Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Senator Ben Sasse to Keynote Governor’s Summit in September

Register for the 2026 Governor’s Summit at govsummit.nebraska.gov.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced that Ben Sasse, who served Nebraska as a U.S. senator from 2015-2023, will headline the 2026 Governor’s Summit on September 29, 2026 in Kearney.

“Ben Sasse is a model of courage in the face of adversity,” said Gov. Pillen. "He has served our state admirably, and he has inspired millions of people through his faith and grit. I’m incredibly grateful for his willingness to keynote this year’s Summit.”

“I love Nebraska—this incredible state and these big-hearted neighbors mean the world to me and my family,” said Ben Sasse. “I’m grateful for Governor Pillen’s invitation and eager to spend some time with the next generation of Nebraska leaders.”

A Nebraska native, Senator Sasse is a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where his work focuses on higher education, innovation, technology, American history and culture, and national security. Before joining AEI, he was the president of the University of Florida, a U.S. senator, the president of Midland University, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin, and an assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He also spent more than a decade advising corporate leadership teams on strategic issues.

Sen. Sasse is the author of national bestselling books Them: Why We Hate Each Other—and How to Heal (2018) and The Vanishing American Adult: Our Coming-of-Age Crisis—and How to Rebuild a Culture of Self-Reliance (2017). He holds a PhD and two master’s degrees from Yale University; a master’s degree from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland; and a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University.

The 2026 Governor’s Summit officially kicks off on Monday afternoon, Sept. 28, with a statewide 6 Regions, One Nebraska update. On Monday evening, the Nebraska Diplomats will host a reception and awards banquet.

Tuesday, Sept. 29, is the primary day of the Governor’s Summit. It features remarks from Gov. Pillen, a morning keynote from Ben Sasse, a full slate of breakout sessions, and the second annual Governor’s Youth Summit.

Register for the Diplomats Banquet and Governor’s Summit.  Are you a student? Students sign up for the Youth Summit.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 27, 2026

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Announces IRS Tax Relief for Fire and Storm Impacted Residents/Businesses

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has announced the approved postponement of tax filings and payments for individuals and businesses in parts of Nebraska that were impacted by wildfires and storms beginning on March 12, 2026. The issuance of tax relief by the IRS applies to five separate state disaster declarations. As a result, affected individuals and businesses now have until Feb. 1, 2027, to file returns and pay any taxes that were originally due during that time.

Gov. Pillen requested tax relief from the IRS under newly passed federal legislation that allows the IRS to grant tax relief based on a governor’s declared disaster or state emergency, rather than waiting for a federal disaster declaration, which can take longer for review and approval. Under the legislation, a qualified state-declared disaster is any natural catastrophe, fire, flood, or explosion that causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant a request to postpone such federal tax deadlines. This is the first time Nebraska has made and received tax relief from the IRS under the new law.

“When a disaster strikes, surviving the immediate aftermath takes priority. Undoubtedly, this year has weighed heavily on those who experienced losses and/or damage resulting from the fires and storms that happened just months ago,” said Gov. Pillen. “This determination from the IRS will hopefully provide a little respite to Nebraskans in those counties who were affected, by allowing them the time to meet their tax obligations without incurring additional penalties.”

The five state-declared disasters and current list of counties include:

March Wildfire Declaration: Morrill, Garden, Arthur, Keith, Grant, Lincoln, Dawson, Frontier, Saunders, Red Willow

Pressey Wildfire: Custer

May Severe Storms: Buffalo, Fillmore, Gage, Howard, Jefferson, Nemaha, Richardson, Thayer, Thurston

May Wildfires: Dawes

June Wildfires: Sioux

Should additional counties be added to the declared disasters above, residents and businesses in those counties will also be eligible to postpone filings and payments until Feb. 1. Additionally, if a resident or business receives a late filing or late payment penalty notice that falls within the defined postponement period, the taxpayer should call the number on the notice to have the IRS abate the penalty.

The IRS has published additional information pertaining to each of the five declared disasters on its website: IRS Newsroom - Nebraska.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Joins Rollins and Kennedy Pledging Healthier Meals for School Kids

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Governor Jim Pillen, a strong advocate of reforming America’s diet and food choices, today pledged his support for providing healthier meal options to Nebraska students. He joined federal and state officials, children and others at the U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters in Washington D.C. in explaining the goals of the pledge as well as additional objectives included in the USDA’s Harvest to Hallways program.

