Press Releases
Gov. Pillen Celebrates Back to School Month
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.
Gov. Pillen Announces Resignation of Medicaid & Long-Term Health Director
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.
Gov. Pillen Extends Executive Order to Support Wildfire and Drought Recovery
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.
Gov. Jim Pillen Issues Statement Following the Arrests in Connection with Massive Paid Signature Fraud
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:
SBA Federal Disaster Loans Available for Nebraska Nonprofits Impacted by May Storms
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.
Nebraska Joins Freedom Haulers Initiative, Streamlining Veteran Access to Trucking Careers
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.
Governor Pillen Concludes Successful Trade Mission to Japan and the Philippines
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.
Nebraskans are Asked to Lower Flags Saturday for Firefighter Nathan Matthews
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.
Flags to Fly at Half-Mast Monday for Police Chief Young
LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has requested that Nebraskans lower their flags to half-staff on Monday, Aug. 3 in honor of Crete Police Chief Gary Young. Young died on Monday. The Crete Police Department has since shared details of the funeral service and procession that will take place that day.
USDA Designates More Nebraska Counties as Disasters; Frees up Loan Assistance to Farmers Impacted by Drought
LINCOLN, NE – The number of Nebraska counties adversely impacted by drought continues to grow. Governor Jim Pillen has announced the approval of two primary counties and 11 contiguous counties that will now be eligible for loan assistance through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA).