LINCOLN, NE — Today,Governor Jim Pillen announced that he has nominated 28 census tracts for designation as federal opportunity zones. He has submitted the nominations to the U.S. Treasury Department under the new Federal Opportunity Zones Program (OZ 2.0) authorized by Congress in 2025. The Governor was joined for the announcement by Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) Director Maureen Larsen, Omaha Mayor John Ewing, Lexington Mayor John Fagot, McCook Mayor Linda Taylor, and Norfolk Mayor Shane Clausen.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen spoke on behalf of the nomination of legendary former football coach, congressman, and youth advocate Tom Osborne for induction as the first living member into the state’s Hall of Fame. Commission members voted unanimously in favor of Osborne’s inclusion, where he will join 27 other distinguished Nebraskans whose busts are displayed inside the State Capitol.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order ending access to tax incentives provided through the state’s ImagiNE Nebraska Act for data centers. Joined at the announcement by Senator Mike Jacobson, Director of Economic Development (DED) Maureen Larsen and Director Jesse Bradley of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE), the Governor said his order will allow the state to assess the benefits of such projects going forward, while also evaluating impacts to resources like land, water and electricity.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has reissued an executive order allowing for the continued delivery of hay and other supplies to areas of the state ravaged by wildfires. Those fires, and continued drought, have severely impacted the availability of livestock feed.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued an emergency declaration in response to the Corkscrew Road Fire in Sioux County southwest of Crawford.

LINCOLN, NE –Governor Jim Pillen is thanking the many partners, sponsors, volunteers and staff who made Nebraska’s pavilion at the Great American State Fair a success. The fair, which concludes today, was a signature event of the national Freedom250 celebration.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is directing that state agencies, boards and commissions do their part in reducing state spending, to ensure that Nebraska taxpayers continue to receive the benefit of reduced income tax rates and investments into property tax relief. In fiscal year (FY) 2026, the State paid out $307 million more in refunds than was anticipated. That represents cash directed back into the pockets of Nebraskans, but efforts must continue to close the gap in state revenue.

LINCOLN, NE — On Tuesday, Governor Jim Pillen joined Metropolitan Community College, the Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL), the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS), employers, and student trainees to announce the launch of Nebraska's Workforce Pell Grant Program. The program allows federal Pell Grant funding to be used for short-term job training programs leading to high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand occupations across the state. Metropolitan Community College is the first institution in Nebraska to establish Workforce Pell programs, offering programs in CDL, CompTIA Tech + with Google IT Support, Pharmacy Technician, and Phlebotomy Technician.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is announcing federal financial loan assistance to help Nebraska farmers and producers impacted by major wildfires in March and April. The request he submitted last month for a Secretarial Disaster Declaration has been approved by the USDA.  In addition to four primary counties, the declaration also covers 17 additional counties.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is joining state partners in reminding Nebraskans about activities still available for celebrating America’s 250th birthday.