thank him for the leadership he provided to the Broadband Office, and I wish him success in all his future endeavors,” said Gov. Pillen.

“It has been a privilege to serve the citizens of Nebraska and in particular, being part of the process to ensure that we completed all necessary steps and met all deadlines to be considered for critical federal funding to expand broadband into rural areas of our state,” said Haggerty. “I appreciate the work of our broadband team, knowing that this important implementation will move forward, making a difference to all Nebraskans.”

The Broadband Office, which was created by Governor Pillen, is housed in the Department of Transportation. DOT Director Vicki Kramer will serve as interim director of the Broadband Office after May 1.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Issues New Executive Order for Carriers Hauling Wildfire Supplies

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has signed a new executive order to loosen regulations for commercial motor carriers who are hauling feed and other supplies to those impacted by the state’s recent wildfires.

EO 26-11 supersedes the prior executive order (26-09) which went into effect March 28. The new order expires at the end of April 14. 

A copy of EO 26-11 is below.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Signs Mid-Biennium Budget Adjustment Package 

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed the 2026 mid-biennium budget adjustment package with no line-item vetoes.

The Governor thanked Chairman Clements and the Legislature for its work in developing a fiscally conservative bipartisan budget. The final approved budget adopts 91% of the budgetary recommendations championed by Gov. Pillen. These efforts have solved the $627 million biennial budget variance, honored the state’s commitment to providing tax relief for Nebraskans and still maintains nearly $900 million in unobligated reserves.

 “We must be responsible stewards of the public's resources, prioritizing what is necessary over what would be nice to have. We have made extraordinary progress with this year’s budget reductions. We will keep working to meet the expectations of Nebraskans -- reducing government spending, investing in our kids, and lowering property taxes,” said Gov. Pillen.