56.8%

#9 of 50

Jim Pillen

Nebraska R | 1st term

2023-01-05Took Office 3 yrs, 5 moIn Office 263Metrics Scored 939 / 1653Total Points

Section A: Governance

231/300

77%

Section B: State Outcomes

568/975

58%

Section C: Oath Fidelity

+140 (-378 to +378)

Section A — Governance 231/300

9 subsections evaluating executive performance: budget execution, legislative relations, appointments, emergency management, transparency, ethics, program management, federal relations, and constituent service.

Fiscal Responsibility — 34/45 (76%) 15 metrics

On-time budget submission

Biennial budget submitted on time for FY2023-24/FY2024-25 cycle ($6.26B general fund revenue). Signed LB 243 ($1.76B property tax relief) and LB 754 ($3.3B income tax cuts) in May 2023. FY2025-27 budget submission complicated by growing $646M deficit.

NE Legislature Budget Documents; NE Constitution Art. III; NE DAS Budget Division

Budget accuracy — revenue forecast vs actual

Revenue forecasts have been problematic. Nebraska facing projected deficit of $471M entering 2025 session, later revised upward to ~$646M after Economic Forecasting Advisory Board reduced revenue projections by $175M. Tax cuts enacted without sufficient revenue offsets.

NE Economic Forecasting Advisory Board Feb 2026; Nebraska Examiner reporting

Rainy day fund management

Cash Reserve Fund peaked at $2.2B in 2023 but dropped 53.3 days capacity between FY2023-24. Lawmakers approved $282M total transfers from reserve to close budget gaps. Balance projected to fall from $877M to ~$546M by end of FY2026-27 budget cycle. Significant drawdown from record high.

Pew Charitable Trusts State Reserves 2025; NE Legislature Fiscal Office; Nebraska Examiner

State credit rating trajectory

Nebraska retains AAA (S&P) and Aaa (Moody's) — one of ~14 states with top-tier ratings. No downgrades despite emerging structural deficit. Rating agencies note low debt and strong reserves, but growing $646M deficit and rainy day fund drawdowns could pressure ratings if trend continues.

S&P Global Ratings; Moody's — State of Nebraska; Pew State Fiscal Health

Pension funding ratio trajectory

NPERS funding ratio ~93%. Nebraska uses cash balance plans for newer state employees, reducing long-term liability risk. Contribution volatility stayed within 3% of payroll from 2007-2023. Legislature adjusted School Employees Retirement System contribution rates tied to funded ratio beginning July 2025.

NE Public Employees Retirement Board Annual Reports; Pew State Pension Funding 2025; NPERS.ne.gov

Debt per capita trajectory

Nebraska has among the lowest per capita state debt nationally — constitution limits state debt. No significant new debt issuance. Authorized $350M for new 1,500-bed prison near Lincoln (funded from general fund, not bonds). Conservative fiscal tradition maintained even as Cash Reserve declines.

Census Bureau State Government Finances; NE Constitution Art. XIII; NE State Treasurer Reports

CAFR/ACFR published on time

FY2024 ACFR published by NE DAS Accounting Division with clean audit opinion. FY2025 ACFR management letter issued Feb 2026 by Auditor Mike Foley. Reports include Statement of Net Position and governmental fund balance sheets per GASB standards.

NE State Auditor ACFR Management Letters; NE DAS Accounting Division; das.nebraska.gov

Audit findings — material weaknesses

Clean audit opinions on financial statements in FY2024 and FY2025 reports. NE Dept of Education flagged for incomplete TEEOSA school aid calculations in Aug 2025 — not material weakness but noted finding. No material weaknesses in statewide single audit.

NE State Auditor Annual Reports; FY2025 Statewide Single Audit; auditors.nebraska.gov

Federal grant fund accounting

FY2025 Statewide Single Audit covers federal awards across DAS, Education, DHHS, and Labor departments. Findings related to TEEOSA calculations and some program-specific issues, but no systemic failures. ARPA, IIJA, and FEMA grant accounting adequate.

NE State Auditor FY2025 Single Audit Report (SA200); OMB Compliance Supplements

Anti-fraud controls — federal programs

No major fraud scandals in federal programs during tenure. DHHS Medicaid integrity maintained with 66,881 expansion enrollees (Nov 2024). Unemployment insurance system low-volume (2.9% rate) limiting fraud exposure. SNAP and WIC programs audited without major findings.

NE State Auditor; NE DHHS Program Integrity; DOL/USDA/CMS State Reviews

Tax revenue vs expenditure alignment

STRUCTURAL DEFICIT EMERGING. Aggressive income tax cuts (phasing to 3.99%) enacted before Pillen took office but continued under his watch. Sales tax revenue now overtaking income tax as top generator. Projected deficit grew from $471M to $646M+ for FY2025-27.

