LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement in reaction to the death of 31-year-old Charlie Kirk. Kirk, a conservative commentator, activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while taking part in an event at Utah Valley University earlier today.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen wrapped up a highly productive trade mission to Japan. The mission included meetings with key importers of Nebraska beef and pork; opportunities to promote Nebraska-made biofuels; and high-level discussions to strengthen the state’s longstanding commercial, cultural, and educational ties to Japan.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen and Nebraska’s trade delegation held a dinner in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday with leaders from Nippon Foods and Tyson Foods. During the meal, Gov. Pillen thanked Nippon Foods for being a loyal customer of Nebraska agricultural products. The dinner also provided an opportunity for Nebraska pig farmers and ranchers to tell the story of their innovative production practices. By harnessing advanced technologies, the Nebraska livestock industry is continually producing more high-quality proteins while using less land, water, and energy.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has requested a federal major disaster declaration for Nebraska counties impacted by a severe summer thunderstorm that produced hurricane force winds and flash flooding from Aug. 8 – 10. The request includes the following 12 counties: Burt, Douglas, Fillmore, Lancaster, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Saline, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Washington, and Webster.

LINCOLN, NE – This week, Governor Jim Pillen and state leaders will embark on a trade mission to Japan. The delegation includes representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), Nebraska Department of Economic Development (NDED), Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Union Pacific, and the state’s agriculture and manufacturing industries. The mission will take place from September 5-9.

LINCOLN, NE – This afternoon, executive members of Governor Jim Pillen’s administration are having an in-person meeting with the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee about the utilization of the Work Ethic Camp (WEC) in McCook for housing criminal illegal detainees. The briefing was arranged at the request of Senator Carolyn Bosn, committee chairperson. In addition to committee members, attendees include Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, Chief of Staff Dave Lopez, representatives of the Governor’s Policy and Research Office including Director Kenny Zoeller and Director Rob Jeffreys of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS).

LINCOLN, NE — Governor Jim Pillen released the statement below as rural and urban hospitals in Nebraska have started to receive federal funds as a result of LB 1087, the Hospital Quality Assurance and Access Assessment Act. Signed into law in 2024, this legislation establishes a funding mechanism that allows Nebraska to tap into additional federal Medicaid dollars. Previously, Nebraska was one of only a handful of states that did not accept these funds.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced appointments made to boards and commissions from April 1, 2025 through August 27, 2025.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen, in accordance with a directive from President Donald J. Trump, has ordered that all U.S. and state flags shall be flown at half-staff until sunset, August 31, 2025.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen thanked Nebraska Supreme Court Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman for her longstanding public service. In her letter to the Governor, Miller-Lerman said she intends to retire, effective October 31.