Latest News from the Governor's Office
- Gov. Pillen Issues Statement on the Passing of Greg Sharpe February 15, 2025 jim Sat, 02/15/2025 - 20:44
CONTACT:
Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495
Gov. Pillen Issues Statement on the Passing of Greg Sharpe
LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement on the passing of “Voice of the Huskers” broadcaster Greg Sharpe who passed due to pancreatic cancer.
“Greg Sharpe was the voice of Nebraska’s cherished football and baseball traditions for nearly two decades. He invited all of us to be part of something bigger than ourselves. He led a heroic battle against cancer, and his story inspired Nebraskans across the state. Suzanne and I are praying for the Sharpe family during this time. We’ll miss you in the broadcast booth, Greg.”
- Gov. Pillen Advocates for Merging Agencies, Improving State’s Water Quantity & Quality February 13, 2025 jim Fri, 02/14/2025 - 08:26
CONTACT:
Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495
Gov. Pillen Advocates for Merging Agencies, Improving State’s Water Quantity & Quality
LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen testified before the Nebraska Legislature’s Natural Resources Committee in favor of LB317 to merge the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with the Department of Environment and Energy (DEE). Senator Tom Brandt introduced LB317 at the Governor’s request.
“Nebraska is at the center of an economic boom with announcements of new hydrogen, advanced biofuels and bio-based products, animal processing plants and data centers looking to locate here. All these industries will require water,” said Gov. Pillen. “Moving forward, we need to double-down on our efforts to protect and enhance this valuable resource. Combining DEE and DNR sets the foundation for water quantity and quality under the same leadership.”
During his bill introduction, Sen. Brandt also touched on the collaboration between the agencies for water planning, state investments in water infrastructure projects and continued leadership by the state in resource management innovation.
“This merger will also reduce costs by eliminating overlapping administrative functions while improving outcomes in personnel management, financial oversight, and IT,” said Sen. Brandt. “Streamlining state permitting for water-related projects will cut red tape and enable quicker, more efficient progress on projects that matter to our communities.”
Yesterday, Gov. Pillen announced his appointment of Jesse Bradley to serve as interim director of DEE. Bradley is also the interim director of DNR. He addressed the overarching benefit of housing DEE and DNR under what would be known as the Department of Water, Energy and Environment.
“By combining the agencies’ efforts, the state will improve its focus on challenging long-term water and natural resource management issues such as nitrogen management, water utilization and soil health. The merging of the two departments is expected to allow customers, who currently work with both DNR and DEE separately, the ability to streamline their planning and permitting efforts by working with a single department.”
Also testifying in favor of LB317 was Tim McCoy, director of the Game & Parks Commission.
- Gov. Pillen Appoints Mosby as County Court Judge in the Fourth Judicial District February 13, 2025 jim Thu, 02/13/2025 - 21:10 CONTACT: Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495 Gov. Pillen Appoints Mosby as County Court Judge in the Fourth Judicial District LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced the appointment of Tamara T. Mosby of Omaha as the county court judge in the Fourth Judicial District. That district consists of Douglas County. Mosby’s 20-year career includes working as both a prosecutor and defense attorney. She started in New York, where she gained experience as an assistant district attorney in Brooklyn and worked in two law offices, including one that specialized in insurance cases. During her time in New York, Mosby was also an adjunct professor, teaching courses in business, criminal, and real estate law, among other areas. Mosby was self-employed as an attorney in Omaha for four years, prior to joining the Douglas County Public Defender’s office in 2018. There, she has represented clients charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses. In addition to civil and criminal law, Mosby also has experience as a juvenile attorney. Mosby received a degree in philosophy from Xavier University of Louisiana and earned a juris doctor from the University of Texas School of Law. The Fourth Judicial District consists of Douglas County. The vacancy is due to the retirement of Judge Darryl R. Lowe.
- Gov. Pillen Appoints Roskens to Game and Parks Commission February 13, 2025 jim Thu, 02/13/2025 - 21:09 CONTACT: Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495 Gov. Pillen Appoints Roskens to Game and Parks Commission LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Lisa Roskens of Omaha to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Roskens will serve as the representative for District 3. Her appointment is subject to confirmation by the Nebraska Legislature. Roskens is the chief executive officer of Burlington Capital, LLC in Omaha, a position she has held since 2000. Roskens has served on a variety of boards and commissions including Take Flight Farms (founder), Omaha Equestrian Foundation, Yanney Heritage Park Foundation and the Nebraska Multi Sport Complex Board of Directors. Roskens obtained a degree in English from Stanford University and earned a juris doctor from Stanford Law School.
- Gov. Pillen Congratulates Brooke Rollins on Confirmation as U.S. Ag Secretary February 13, 2025 jim Thu, 02/13/2025 - 13:49
CONTACT:
Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495
Gov. Pillen Congratulates Brooke Rollins on Confirmation as U.S. Ag Secretary
LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen extended his congratulations to Brooke Rollins on her overwhelming confirmation as the new secretary of agriculture. The U.S. Senate confirmed President Donald J. Trump’s selection to head the USDA on a vote of 72-28. Gov. Pillen issued the following statement:
“I've had the opportunity to meet with Sec. Rollins. I know that she will be a strong representative at the federal level on issues related to ensuring our nation’s food supply, creating new export markets, and meeting the needs of our nation’s farmers and ranchers. I’ve extended an invitation to Sec. Rollins so she can see first-hand how we utilize our natural resources, innovative technologies and strong work ethic to propel Nebraska to be a top ag producer. I look forward to the time when we can make that visit happen.”