NE Economic Forecasting Advisory Board; Nebraska Examiner; NE Legislature Fiscal Office

Capital budget execution rate

Major capital project: $350M new 1,500-bed prison near Lincoln authorized — in design phase, bidding early 2025, completion pushed from 2026 to 2028. NDOT capital projects on pace with IIJA funds. Highway Cash Fund appropriation increased to fully match federal formula funding.

NE DAS Capital Construction; NE DOT STIP 2025-2028; Nebraska Examiner prison reporting

Vendor/contractor oversight

No major procurement scandals. Signed EO banning state purchases of CCP-affiliated technology (expanded via EO 25-04). Signed EO prohibiting state contracts for lab-grown meat products. DAS Materiel Division procurement processes functioning without controversy.

NE DAS Materiel Division; Governor's EO 25-04; NE procurement records

Federal funding maximization

Secured FEMA-4838-DR (Oct 2024) for July 2024 storms in Cass, Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy, Saunders counties. IIJA funds deployed — $158M for Offutt AFB Survivable Airborne Operations Center in NDAA. Legislature unlocked up to $1B in federal Medicaid matching funds (2024 bill).

USASpending.gov — Nebraska; FEMA-4838-DR; FY2025 NDAA; Nebraska Examiner

Program eligibility verification systems

DHHS uses SAVE system for immigration-status verification on public benefits. Medicaid expansion covers 66,881 enrollees with federal eligibility standards enforced. E-Verify mandated for state contractors (LB 403, 2009). No systemic eligibility verification failures documented.

NE DHHS Program Integrity Reports; DHS SAVE Program; NE LB 403

Legislative Relations — 25/39 (64%) 13 metrics

Signature legislation enacted

Signed LB 243 (2023) — $1.76B property tax relief over 6 yrs: eliminated community college property tax (~$300M/yr), 3% school revenue growth cap, expanded property tax credit fund to $560M/yr. LB 754 cut income tax rates ($3.3B over 6 yrs). But Aug 2024 special session delivered only ~3% new relief vs promised 50%. LB 574 (abortion ban/trans care) and LB 77 (constitutional carry) also signed.

NE Legislature Journal; Governor's Office; Platte Institute; Nebraska Examiner

Veto override rate

In 2023, vetoed $38.5M in general fund spending; lawmakers overrode ~$850K (auditor funding). In 2025, delivered line-item vetoes to wrong office (Secretary of State instead of Clerk of Legislature) while session was active — forced to withdraw vetoes and admit 'we made a mistake.' Procedural error embarrassed administration.

NE Legislature Journal; Nebraska Examiner veto reporting; Unicameral Update

Bipartisan bills signed

LB 243 property tax package advanced 41-0 in committee — genuinely bipartisan in unicameral. LB 753 (school choice) had cross-party support from rural and urban members. However, LB 574 (abortion/trans care ban) passed narrowly at 33-15, highly partisan split. Special session tax bill divisive.

NE Legislature Vote Records; Unicameral Update; Nebraska Examiner

Special sessions called

Called special session July 25-Aug 20, 2024 for property tax reform. Pillen promised 50% property tax cut but delivered only ~3% new relief. Plan to tax 120+ currently exempt goods/services (including ag equipment) failed — senators refused to repeal sales tax exemptions. Among costliest special sessions in NE history. Signed bill but called it inadequate.

Governor's Proclamation — Special Session 2024; Nebraska Examiner; WOWT Aug 2024

Executive orders — legal challenges

EOs not struck down by courts. Key EOs: banned CCP technology from state systems (2023, expanded EO 25-04), ordered state employees back to office (Nov 2023 effective Jan 2024), EO 25-01 anti-sanctuary immigration policy, EO on power generation needs, EO banning lab-grown meat from state contracts. Moderate EO usage.

NE Governor's Office EO Records; Governor's Press Releases; Court Records

Line-item veto usage

2023: line-item vetoed $38.5M including $7M rural drinking water project, $2.2M legislative pay raises, $1.9M Supreme Court funding, $1.8M home visitation care. Legislature overrode $850K for auditor position. 2025: botched veto delivery to wrong office; withdrew vetoes and accepted responsibility for error.

NE Constitution Art. IV; Governor's Budget Actions; Nebraska Examiner May-Jun 2025

Regulatory burden change

Signed EO eliminating ~1,000 vacant state positions (April 2024) — cut regulatory overhead. Backed LB 1301 tightening foreign adversary land ownership (China, Russia, etc.). Office crafted bill to ease agricultural CAFO permitting (stalled in committee after opposition). Return-to-office mandate ended COVID-era remote work for state employees.

