Latest News from the Governor's Office

MEDIA CONTACT:  

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Encourages Observance of Flag Day

LINCON, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued the statement below, regarding the observance of Flag Day.

“I encourage all Nebraskans to proudly display their American flags in accordance with President Trumps’s proclamation marking June 14 as Flag Day.

The U.S. flag is the most recognizable symbol of freedom, strength and unity across the globe.  It is a reminder of the hard-fought battles that were waged and won, permitting us to live under its banner.   On this day, we should look upon the Stars and Stripes with reverence for all that it represents.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Issues Emergency Proclamation to Facilitate Activation of National Guard

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has issued an emergency proclamation that will facilitate activation of the Nebraska National Guard and deployment of additional state law enforcement resources in advance of planned protests across the United States, including in Nebraska this weekend. The protests have been promoted in the aftermath of recent operations carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The proclamation is a precautionary measure in reaction to recent instances of civil unrest across the country.

Under the Governor’s declared state of emergency, members of the Guard may be activated to assist local law enforcement should any demonstrations escalate, threatening people or property.  Nebraska National Guard members and Nebraska State troopers will be prepared to assist in any civil disturbance, and in particular, to secure the College World Series (CWS) and its surrounding areas. Under normal conditions, National Guard activation can take 12 to 24 hours. This proclamation shortens that time to ensure troop resources are available and standing by, as needed.

“Free speech will be respected and protected in Nebraska, but the lawlessness, chaos, and rioting seen in other cities in past weeks will not be tolerated here,” said Gov. Pillen. “I have taken the necessary steps to ensure we have the state resources necessary to promptly respond to disorder. Any person who poses a threat to life, health, or property will be arrested. Nebraskans across the state, as well as the thousands of visitors to Omaha for the College World Series, can rest assured that the State of Nebraska and our local partners have taken the appropriate steps to ensure security and order.”

A copy of the Governor’s proclamation is included below.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Issues Statement on Omaha ICE Operations

LINCOLN, NE – Following U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Omaha and subsequent protests Tuesday, Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement:

“Under the Biden Administration, the country’s immigration policy absolutely failed the American people for four years. We have to address the issue of illegal immigration, and I support the work of our federal partners to ensure that the law is followed and I remain supportive of President Trump’s efforts to secure the border.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Statement on D-Day

LINCOLN, NE — Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement commemorating D-Day, June 6, 1944, which paved the way for American and Allied victory during WWII.

“We live in the greatest country on earth — and we can only say that because of the sacrifice and determination of America’s military. Nebraskans owe a debt of gratitude to all of our WWII veterans. As we commemorate D-Day, we are reminded of the bravery and courage of those who ran toward the fight at Normandy Beach. We can’t thank our veterans enough for their defense of freedom and of our way of life.

This year Gov. Pillen, in partnership with the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs, established the World War II Veterans’ Recognition Program to honor Nebraska’s still-living WWII veterans and to celebrate 80 years of American victory.

To learn more about the program or to nominate a WWII veteran, please visit:

https://veterans.nebraska.gov/world-war-ii-veteran-recognition-program

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Governor Pillen Signs the Stand With Women Act

LINCOLN, NE – Surrounded by state senators, supporters and female athletes, Governor Jim Pillen signed LB89 into law. The Stand With Women Act, introduced on his behalf by Sen. Kathleen Kauth, requires that students in K-12 and postsecondary school participate on sports teams that correspond to their biological sex, as defined in law. Gov. Pillen and Sen. Kauth were joined in today’s bill signing event by Husker athletes Jordy Bahl and Rebekah Allick, who attended the bill’s introduction back in January, as well as nationally known advocate-athletes Riley Gaines and Payton McNabb.

“We cannot ignore that girls and women have the right to a level playing field when it comes to sports,” said Gov. Pillen. “Otherwise, we are denying them opportunities to compete and win, earn scholarships and develop their own athletic abilities. LB89 ensures they are protected. It codifies my executive order of August 2023 – establishing a Women’s Bill of Rights -- and it also aligns with President Trump’s executive order issued in February.”

Sen. Kauth expressed gratitude for the support the bill received from Nebraskans, fellow senators, and advocates from across the political spectrum.

“I am pleased we were able to get the athletic portion of the bill passed and thank all the senators, individuals and groups who helped get us here. The work is not done. I will continue to work hard with my fellow senators to protect women in their locker rooms and bathrooms in the upcoming session.”

Standout University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines, who is now host of Outkick's Gaines for Girls podcast, talked about meeting Gov. Pillen two years ago and discussing the need for legislation then.

“At the time only three states had codified such language. Days later, Governor Pillen signed sex-based definitions into law through executive action," said Gaines. "Two years later, and after countless hours spent advocating for the importance of defining ‘woman’ and protecting women's sports and spaces, Sen. Kauth and her colleagues have achieved a remarkable victory for Nebraskans. Today, the Women's Bill of Rights has evolved into an even more powerful legislative package and the Stand with Women Act of 2025 is being signed into law. I am so proud to have been a part of this multi-year fight for women's rights and be here in Lincoln to watch Nebraska become the 28th state to protect women's sports."

Payton McNabb, who has also been outspoken on the issue of protecting women’s sports, shared her story of being injured during a volleyball match in high school. She is now a sports ambassador for the Independent Women’s Forum, which testified in support of LB89.

“Thank you, Governor Pillen and Sen. Kauth for prioritizing women and girls. By signing the Stand with Women Act into law today, Nebraska is codifying Governor Pillen's early action to reclaim language and protect women's sports,” said McNabb. “I am so proud to be here today and witness this historic moment. Thank you, Nebraska, for standing with women.”

Calling the signing of LB89 as an “incredible accomplishment,” Husker softball pitcher Jordy Bahl indicated that advocating for this issue was, for her, bigger than playing softball, and echoed Sen. Kauth’s message that more was needed to provide appropriate protections to girls and women in sports.

“In standing up for this, it was never out of my own personal interests. I have one year left of playing. I was always thinking about the younger athletes -- the athletes who haven’t even started their careers yet. So, that’s where this is at in my heart.”

Husker volleyball player Rebekah Allick added, “I’m just really grateful to be surrounded by independent and individual thinkers. Again, this is not a political matter. This is common sense. We are trying to defend reality.”

In addition to signing LB89 into law, Gov. Pillen signed ceremonial copies of the legislation presented to each of the speakers at today’s news conference.