LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen and First Lady Suzanne will host the 77th annual lighting of the State Christmas Tree in the Capitol Rotunda on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 6:00 p.m. Attendees to this year’s event will be required to present a ticket for entry.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement after Tyson Foods announced it is planning to wind down operations at its Lexington plant.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is sharing his frustration with an error by the independent Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) that resulted in millions of dollars being overpaid to school districts receiving state equalization aid. Omaha Public Schools was among the districts impacted by the miscalculation and will receive reduced funding in the 2026-2027 school year to address the excess distribution of $30 million. The Department of Education is governed by an elected board and is not a code agency directly accountable to the Governor.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, the Judicial Nominating Commission for County Court Judge in the Seventh Judicial District advanced three names for consideration by Governor Jim Pillen: Patrick P. Carney, Norfolk; Chelsey R. Hartner, Madison; and Dennis W. Morland, Norfolk.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced two appointments to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Robert “Bud” Synhorst of Lincoln has been selected to represent the 1st Congressional District.  James Elworth of Nebraska City will represent the 3rd Congressional District.

LINCOLN, NE -- Governor Jim Pillen, a champion of pro-life issues, released the following statement after a baby in the northwest part of the state was surrendered under Nebraska’s expanded safe haven law.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen, joined by Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance (NDBF) Director Kelly Lammers, issued a charter to Telcoin Digital Asset Bank to operate a digital asset depository institution in Nebraska. This new charter for a digital asset bank is the first of its kind in the United States.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of the Honorable Derek Ray Vaughn of Omaha to the Nebraska Supreme Court, representing the Second Judicial District. His appointment fills the vacancy left by Justice Miller-Lerman who stepped down Oct. 31 after 33 years of service.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order placing restrictions on abortion providers from receiving taxpayer dollars. The order directs the Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to review those providers receiving Medicaid funds and determine if those providers have been excluded, disenrolled, or sanctioned by a Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program of any state. Those determined to be in violation will be sanctioned or disenrolled.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is accepting applications to fill the position of Douglas County Election Commissioner. The vacancy is due to the resignation of Brian Kruse, who is leaving the role for an opportunity in the private sector.