LINCOLN, NE -- Governor Jim Pillen says the merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads will ultimately benefit American farmers, proving a more reliable and efficient way to move their products. Today, the railroads announced the refiling of their merger application with the Surface Transportation Board.

LINCOLN, NE -- A short trip to London this week will provide Governor Jim Pillen an opportunity to tout Nebraska beef, ethanol production, and discuss business opportunities related to energy production. The Governor’s transatlantic visit kicks off Wednesday and will wrap up Thursday night. During that time, he will meet with members of the U.S. Embassy and others, including the UK’s chief trade negotiator, Graham Floater, to discuss bilateral trade opportunities.

LINCOLN, NE – To help facilitate additional deliveries of feed and supplies to ranchers in areas destroyed by recent wildfires, Governor Jim Pillen is re-issuing an executive order for commercial motor carriers.  The order relaxes hours of service, load and weight limits, as well as other regulations. It will expire May 14.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen hosted a first-ever open cabinet meeting for members of the media. Held in the Governor’s Hearing Room and streamed live, the session focused on core areas of his administration: taxes, kids, agriculture and Nebraska values. Agency leaders detailed operational successes, those achieved during the current legislative session and since Gov. Pillen first entered office.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued a proclamation to ensure that Nebraska National Guard resources are ready and available to respond to wildfires, should they be needed. High winds, low humidity and dry conditions continue to be a concern and could produce conditions that would endanger Nebraskans and damage public and private property.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen will join believers from across the nation this week for “America Reads the Bible,” an event that will bring together nearly 500 people, including pastors, elected officials and celebrities for a continuous reading of the Bible. Gov. Pillen will participate early on the morning of Friday, April 24. The event will kick off tonight, with a livestream of the entire Bible reading available at America Reads the Bible website .

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is asking officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for additional time to submit information relative to damage done to public infrastructure from the Morrill and Cottonwood fires. If the 30-day extension is approved, the state would have until May 27 to comply.

LINCOLN, NE -- Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement concerning votes taken by the Legislature today on a handful of bills he returned with vetoes. On Thursday, the Governor sent letters to the body explaining his reasons for rejecting LB 839, LB 878, LB 929, LB 1029 and LB 1256. His vetoes were sustained on each of those bills.

President Kelly, Speaker Arch, and members of the 109th Nebraska Legislature.

Friends and distinguished guests.

My fellow Nebraskans.

Last month, in the face of historic wildfires, we Nebraskans – once again – proved our grit and came together to protect life, property, and livestock.

Lincoln, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen vetoed LB 878. The bill’s intent is to extend six weeks of paid maternity leave for all state employees, which are currently provided to the 12,000 rules covered public servants and members of NAPE/ASMCE.