“This is one thing I know – we all agree -- our kids are our future and we’re never, ever going to give up one kid anywhere, anytime, anyplace,” said Gov. Pillen. “This isn’t just a state problem. This isn’t a federal government problem. It’s all our responsibilities as Americans to look after these young people so they can grow up and be extraordinary leaders in the United States of America.”

As part of the pledge, participating school districts can choose from a range of flexible menu updates, such as replacing breakfast pastries with whole-food options, preparing meat using healthier cooking methods, and offering 100% whole-grain products. Schools can also prioritize whole fruits, elevate the quality of school snacks, and offer whole milk to better support student growth.

States can voluntarily implement these meaningful updates within schools that take part in the National School Lunch Program (NLSP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). Improvements may be adopted as soon as feasible within existing procurement guidelines and federal meal pattern rules.

Gov. Pillen joined USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., touting the benefits of the pledge program at today’s news conference. Just last week, Gov. Pillen joined HHS Sec. Kennedy in highlighting other aspects of President Trump’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda during a visit to the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). The Harvest to Hallways program represents another phase of that agenda, specifically focused on bringing more American agriculture directly into schools. Efforts include connecting cafeterias with farmers and ranchers in their own communities, making investments in school kitchens and equipment as well as eliminating barriers that have made it difficult to serve healthy food within schools.

By joining the pledge, participating states are helping accelerate federal progress as the USDA updates school meal standards through formal rulemaking. The initiative underscores a shared commitment to serving nourishing, whole foods that foster lifelong healthy eating habits.

“I believe this is one of the most incredible opportunities to make a difference for generations to come,” added Gov. Pillen. “I’m thankful to Sec. Rollins and Sec. Kennedy for leading this movement. Nebraska is eager to step up and set an example for other states that sign the pledge as well.”

For more information about the pledge for healthier school meals, visit USDA School Meals Healthier Pledge. 

Gov. Pillen at USDA headquarters for Harvest to Hallways announcement

Gov. Pillen speaks at press conference following Harvest to Hallways announcement

Gov. Pillen speaks at press conference following Harvest to Hallways announcement

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Nebraska’s Growing Role in Health Initiatives Highlighted During Visit by HHS Secretary Kennedy

Omaha, NE – Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, and University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeff Gold highlighted Nebraska's growing role as a national leader in health security, rural health transformation, nutrition, and efforts to improve the health of Nebraskans.

Sec. Kennedy met the Governor and Dr. Gold at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's Global Center for Health Security on Thursday where they toured the facility and met with Nebraska leaders and medical professionals who recently supported the successful quarantine of Americans who had been exposed to hantavirus on the cruise ship MV Hondius.

The visit highlighted the collaboration between state government, the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Nebraska Medicine, and HHS to strengthen America's ability to respond to infectious diseases and other biological threats.

Sec. Kennedy praised Nebraska's preparedness capabilities noting that the state plays an important role in America's national security.

"This is a legendary facility, and most of you don't probably appreciate how far-reaching the influence of this facility is around the world and I could not be more impressed or more inspired,” said Sec. Kennedy. "This facility is absolutely critical to our national security and one of the reasons I wanted to come out here today was just to see this legendary place, this kind of mecca for biocontainment firsthand."

Dr. Gold said that the University is proud to advance the country’s national health security efforts.

“Our professionals at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine continually train to stand ready to assist, when we are called. The hantavirus response is just one example of how we pioneer breakthrough research, train the next generation of health care leaders and deliver resilient care to protect and serve our country.”

"Nebraska's greatest strength is its people, and the expertise and commitment demonstrated at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine represent some of the best health security capabilities in the world," added Gov. Pillen. "Nebraska has consistently demonstrated that we don't settle for being second. We were prepared to answer the call, providing compassionate care and support while protecting the health and safety of our communities.”

Gov. Pillen and Sec. Kennedy also discussed Nebraska's role in advancing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda, including efforts to improve nutrition, strengthen families, reduce chronic disease and promote greater health and independence.