NE Secretary of State Administrative Code; Governor's Office EOs; Nebraska Examiner; Investigate Midwest

Budget negotiation success

FY2025-27 budget negotiations strained by $646M deficit. Deficit grew from $451M (Oct 2025) to $471M (Nov 2025) to $646M+ after Feb 2026 forecast cut $175M more. Lawmakers approved $130M rainy day fund transfer and $152M prior-year transfer ($282M total). Federal 'One Big Beautiful Bill' adds ~$216M cost to NE over 2 fiscal years.

NE Legislature Appropriations Committee; Nebraska Examiner; NE Economic Forecasting Advisory Board

Bill signing rate on popular legislation

Signed LB 753 Opportunity Scholarships Act (May 2023) — NE's first school choice program ($50M tax credits). Later replaced by LB 1402 (2024) — $10M state-appropriated program via State Treasurer. LB 77 constitutional carry popular with base. LB 574 (abortion/trans ban) divisive. Property tax bills signed but fell far short of promises.

NE Legislature Records; Governor's Office Press Releases; Ballotpedia

Legislative relationship

Strained relationship with unicameral. Sen. Julie Slama said property tax plan 'taxes the average Nebraskan to death, then taxes them again for burial.' Special session failed to repeal a single sales tax exemption. 2025 veto delivery error (sent to wrong office) forced embarrassing withdrawal. Appropriations Committee split 5-4 on overriding his $45M+ provider rate vetoes.

NE Legislature Floor Debate; Nebraska Examiner; Lincoln Journal Star; Unicameral Update

Implementation of voter-approved measures

Medicaid expansion (2018 ballot measure) implemented in Oct 2020 under Ricketts; Pillen maintained with 66,881 enrollees by Nov 2024. Casino gaming (2020 ballot measure) launched June 2023 — WarHorse Lincoln, Grand Island Casino, WarHorse Omaha, Caesars Columbus all opened during tenure. Online sports betting referendum pending for 2026.

NE Secretary of State; NE DHHS Medicaid; NE Racing and Gaming Commission

Task force follow-through

Conducted property tax town halls across NE but 40-50% cut promise unmet after 3 years. LB 243 (2023) delivered structural reforms (community college tax elimination, school cap) but special session (2024) added only ~3% new relief. Workforce housing task force proposed $25M Rural Workforce Housing Fund. $20M internship program with Aksarben Foundation launched.

Governor's Office Property Tax Records; NE Legislature; Nebraska Examiner

Policy reversals under pressure

Property tax target shifted from 40% to 50% and back — called special session promising 50% cut, signed result delivering ~3%, then said 'we'll watch game film and come back stronger.' On gambling: personally opposed but said 'hardcore reality' is Nebraskans already bet online, pivoted to supporting legalization in 2025. Consistent on immigration and 2A positions.

Governor's Office Policy Records; Nebraska Examiner; WOWT

Appointments & Staffing — 28/36 (78%) 12 metrics

Appointee criminal/ethics issues

No criminal charges or ethics violations against Pillen appointees. DHHS CEO Steve Corsi confirmed 28-8 by Legislature (March 2024) after contentious hearing. Casey Ricketts approved to lead Racing and Gaming Commission. No appointees forced to resign due to misconduct.

NE Accountability and Disclosure Commission; NE Legislature confirmation records; Court Records

Agency head vacancy rate

DHHS CEO Dannette Smith resigned July 2023; Bo Botelho served as interim until Steve Corsi confirmed March 2024 — 8-month gap. Appointed Charity Menefee as Director of Public Health, Dr. Matthew Donahue as Acting Chief Medical Officer. Signed EO eliminating ~1,000 long-vacant state positions (April 2024) to reduce bloat.

Governor's Office Appointment Records; Nebraska Examiner; Governor's Press Releases

State employee turnover

Corrections staffing remains critical: 224 vacancies (Sept 2024), up from 190 (March 2024). Only 354 started pre-service training in FY2024 — 2nd lowest in 11 years. $22M overtime pay in corrections (2023). Average corrections salary raised $30K since 2015. General state workforce turnover stable outside corrections.

NE DAS HR Reports; NE OIG Corrections 2024 Annual Report; Nebraska Examiner

Diversity of appointments

Appointments reflect Nebraska demographics — predominantly white state (79%). Appointed Dr. Tony Green as interim CFS Director (minority appointment). Appointed former Husker football player to UNL Board of Regents (Feb 2026). Cabinet reflects agricultural and business backgrounds typical of NE Republican appointees.

