OGALLALA, NE — Governor Jim Pillen highlighted state funding resources at a news conference in Ogallala on Wednesday to support critical drinking water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in Nebraska communities. He was joined by Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) Director Jesse Bradley, Ogallala City Council President Steve Krajewski, and other local representatives.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of 17 members to the state’s newly created Data Center Task Force. Authorized by the Governor’s executive order (EO 26-17) and overseen by the Nebraska Department of Water, Environment and Energy (DWEE), this group will help evaluate the impact of data centers on Nebraska’s water resources, power grids and local infrastructure.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed a proclamation to mark the start of the 2026-2027 school year, emphasizing the need for safe, supportive classrooms that foster student learning, engagement, and academic growth. During the event, he was joined by parents and students, some of whom experienced their first day back to school today.

LINCOLN, NE -- Governor Jim Pillen has announced the resignation of Drew Gonshorowski, director of the Division of Medicaid & Long-Term Care (MLTC) in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Gonshorowski, who has served the state since 2024, plans to pursue opportunities on the east coast while being closer to family.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen reissued an executive order extending relief for commercial drivers transporting hay and essential agricultural supplies to areas impacted by recent wildfires and ongoing drought conditions across Nebraska.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement regarding news from the Landcaster County Sheriff’s Office of multiple arrests in connection with massive paid signature fraud:

LINCOLN, NE – The U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for eligible private nonprofit and faith-based organizations in Nebraska impacted by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred May 15-18. This Presidential Major Disaster Declaration provides Public Assistance to organizations in Buffalo, Fillmore, Gage, Howard, Jefferson, Nemaha, Thayer, and Thurston counties.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen is officially joining President Trump’s Freedom Haulers initiative – a federal program designed to fast-track military veterans into high-paying commercial trucking careers.  Unveiled by the President this week, the program helps streamline the requirements necessary for obtaining a commercial driver’s license.

LINCOLN, NE – This week, Governor Jim Pillen concluded a highly productive trade mission to Japan and the Philippines. Priorities for the mission included (1) promoting Nebraska beef, pork, and wheat; (2) expanding markets for Nebraska ethanol; and (3) identifying opportunities for Nebraska to produce energy for Asian customers.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has ordered that flags be lowered to half-staff on Saturday, in recognition of the service and sacrifice by firefighter Nathan Matthews. Matthews died last week from injuries he sustained while battling a wildfire near the Colorado-Utah border in late June.