Nebraska was the first state to implement a SNAP waiver restricting the purchase of soda and energy drinks with SNAP benefits. The SNAP waiver represents a broader effort to address the nation's growing challenges with chronic disease and poor nutrition by encouraging healthier choices among SNAP participants while maintaining access to a wide range of nutritious foods. Nebraska's approach is part of the state's broader commitment to the MAHA agenda and to finding practical, state-led solutions that can improve health outcomes over the long term.

The leaders also highlighted Nebraska's implementation of Medicaid work requirements. Nebraska led the nation in implementation, which is designed to connect eligible Medicaid recipients with employment, education, job training and other activities that can help individuals move toward greater economic independence.

"Governor Pillen has led the country on the MAHA agenda," said Sec. Kennedy. "He was the first to pass the SNAP waiver. He was one of the first to put bell-to-bell legislation to control cell phones in schools, which is absolutely critical to our children's mental health.”

Sec. Kenney also applauded Nebraska for the quality of the state’s Rural Health Transformation Plan. The state received $218 million in its first-year award, one of the highest in the nation. One of the key focus areas is nutrition and expanding access to healthy foods. The Secretary noted that in the battle against chronic disease, understanding the role of nutrition is critical, including among medical professionals.

“Doctors should not understand just how to treat disease. They should understand how to prevent it and what caused it,” said Sec. Kennedy. “We now spend almost $4.3 trillion a year on chronic disease, and most of that is food induced.”

He continued, “For decades, we trained doctors to treat the consequences of poor nutrition while giving many of them remarkably little training in nutrition itself. Almost 80 institutions of higher education across 36 states have committed to strengthening nutrition education, reaching over 52,000 medical students this autumn. And Nebraska helped lead that effort from the beginning. The University of Nebraska was among the first institutions to commit.”

“The best thing about Nebraska is the people. People can only operate at their full potential if they are healthy,” said Gov. Pillen. “Nebraska is proud to be a national leader in improving the health and well-being of our residents, but the work does not stop at our state’s borders. Nebraska looks forward to continuing its strong partnership with our federal partners to advance President Trump’s vision to Make America Healthy Again and ensure the health and well-being of Nebraskans for generations to come.”

Gov. Pillen, Sec. Kennedy and Dr. Gold tour facilities at UNMC

Dr. Gold, Sec. Kennedy & Gov. Pillen pose for photos prior to news conference

Gov. Pillen at the podium

Sec. Kennedy addresses news conference attendees

Data Center Development & Protecting Nebraska Resources

 By Governor Jim Pillen

August 21, 2026

Nebraska is open for business!

Not only do we want homegrown companies to stay, but we also want others to come, plant their roots and grow. For that to happen, we must have a strategic tax incentive policy that supports new venture opportunities. I’ve been clear – we can no longer provide tax breaks to companies that are takers, not givers, and to those that don’t share our values.

Data centers are a delicate issue right now. I fully support the need for computational services that enable us to stay ahead in the race for artificial intelligence as well as the defense of our nation. To support those initiatives, data centers are a necessity. However, we cannot foot the bill for them. These billion-dollar companies are well-positioned to pay their own way. Not only that, but we also can’t afford projects that deplete our natural resources. That’s another cost our state cannot bear, now or in the future.

We have made significant strides in creating necessary restrictions. This session, I signed LB1261 which requires that entities create their own electricity. This landmark behind-the-meter legislation ensures that increased power use is not paid for by hardworking Nebraskans. It also allows excess electricity to be sold back to the grid, further supporting power needs and keeping rates low.

A newly signed executive order formalizes the pause I put on data center development when I first entered office. Companies won’t be able to access tax incentives through the ImagiNE Act. It also calls for the creation of a task force to study the impact of data centers, so that we’re not giving the farm away in the form of our land, water and electricity.

Mind you, this is not a complete ban on data centers. I know some communities would prefer that, but I strongly believe in free enterprise and the ability of local communities to make decisions best suited to those who live there. That said, going forward those projects must meet the guardrails spelled out in that order before going into business.

The task force I mentioned will also be instrumental in providing information that will allow my office, in collaboration with the Legislature, to draft legislation that provides further protections when it comes to data centers. At the very least, it will involve imposing additional taxes. After all, data companies should be willing to invest in the communities where they operate and help support the infrastructure and resources that allow them to be there.

These moves should help guide our decisions around data centers, but without allowing those companies a free ride to Nebraska.