Governor's Office Records; Governor's Cabinet page; Census NE demographics

Judicial appointment quality

Nebraska uses merit selection (Missouri Plan) for judicial appointments — Judicial Nominating Commission provides shortlist, governor selects. No judicial appointments challenged or reversed. Nebraska Supreme Court upheld LB 574 (abortion/trans care) against single-subject challenge (July 2024), validating Pillen-backed legislation.

NE Judicial Nominating Commission; NE Supreme Court — Planned Parenthood v. Hilgers

State workforce pay competitiveness

Corrections officer average salary raised $30K since 2015, but recruitment still lagging — only 354 trainees in FY2024 vs 592 two years prior. General state workforce competitive in NE's low cost-of-living market (RPP ~90-92). 2.9% unemployment creates tight labor market statewide. Proposed $25M Rural Workforce Housing Fund to address rural recruitment barriers.

NE DAS Compensation Studies; BLS OES Nebraska; NE OIG Corrections 2024; BEA RPP

Whistleblower protection

No documented whistleblower retaliation cases during Pillen tenure. Inspector General of Corrections operates independently and publishes critical annual reports (overcrowding, staffing) without interference. IG of Child Welfare also published critical findings on Alternative Response program without retaliation.

NE Personnel Commission Records; NE OIG Corrections; NE OIG Child Welfare

Inspector General independence

IG of Corrections (Doug Koebernick) published critical 2024 annual report flagging 147% design capacity overcrowding and rising vacancies without obstruction from governor. IG of Child Welfare flagged 9 cases of children injured/killed after Alternative Response assessment (2021-2024). Both IGs operate under Legislative authority, maintaining independence.

NE IG of Corrections 2024 Annual Report; NE IG of Child Welfare; Nebraska Examiner

State employee morale

Corrections morale strained: staff working average 16 hours overtime/week, $22M total overtime (2023). Return-to-office mandate (Jan 2024) ended COVID remote work — some employee pushback. Elimination of ~1,000 vacant positions (April 2024 EO) reduced bureaucratic bloat but signaled austerity. Non-corrections state workforce morale appears stable.

NE DAS Employee Survey Data; NE OIG Corrections 2024; Governor's EO April 2024

Nepotism/cronyism

Pillen Family Farms ranked 15th largest US pork producer — 108+ hog facilities in NE, $286M in loans (2023). Pillen oversees NDEE (agency regulating his own farms' waste). Governor's office crafted bill easing CAFO permitting — directly benefits his industry. 16 of 27 monitored Pillen farm facilities recorded nitrate levels over 50ppm. Ethics expert: 'absolutely present' conflict of interest.

Investigate Midwest; Flatwater Free Press; Lincoln Journal Star; NE Accountability and Disclosure Commission

Senior staff criminal charges

No senior staff or cabinet members charged with crimes during Pillen tenure. DHHS CEO transition (Smith resignation, Botelho interim, Corsi appointment) was policy-driven, not scandal-driven. No criminal investigations involving governor's office staff.

Court Records; NE AG Office; Governor's Office

Agency performance accountability

NDCS prison system at 147% design capacity — worst overcrowding nationally by operational measure. DHHS child welfare repeat maltreatment rate decreased 34% (Aug 2022-Sep 2024). Average time in out-of-home care reduced 5%. OCIO undergoing first major IT reorganization in 20 years under CIO McCarville. Mixed agency performance — corrections failing, child welfare improving.

NE DAS Performance Reports; NE OIG Corrections 2024; DHHS CFS Division; GovTech Nebraska

Emergency Management — 29/36 (81%) 12 metrics

Disaster declaration timeliness

Declared emergency for Panhandle wildfires (June 2024). Declared emergency for 7 southwestern counties during March 2026 wildfires near Farnam — 600,000+ acres burned, 35,000 cattle displaced. Secured FEMA-4838-DR (Oct 2024) for July 2024 storms (Cass, Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy, Saunders). Timely disaster response across multiple events.

NE Emergency Management Agency; FEMA-4838-DR; Governor's Press Releases; WOWT

FEMA Public Assistance secured

FEMA-4838-DR (Oct 2024): Public Assistance for 5 counties after July 31 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding. Additional disaster declaration April 2024 (incident April 6-7). March 2026: working with White House on disaster declaration for Morrill County wildfire (600K+ acres). Multiple successful FEMA PA applications.

FEMA PA Records — Nebraska; Federal Register 2024-28684; NEMA newsroom

Emergency reserve adequacy

Cash Reserve Fund balance $877M (end FY2024-25) — adequate for emergency response but declining rapidly from $2.2B peak (2023). $282M in transfers already committed for budget gap. Projected to fall to ~$546M by end of FY2026-27 cycle. Emergency capacity shrinking but still functional.

