Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen is backing a bill to switch the state's electoral system to a winner-take-all method, a move supported by former President Trump. Currently, Nebraska allocates Electoral College votes by district, potentially allowing Democrats to secure additional delegates. Pillen argues that the change would align Nebraska with most states and ensure a unified voice in presidential elections. Trump echoed this sentiment on his social media platform, emphasizing the founders' intent and the desire of Nebraskans. The shift to winner-take-all could favor Republicans by preventing minority blue factions from securing delegates.
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents has been deadlocked between University of Nebraska Medical Center Chancellor Dr. Jeffrey Gold and Bryan Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, in the search for the next NU president, meeting criteria set by Gov. Jim Pillen. Other potential candidates include U.S. Rep. Mike Flood and former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse. Pillen's public criticism of the board may push a member to change their vote, and there is speculation about NU interim President Chris Kabourek's potential interest in the role. The search process has faced criticism for its length and external interference.
Nebraska governor Jim Pillen expressed disappointment at athletic director Trev Alberts' sudden departure to Texas A&M, blaming the university's leadership for the situation and urging the board of regents to swiftly fill vacant leadership positions. Alberts, who had recently signed a contract extension with Nebraska, had voiced frustration over the lack of a permanent university president. Pillen called for urgent action to appoint a new permanent athletic director and criticized the delay in addressing the leadership uncertainty at the university.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has vetoed a bill that would have allowed safe syringe exchange programs in the state, despite its overwhelming bipartisan support in the legislature. Pillen cited concerns about increased drug use and questioned the effectiveness of such programs in combating the current opioid crisis. Proponents of the bill argue that syringe service programs are effective in reducing the transmission of infectious diseases and can serve as a bridge to other health services, including substance use treatment. The veto has sparked debate over public health strategies and the impact of syringe exchange programs on communities.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen reverses his decision and announces that the state will accept $18 million in federal funding to support the Summer EBT program, which provides pre-loaded EBT cards to low-income families with eligible children for purchasing groceries during the summer months. Pillen's change of heart came after meeting with high school students who shared their experiences with hunger. Pressure from lawmakers and bipartisan support for the program also influenced the decision. Nebraska was one of 15 states, all with Republican governors, that initially opted out of receiving the funding.
Governor Jim Pillen has reversed his decision and accepted federal funds for the USDA’s Summer EBT program, providing $18 million to support 150,000 eligible kids with pre-loaded EBT cards for nutritious meals during the summer. Pillen attributed his change of heart to hearing firsthand accounts of children experiencing hunger. The program will be implemented with a focus on education about nutritious options, outreach to eligible families, and additional resources. Nebraska Appleseed expressed gratitude for the decision and emphasized the positive impact on children and the state's economy.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen expressed disappointment that despite an increase of $324 million in state aid to K-12 schools, property taxes for local education still rose by $85 million. While 92 school districts were able to lower or maintain their property tax collections, 188 districts voted to override the 3% revenue cap, leading to the overall increase. Pillen's plan aimed to reduce property taxes, but many districts faced rising costs and were unable to achieve a dollar-for-dollar decrease. The governor plans to work with senators to further reduce property taxes and cut significant dollars from payments.
Nebraska journalist Yanqi Xu expresses shock and hurt after Governor Jim Pillen made derogatory comments about her nationality, referring to her as being from "communist China" in response to her reporting on high nitrate levels found on his hog farms. Xu, who moved to the US six years ago and holds a master's degree in journalism, feels hurt by the governor's remarks and calls for a meeting to discuss the issue. The Asian American Journalists Association stands with Xu and denounces statements that fuel xenophobia or prejudice. Xu encourages people to find common ground and get to know their neighbors, regardless of their background.
A reporter of Chinese descent, Yanqi Xu, has spoken out after Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen dismissed her article on his company, Pillen Family Farms, by stating that "the author is from Communist China." Xu, an immigrant from China who reports for Flatwater Free Press, called Pillen's comments biased and potentially fitting into a narrative of "othering people of Chinese descent." The Nebraska Journalism Trust, Xu's employer, published a column in her defense, expressing their support and condemning the governor's remarks. The Asian American Journalists Association also released a statement supporting Xu, emphasizing the importance of an independent and diverse press corps. Xu, who has received an outpouring of support, believes it is crucial to hold the governor accountable and highlight that one's country of origin does not define them.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen is facing criticism from journalists and the Asian American Journalists Association after he referred to a reporter from the Flatwater Free Press as "a Communist" in response to her investigative report on his hog farming business. The report raised questions about the environmental impact of his farms on drinking water. The governor's comments have been condemned for dismissing the journalist based on her country of origin rather than addressing the content of the report. The Flatwater Free Press and the Asian American Journalists Association have expressed support for the reporter and emphasized the importance of an independent and diverse press corps.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has signed an executive order narrowly defining a person's sex as that assigned at birth, without using the term "transgender." The order aims to limit transgender access to certain public spaces and directs state agencies to define "female" and "male" based on biological reproductive systems. Pillen stated that his duty as governor is to protect women's athletics and provide single-sex spaces. The order took immediate effect and will expire if a law on trans athletes is passed. A bill to restrict transgender student participation in high school sports and ban gender-affirming surgery for minors was introduced but did not advance in the past legislative session.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has signed an executive order establishing a "Women's Bill of Rights" that defines females and males based on biological sex assigned at birth. The order aims to clarify the definitions of boy, girl, man, and woman and applies to various facilities, including prisons, schools, domestic violence shelters, and restrooms. The governor argues that the order is necessary to protect single-sex spaces and women's athletics. However, critics, including State Sen. Megan Hunt, argue that the order puts transgender Nebraskans at risk and jeopardizes federal funding.
Governor Jim Pillen will sign LB 574, which includes the Let them Grow Act and the Preborn Child Protection Act, into law on Monday. The new bans on abortion will immediately go into effect due to the emergency clause attached to the Preborn Child Protection Act. The bill bans abortions at 12 weeks gestational age, with exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother. The bill also includes restrictions on transgender care for anyone under 19, with specifics to be determined by the state's chief medical officer.
The Nebraska Heartbeat Act, which would have banned abortions after six weeks, was defeated after Senator Merv Riepe decided not to vote, leaving supporters one vote short. Riepe wanted to amend the bill to a 12-week ban but didn't have the votes. Many of the bill's supporters were members of the Catholic Church, and the Nebraska Catholic Conference Executive Director called it a crushing day for the anti-abortion movement. Governor Jim Pillen called on Riepe to reconsider and make a motion to stand by his commitments to life.
The Nebraska Legislature has approved a bill that would allow Nebraskans aged 21 and older to carry concealed weapons without a permit. The bill, sponsored by State Sen. Tom Brewer, includes a compromise with the Omaha Police Union. The amendment would create a new crime for concealed carry owners who commit dangerous misdemeanors. The bill will now head to Gov. Jim Pillen's desk, where he's expected to sign it into law.
