All articles tagged with #jim pillen
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, a former hog farmer, navigates state governance amid federal policy uncertainties, emphasizing support for Trump’s policies, advocating for fair trade, managing budget cuts, and addressing agricultural and trade issues while maintaining strong local relationships.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed two proclamations certifying the state's medical marijuana initiatives, legalizing medicinal cannabis and establishing a regulatory commission. Despite this, both Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers noted that these measures do not alter federal law, which still prohibits marijuana possession and sale. The initiatives face legal challenges, including a Nebraska Supreme Court case on petition fraud and a pending lawsuit on their constitutionality. Campaign manager Crista Eggers emphasized the ongoing struggle for patients awaiting regulatory implementation.
The NU Board of Regents responded to Gov. Jim Pillen's criticism of their handling of the search for a new University of Nebraska system president following Trev Alberts' departure, stating that the search has been consistent in length with past searches and emphasizing the importance of taking the time needed to find the best leader. Regent Schafer and Regent Wilmot defended the process and declined to accept blame for Alberts' departure, citing the contract entered with him last fall. They expressed their focus on supporting Husker Athletics and looking ahead to the future.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has decided to opt the state into the federal summer EBT program, providing $120 EBT cards to students on free or reduced meal programs during the summer, after previously rejecting the aid. The program is expected to benefit 150,000 children and bring $18 million in economic benefits to the state. This decision follows advocacy efforts and a legislative push to force the state to opt into the program.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen's State of the State speech was delayed by North Omaha lawmaker Sen. Justin Wayne, who raised concerns about an $89.6 million business park planned for his district, criticizing the lack of community input and alleged misinformation. The project, which aims to create jobs but would displace some residents, has sparked controversy among lawmakers representing North Omaha. Wayne is advocating for the remaining economic recovery funds to be transferred to an inland port authority, which he believes would facilitate economic recovery in a transparent manner.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen is facing criticism for attacking journalist Yanqi Xu's Chinese nationality after she reported on his hog farms having nitrate levels far above the legal drinking water limit. Pillen admitted to not reading the report and attempted to discredit it by targeting Xu's origin. The comments were deemed offensive, and Pillen has not responded to requests for comment. Xu, who has lived in the US since 2017, was praised for her journalistic skills, and many have called for Pillen to apologize for his racist remarks.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has signed an executive order establishing a women's bill of rights, which defines a person's biological sex at birth and provides guidelines for reporting data. While the order does not explicitly ban transgender individuals from using the bathroom of their choice, it establishes a clear definition for places like schools, shelters, and prisons. The executive order will expire once a state law governing the participation of biological males in female athletics is in effect. Some senators support the order, citing concerns about fairness in sports, while others criticize it as divisive and disappointing. Governor Pillen is the second U.S. governor to sign such an order, following Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has appointed Carolyn Bosn to replace Suzanne Geist in the Nebraska Legislature. Geist resigned from her position to focus on her mayoral campaign. Bosn, a former deputy county attorney, will serve the remainder of Geist's term representing District 25 in the Legislature. She has expressed support for a bill that would prohibit women from seeking an abortion if cardiac activity is detected in the fetus. Bosn intends to seek a full four-year term to the seat in the 2024 elections.