NE DAS Budget Division; NE Legislature Fiscal Office; Pew State Reserves 2025

Lives lost — preventable from state failure

No preventable deaths from state infrastructure failures. July 2024 tornado/storm deaths not attributable to state negligence — NWS warnings issued properly. March 2026 Morrill County wildfires: evacuations ordered promptly near Farnam, no civilian deaths reported from delayed response. Guard mobilized quickly for wildfire support.

NE Emergency Management Agency; NWS Nebraska; Governor's Office wildfire updates

Post-disaster recovery

FEMA-4838-DR recovery ongoing for July 2024 storm damage across 5 counties. March 2026 wildfire recovery: 600K+ acres of grazing land burned, 35,000 cattle need relocation — Pillen called it 'Mother Nature throwing a doozy' and sought federal and multi-state assistance. Agricultural disaster recovery complicated by scale.

FEMA PA Records; NE Emergency Management; WOWT March 2026

Public health emergency response

Medicaid expansion maintained at 66,881 enrollees (Nov 2024). Appointed Charity Menefee as Public Health Director, Dr. Matthew Donahue as Acting CMO. Avian flu monitoring in poultry-heavy state. Rural hospital crisis: 35% of NE hospitals losing money on operations, 44% of small rural hospitals at a loss (2025). 20% of hospitals eliminated services (2022-2024).

NE DHHS Public Health Division; Nebraska Examiner; HealthLeaders Media

Infrastructure failure prevention

No major infrastructure failures causing deaths. NDOT bridges in reasonable condition per FHWA NBI. County Bridge Match Program renewed under LB 1030 (2024) for rural bridge maintenance. NDEE water quality monitoring ongoing — NE public power utilities reliable (state has no private utilities). EO issued on meeting power generation needs.

NE DOT; NE DEE; FHWA Nebraska Division; Governor's EO on power generation

National Guard deployment appropriateness

Deployed Guard to TX border twice in 2024: 35 troops (April-June, Eagle Pass) and 60+ troops (Aug-Sept) under Operation Lone Star via Emergency Management Assistance Compact. Cost: $1.27M in state funds. 10 State Patrol troopers deployed to El Paso (April 2024). Guard mobilized for March 2026 wildfires. All deployments lawful under EMAC.

NE Military Department Records; Governor's Press Releases; Nebraska Examiner

Emergency communication

NEMA press conferences during July 2024 storms and March 2026 wildfires. Pillen personally briefed media on wildfire response ('Mother Nature is throwing a doozy'). Governor's office maintained regular updates during horse accident recovery (Dec 2024 — detailed medical bulletins on 7 broken ribs, surgery, spleen lacerations).

NE Emergency Management Agency; Governor's Office Press Releases; WOWT; NBC News

Interagency coordination

Multi-agency wildfire response March 2026: NEMA, NE National Guard, State Patrol, NE Forest Service, county sheriffs coordinated across 7 southwestern counties. FEMA coordination secured FEMA-4838-DR for July 2024 storms. Sought multi-state fire assistance from neighboring states during Morrill County wildfire.

NE Emergency Management Agency After-Action Reports; NEMA newsroom; Governor's Office

Pandemic response metrics

No active pandemic during tenure — COVID resolved before Jan 2023 inauguration. Ordered all state employees back to office Jan 2, 2024, ending COVID-era remote work. Avian influenza monitoring ongoing given NE's large poultry/livestock industry. DHHS public health infrastructure maintained post-COVID.

NE DHHS; Governor's EO Nov 2023; USDA avian flu monitoring

Disaster preparedness & emergency infrastructure

NE faces flood, tornado, drought, and wildfire risks. March 2026 wildfire season devastating — 600K+ acres in Morrill County alone. NEMA coordinates with NWS, FEMA, and county emergency managers. Guard activated for both weather and wildfire events. $877M Cash Reserve provides emergency buffer though declining. County Bridge Match (LB 1030) aids rural infrastructure resilience.

NE NEMA

Transparency & Ethics — 32/39 (82%) 13 metrics

FOIA/open records compliance

Compliant with Nebraska Public Records Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. 84-712). Investigate Midwest and Flatwater Free Press obtained governor's office emails via public records request revealing CAFO permitting bill involvement — records were produced, indicating compliance. No AG opinions finding governor's office in violation.

NE AG Open Records Opinions; Investigate Midwest FOIA records; Neb. Rev. Stat. 84-712

Governor's schedule availability

Governor's schedule posted on governor.nebraska.gov. Monthly call-in radio show provides constituent access. Conducted property tax town halls across all NE regions in 2023-2024. Horse accident (Dec 2024) sidelined public schedule for several weeks — detailed medical updates provided.

