Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen and Area Kids Ceremoniously Plant State Capitol Tree for Arbor Day

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen joined children from the nearby Trinity Child Care Center in ceremoniously adding a new tree to the southwest lawn of the State Capitol. The Arbor Day event, organized by the Capitol Commission, kicked off with the kids leading attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and included remarks from agency representatives, as well as the issuance of the Nebraska Arbor Day proclamation.

Credit for the creation of Arbor Day goes to J. Sterling Morton, journalist and newspaper editor from Nebraska City. He advocated the creation of Arbor Day, which launched with the planting of one million trees in 1872. Arbor Day was officially made a state holiday in 1885 by Governor Robert Furnas. Now, all 50 states and several other countries celebrate some form of Arbor Day.

“It’s important that we inspire future generations to appreciate our natural resources and to be good stewards of our water and the land,” said Gov. Pillen. “Our farmers and ranchers provide the best examples of those sustainable practices. Today, we’re doing our part by enhancing the landscape that surrounds our impressive State Capitol.”

Many of the speakers touched on the generational importance of Arbor Day.

“To me, Arbor Day is more than a celebration—it’s an opportunity to build on a Nebraska tradition that draws strength from our past and stretches its branches toward the future,” said Nebraska State Forester John Erixson. “In Nebraska, planting trees isn’t just a custom; it’s a lasting promise, a reflection of who we are, and a legacy we proudly pass from one generation to the next.”

“This tree and the others planted on the grounds will enhance the beauty of the national landmark Capitol for generations to come,” said Capitol Commission Tourism Supervisor Roxanne Smith.

John Yoakum, who represents the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District, called tree planting an investment in Nebraska’s future. “It’s one that protects our natural resources, supports our agricultural heritage, and strengthens our communities,” he said. “We’re proud to work alongside dedicated partners to bring lasting conservation benefits to every corner of the state.”

Katie Loos, president of the Arbor Day Foundation, called out the importance of the holiday -- one that began in Nebraska and has spread throughout the world. “Arbor Day was founded more than a century and a half ago, and it’s meaningful to see that those roots still run deep in our state. While most holidays commemorate the past, Arbor Day is a promise to the future. This day reminds us that we are all united by our common need for trees and the many benefits they provide.”

Hanna Pinneo, executive director of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum added, “Arbor Day acts as an annual reminder that we all have the responsibility to nurture our community trees. Each of us has the ability to make a difference.”

The newly planted tree at the State Capitol is an American Linden.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Comments on New Forecast Board Projections

LINCOLN, NE – The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board (NEFAB) voted today to take away $190 million from current fiscal year revenue projections for General Fund receipts.

Additionally, the Forecasting Board decreased projected revenue receipts by $90 million for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025-2026, and by $100 million for the following Fiscal Year 2026-2027. Together, these decreases account for $380 million that will need to be addressed to support a balanced state budget that delivers critical investments in education and property tax relief.

“The foundations of Nebraska’s economy are stable and resilient because of our farmers, ranchers, businesses, and workers,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “Today we have a great opportunity to be strong fiscal conservatives. I am looking forward to working with the Legislature to close the budget gap while delivering the property tax relief that Nebraskans expect and deserve.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen: Applications Sought for New NPERS Director

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems (NPERS) is taking applications to fill the role of director. The vacancy is due to the departure of Director John Murante on January 1, 2025. Pursuant to state law (Neb. Rev. Stat. §84-1503), appointment to this position is subject to approval by the Governor and legislative confirmation.   

NPERS administers several statewide retirement systems and the state’s deferred compensation plan. Ideally, candidates will have an advanced degree in business administration, public administration, finance/accounting or a related field. They should also have experience with, or demonstrated knowledge of, qualified public employee retirement plan administration as well as supervisory or management experience. The director may not simultaneously serve on the Public Employees Retirement Board.

Additional information and instruction for submitting an application can be found at https://statejobs.nebraska.gov

Nebraska State Jobs: Home

Good Life. Great Opportunity. Are you living “the Good Life?” Here, the Good Life isn’t just a state. It’s a state of mind. From welcoming communities to work-life balance and widespread opportunities—you’ll find there’s no place like Nebraska.

The closing date is Thursday, May 22.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Kevin Hynes, Nebraska National Guard, (402) 309-8390, kevin.j.hynes.civ@army.mil 

Katrina Cerveny, NEMA, (402) 326-3179, katrina.cerveny@nebraska.gov

Governor Pillen Declares Emergency, Mobilizes Nebraska National Guard and Issues Statewide Burn Ban Following Fire in Brown County

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has authorized the Nebraska National Guard to mobilize 29 soldiers and airmen to assist local volunteer fire departments, which are currently battling the Plum Creek Fire near Johnstown, Nebraska, in Brown County. Nebraska Army National Guard aerial resources have also been authorized to support the firefighting mission.

The assignment of state resources is in response to a request received Tuesday evening through the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist local volunteer firefighters who have been fighting the fire since Monday. The Plum Creek Fire is now estimated to have burned 6,600 acres. Forty-five cattle have died, and a cabin has been destroyed. Other structures have been threatened and were boxed in with heavy equipment to provide protection. The cause of the fire has been attributed to a permitted burn that got out of control.

Gov. Pillen issued a statewide burn ban during a news conference at the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency today, alongside other state officials. He emphasized the persistent dry conditions that have continued to plague the state. In February, the Governor issued an emergency declaration for wildfires in Custer and Dawes counties that were also fueled by dry conditions, high winds and a lake of humidity.

“It’s way too dry in Nebraska right now, and it only takes one burn, one mistake and then you have a situation like we have in Plum Creek. The risks are too significant,” said Gov. Pillen.  

Department of Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton touched on the rough and dangerous terrain where the fire is burning, and the extreme difficulty that it posed for fire crews and others who were trying to control flames.

“As the director of agriculture, and a rancher myself, I support the statewide burn ban.  While fire is a tool that we use in our agricultural operations and for conservation, right now our current conditions make it just too dangerous,” stressed Dir. Vinton. “Protecting our land, our livestock, wildlife, and most importantly, people in our neighborhoods and our communities from the potential of wildfire damage, is of the utmost importance right now.”

Currently, more than 60 local, state and federal partners are responding to the Plum Creek Fire.

“I applaud the governor for taking this action to save lives and protect property,” NEMA Assistant Director Erv Portis said. “Safety is our number one priority.”

The Nebraska Army National Guard is providing two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and a ground crew of 16 to assist with fire suppression. The helicopters departed on their mission this morning and made 70 water drops throughout the day.

“We appreciate the willingness of our soldiers and airmen, as well as their families and employers, to support these local volunteer firefighters as they work tirelessly to control this wildfire,” said Col. Shane Varejcka, Nebraska National Guard chief of the joint staff.  

The Governor signed three documents – a proclamation providing state assistance to the Plum Creek Fire, a proclamation providing for state resources to be utilized in response to drought conditions and an executive order establishing the statewide burning ban in all areas of the state through April 30.

Those documents are included with this release.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Two Names Forwarded for District Court Judge in the Seventh Judicial District 

LINCOLN, NE – The Judicial Nominating Commission for District Court Judge in the Seventh Judicial District provided the following two names for consideration by Governor Jim Pillen: Michael L. Long and Ryan J. Stover, both of Norfolk. That district consists of Antelope, Cuming, Knox. Madison, Pierce, Stanton and Wayne counties.

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