Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Governor Pillen Issues Statement on Historic Budget Package

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen expressed his appreciation to the Legislature for passing a historic budget which maintains spending on key priorities while addressing the forecasted budget gap projections for the biennium.

“I commend the Nebraska Legislature for its work in passing a balanced and historically conservative 2025-2027 biennial budget package. Nebraskans expect us to reduce government spending, invest in our kids, and lower property taxes.

I thank the Legislature for rolling back expanded spending, putting idle pillowcase money to work, and having the courage to say no to more spending increases. This budget puts money toward education, property tax relief, elimination of the developmental disability waitlist, and bolsters our national nuclear security, all while closing the $432 million deficit reported in November. With this balanced budget, we have the opportunity to make further investments in addressing our property tax crisis. I look forward to working with the Legislature in the coming weeks to do the right thing for Nebraskans."

Gov. Pillen will review the budget package delivered today for any additional spending reductions, which would result in line-item vetoes.

"When we commit to strong fiscal conservatism, investing in our kids, and reducing the tax burden for everyday Nebraskans, we make sure our state is the greatest state in the union to live, work, and raise a family for generations to come.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Vetoes Bill Allowing Convicted Drug Offenders Access to SNAP

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued an immediate veto of LB319, which would expand access to taxpayer-funded food stamps for felon drug dealers. The bill was approved by the Legislature today.

In his veto letter, Gov. Pillen expressed his strong objection to providing taxpayer-funded benefits like SNAP to repeat felons, especially given that the bill would permit those convicted of multiple drug offenses the opportunity to avoid undergoing substance abuse treatment.

The Governor’s veto letter is included with this email.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Speaks on Advancement of Stand With Women Act

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen provided the statement below upon second-round approval by the Legislature of LB89, the Stand With Women Act.

“The advancement of this legislation is a victory. It achieves a key objective – making sure that girls and women are treated fairly when it comes to sports competition. We must do everything we can to protect women and women’s sports. I thank Senator Kauth for championing this legislation and I applaud the athletes and other supporters who advocated for LB89 and the creation of a level playing field.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Appoints Long as District Court Judge in the 7th Judicial District

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Michael L. Long of Norfolk as district court judge in the 7th Judicial District. The district consists of Antelope, Cuming, Knox. Madison, Pierce, Stanton and Wayne counties.

Long has been a county court judge in the 7th Judicial District since 2013. Prior to that, he served as county attorney in Antelope County and was a deputy county attorney in both Madison and Scotts Bluff counties. Long was previously a criminal justice instructor at Northeast Community College and provides regular training to law enforcement officers with the city of Norfolk and Madison County on a variety of legal topics. 

Long attended Kearney State College and earned his juris doctor at Creighton University School of Law.

This vacancy is due to the retirement of Judge Mark A. Johnson.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov Pillen Joins Republican Governors in Recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month and Israel’s Independence Day

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen joined Republican governors in a statement of support for Jewish American Heritage Month and standing in solidarity with Israel on the 77th anniversary of its independence.

In addition to the joint statement, Gov. Pillen said: "Jewish people have had a strong and dynamic influence on Nebraska since its territorial beginnings and have made significant contributions across our state. We stand united in soundly rejecting all forms of antisemitism. I appreciate the partnerships we have fostered so far and look forward to strengthening the bond between Nebraska and Israel moving forward."

Gov. Pillen will sign a proclamation recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month tomorrow.

In their statement, the Republican Governors wrote:

“As public servants and governors, we are proud to recognize May as Jewish American Heritage Month. We encourage all Americans to honor and celebrate the profound historical, cultural, and economic contributions of Jewish Americans who continue to enrich our communities and strengthen our nation. In our classrooms and at the kitchen table, we encourage our citizens to learn more about the strong heritage of our nation’s Jewish American community that has long been a part of our nation’s fabric, beginning with the Revolutionary War.

“The United States was proudly the first nation to recognize the State of Israel, cementing what has been an unbreakable bond for nearly 80 years. We reaffirm our continued, unwavering support for the nation of Israel and her people.

“We stand in solidarity with our nation’s Jewish community, and we condemn the rampant antisemitism, vile religious bigotry, and brutal terrorism that still festers in our country and across the globe.”

Signatories to the statement include: Governor Kay Ivey (AL), Governor Mike Dunleavy (AK), Governor Sarah Sanders (AR), Governor Ron DeSantis (FL), Governor Brian Kemp (GA), Governor Brad Little (ID), Governor Mike Braun (IN), Governor Kim Reynolds (IA), Governor Jeff Landry (LA), Governor Tate Reeves (MS), Governor Mike Kehoe (MO), Governor Greg Gianforte (MT), Governor Jim Pillen (NE), Governor Joe Lombardo (NV), Governor Kelly Ayotte (NH), Governor Kelly Armstrong (ND), Governor Mike DeWine (OH), Governor Kevin Stitt (OK), Governor Jenniffer González-Colón (PR), Governor Henry McMaster (SC), Governor Larry Rhoden (SD), Governor Bill Lee (TN), Governor Greg Abbott (TX), Governor Spencer Cox (UT), Governor Phil Scott (VT), Governor Glenn Youngkin (VA), Governor Patrick Morrisey (WV), and Governor Mark Gordon (WY).