Governor's Office Website; governor.nebraska.gov; Nebraska media

Campaign finance compliance

No campaign finance violations. Won 2022 GOP primary with 33.75% in crowded field (Herbster 30.1%, Lindstrom 25.7%). General election: 59.2% to Blood's 36%. Announced May 2025 he will seek reelection in 2026. Campaign finance reports filed on time with Accountability and Disclosure Commission.

NE Accountability and Disclosure Commission; NE Secretary of State 2022 results; WOWT

Financial disclosure

Financial disclosures filed annually. March 2024 disclosure covering first year in office shows continued investment in Pillen Family Farms and related businesses. NE law does not require asset divestiture. 108+ hog facilities, $286M in loans disclosed. Ethics expert Kathleen Clark (WashU): conflict is 'absolutely present' but legally permissible.

NE Accountability and Disclosure Commission; Investigate Midwest; Flatwater Free Press

Open meetings compliance

No Open Meetings Act violations found against governor's office or executive agencies. Public hearings held for LB 574, LB 243, special session tax bills. DHHS CEO confirmation hearing (Steve Corsi) was public and contentious but properly noticed. Racing and Gaming Commission meetings public.

NE AG Open Meetings Decisions; NE Legislature hearing records

Open data portal

Nebraska spending transparency portal maintained at statespending.nebraska.gov with current fiscal year budget data. State treasurer's office publishes fund balances. Property tax credit information available at revenue.nebraska.gov. Open data infrastructure adequate but not national leader.

statespending.nebraska.gov; revenue.nebraska.gov; NE State Treasurer

Budget transparency

Biennial budget documents published at nebraskalegislature.gov (2023, 2024, 2025 budget PDFs). General Fund Financial Status reports updated regularly. Economic Forecasting Advisory Board projections public. Budget stress test report (2025) publicly available. Legislature Fiscal Office publishes major tax review annually.

NE DAS Budget Division; NE Legislature Fiscal Office; nebraskalegislature.gov/reports/fiscal

Lobbying disclosure

Lobbying registrations and expenditure reports filed with NE Accountability and Disclosure Commission. Livestock industry lobbying on CAFO permitting bill documented through public records requests. AG industry groups' role in crafting permitting legislation revealed by Flatwater Free Press via emails — shows lobbying trail is traceable.

NE Accountability and Disclosure Commission; Flatwater Free Press; Investigate Midwest

IG report publication

IG of Corrections 2024 annual report published at nebraskalegislature.gov — critical findings on overcrowding (147% capacity) and staffing. IG of Child Welfare flagged Alternative Response program failures publicly. State Auditor Mike Foley publishes all audit reports at auditors.nebraska.gov. ACFR available at das.nebraska.gov.

NE State Auditor Website; NE IG Annual Reports; nebraskalegislature.gov; auditors.nebraska.gov

Legislative audit cooperation

Executive branch cooperated with Legislature Performance Audit Committee reviews. NDCS provided data for prison overcrowding audits. DHHS cooperated with child welfare IG investigations. No documented instances of withholding information from legislative auditors. State agencies responded to FY2025 Single Audit findings.

NE Legislature Performance Audit Committee; NE State Auditor FY2025 reports

Press conference accessibility

Regular press conferences and monthly call-in radio show. Pillen accessible to media — gave interviews to Nebraska Examiner, WOWT, 1011 News regularly. Discussed Offutt AFB, STRATCOM, border deployments on call-in show. Press conferences during wildfire emergencies and special session. Horse accident: office issued multiple detailed medical updates.

Governor's Office Media Schedule; Nebraska media coverage; Governor's Press Releases

State contract transparency

DAS Materiel Division procurement records publicly searchable. $350M prison construction contract bidding process public (early 2025). NDCS within proposed budget per Correctional Services confirmation (June 2025). CCP technology ban EOs create transparent exclusion criteria for vendor contracts.

NE DAS Materiel Division; Nebraska Examiner prison bidding; Governor's EO 25-04

Court order compliance

No documented court order defiance. NE Supreme Court upheld LB 574 (abortion/trans care ban) against ACLU single-subject challenge (July 2024) — Pillen complied with court timeline throughout. No injunctions defied. 2025 veto delivery error was administrative, not court-related, and was voluntarily corrected.

Court Records; NE Supreme Court — Planned Parenthood v. Hilgers (2024)

Ethics & Integrity — 33/39 (85%) 13 metrics

Personal criminal charges

No criminal charges, indictments, or federal/state investigations against Pillen. No DOJ inquiries. Conflict-of-interest concerns regarding Pillen Family Farms are ethical, not criminal. Clean personal criminal record. Veterinarian by training — DVM from Kansas State. Former UNL Board of Regents member (2013-2023).

Court Records; DOJ; NE Accountability and Disclosure Commission

Ethics complaints — substantiated

No substantiated ethics complaints filed with NE Accountability and Disclosure Commission. CAFO permitting bill involvement raised ethical questions (governor's office crafted legislation benefiting his industry) but no formal complaints filed. Investigate Midwest and Flatwater Free Press published extensive investigative series but no formal ethics findings.

NE Accountability and Disclosure Commission; Investigate Midwest; Flatwater Free Press

Gift/travel disclosure

Gift and travel disclosures filed with Accountability and Disclosure Commission. Visited NE National Guard troops at TX-Mexico border with Speaker Arch and Sen. Tom Brewer (state-funded trip). No luxury travel controversies. Personal travel limited — horse accident occurred while riding with family near Columbus, NE.

NE Accountability and Disclosure Commission; Governor's Office travel records

Conflict of interest

Pillen Family Farms: 15th largest US pork producer, 108+ hog facilities, $286M in loans. Governor oversees NDEE which regulates his farms' waste — 16 of 27 monitored sites exceeded 50ppm nitrate. Property tax plan would protect ag sales tax exemptions while taxing 120+ consumer items. His office co-authored CAFO permitting bill with livestock lobbyists. Ethics expert: 'absolutely present' conflict.

NE Accountability and Disclosure Commission; Lincoln Journal Star; Investigate Midwest; Flatwater Free Press

State resources for political purposes

No documented misuse of state resources for political purposes. Property tax town halls were official governor events, not campaign rallies. Border troop deployment ($1.27M) was under EMAC interstate compact, not political stunt. Announced reelection bid (May 2025) through campaign, not state office.

NE Accountability and Disclosure Commission; Nebraska Examiner

Truthfulness in official statements

Promised 40-50% property tax cut — delivered ~3% new relief in special session. Claimed satisfaction with 20% total property tax reduction (including prior credits). Used football metaphor: 'we'll watch game film and come back stronger.' Claims ambitious but not fabricated — LB 243 did deliver structural reforms. $646M deficit contradicts 'transformational' tax cut narrative.

Governor's Office Public Statements; Nebraska Examiner fact-checking; WOWT

Protection of ethics infrastructure

NE Accountability and Disclosure Commission maintained with operating budget intact. Pillen has not attempted to defund or weaken ethics oversight. IG of Corrections and IG of Child Welfare operate independently under Legislature — no executive interference. State Auditor Mike Foley operates independently.

NE Accountability and Disclosure Commission Budget; NE Legislature IG appropriations

Emoluments/self-dealing

Pillen Family Farms (108+ facilities, $286M loans) would benefit from property tax plan protecting ag exemptions. A million-gallon hog waste spill at Wolbach Foods (Pillen's Greeley County barn) went unreported for a week. 12 Pillen-linked operations violated state regulations over 3 decades. Governor oversees NDEE that regulates his own farms. NE law permits but does not require divestiture.

NE Accountability and Disclosure Commission; Financial Disclosures; Investigate Midwest; Flatwater Free Press

Campaign donor to state contract pipeline

No documented pattern of campaign donors receiving state contracts. Pete Ricketts (predecessor, now US Senator) endorsed Pillen in 2022 primary — no quid pro quo allegations. Casey Ricketts (relative of Pete) appointed to Racing and Gaming Commission but based on qualifications. DAS procurement records show no donor favoritism.

NE Accountability and Disclosure Commission; DAS Procurement Records; Campaign finance filings

Foreign influence

No foreign influence concerns. Actively opposed foreign adversary influence — signed LB 1301 (Foreign-Owned Real Estate National Security Act) banning China, Russia, Iran, N. Korea, Cuba, Venezuela from acquiring NE farmland. Signed EOs banning CCP technology from state systems (2023, expanded EO 25-04). Strong anti-foreign-adversary stance.

DOJ FARA Database; NE LB 1301; Governor's EO 25-04; Nebraska Examiner

Sexual harassment claims

No sexual harassment or misconduct claims filed against governor or governor's office staff. Former Husker defensive back (1975-78), Two-time All-Big 8, inducted into NE Football Hall of Fame 2004. Personal reputation clean — married, operates family farm. No MeToo-era allegations surfaced.

NE DAS HR Records; Court Records; Huskers.com roster

Records preservation

No documented records destruction. Governor's office emails produced in response to public records requests (Investigate Midwest obtained CAFO bill emails). State Records Board retention schedules followed. No allegations of deleted communications or hidden records.

NE State Records Board; Investigate Midwest FOIA results; Flatwater Free Press

Revolving door

Pillen himself is a revolving-door case — went from UNL Board of Regents (2013-2023) and Pillen Family Farms chairman directly to governor, now overseeing agencies that regulate his industry. No senior staff revolving door scandals. Casey Ricketts (related to former Gov. Ricketts) appointed to Racing Commission — raises optics questions but not illegal.

NE Accountability and Disclosure Commission; Governor's Office appointments

Program Management — 27/36 (75%) 12 metrics

Fraud losses in state programs

No major fraud losses in state programs. Low unemployment (2.9%) minimizes UI fraud exposure. Medicaid program integrity maintained for 66,881 expansion enrollees. SNAP/WIC programs audited without major fraud findings. DHHS uses SAVE system for benefits verification. Single Audit reports show adequate compliance across federal programs.

NE State Auditor FY2025 Single Audit; NE DHHS Program Integrity; DOL Nebraska

Program integrity — eligibility verification

DHHS uses SAVE system and E-Verify for immigration status verification on public benefits. Medicaid expansion eligibility set at 138% FPL (~$17K/single). Program integrity maintained — no systemic over-enrollment or eligibility fraud scandals. Legislature unlocked up to $1B in federal Medicaid matching funds (2024 bill) with proper verification.

NE DHHS Program Integrity Reports; DHS SAVE Program; Nebraska Examiner

IT system modernization

CIO Matthew McCarville hired 2024 — first major OCIO reorganization in 20 years. Moving state off on-premise mainframe to cloud (vendor selection Jan 2025). Cybersecurity previously unbudgeted — working with Legislature to fund. Building joint security operations center with universities and municipalities. Cut $2.5M annual overhead, targeting $13M in IT savings.

NE OCIO Reports; GovTech Nebraska; Route Fifty Oct 2024

Permit processing timeliness

Governor's office backed bill to streamline CAFO livestock permitting and weaken local zoning control — bill stalled in committee after opposition. NDEE environmental permits for hog farms processed but 12 Pillen-linked operations had violations. Business-friendly approach overall — no major non-ag permit backlogs.

NE DEE; NE DHHS Licensing; Investigate Midwest; Flatwater Free Press

Child welfare system

Repeat maltreatment rate decreased 34% (Aug 2022-Sep 2024). Average time in out-of-home care reduced 5% (Apr-Sep 2024). 3,186 children in foster care system; 300+ adopted in 2024. BUT: IG flagged 9 cases (2021-2024) of children seriously injured/3 killed after Alternative Response assessment. Pillen directed DHHS to preserve foster youth survivor benefits (Jan 2026) — NE became 12th state to stop diverting SSA benefits.

ACF CFSR Results — Nebraska; NE DHHS CFS Division; NE IG Child Welfare; Nebraska Examiner

Medicaid program management

Medicaid expansion (voter-approved 2018, implemented Oct 2020) covering 66,881 Nebraskans as of Nov 2024 at 138% FPL. Legislature unlocked up to $1B federal Medicaid matching (2024 bill). BUT: hospitals reimbursed as low as 34 cents on the dollar. 35% of all NE hospitals losing money on operations; 44% of small rural hospitals at a loss. 20% eliminated services 2022-2024.

CMS Medicaid Reviews — Nebraska; NE DHHS Medicaid; HealthLeaders Media; Nebraska Examiner

Environmental program

EPA-delegated programs operating at standard levels. NDEE monitors groundwater nitrate contamination near CAFOs — 16 of 27 Pillen-linked facilities exceeded 50ppm nitrate. A 2021 NDEE report found facility 'impacting groundwater quality.' Million-gallon hog waste spill at Wolbach Foods went unreported for a week. Governor's office pushed (failed) bill to ease CAFO permitting.

EPA State Program Evaluations — Nebraska; NE DEE; Investigate Midwest; Flatwater Free Press

Transportation project delivery

NDOT projects on pace — Highway Cash Fund appropriation increased to fully match federal IIJA formula funding. County Bridge Match Program renewed under LB 1030 (2024). NDOT began alternative delivery approach in 2023, selecting 2 complex bridge projects for early contractor involvement (2025). STIP 2025-2028 published. Partnered with USDOT to cut construction red tape.

NE DOT Annual Report; NE DOT STIP 2025-2028; FHWA Nebraska Division; USDOT announcement

Unemployment insurance system

NE unemployment 2.9% (March 2025) — tied for 5th lowest nationally. UI system low-volume and functioning well. Tight labor market creates workforce shortage — Pillen assembled business/education working group and launched $20M internship program with Aksarben Foundation. Proposed $25M Rural Workforce Housing Fund to address housing barrier to recruitment.

NE DOL; BLS LAUS; DOL UI Performance Data; Governor's Press Releases

Veterans services

Pillen attended ribbon-cutting for new Veterans Resource Center at Offutt AFB Exchange (Oct 2024) — first-ever Exchange-site NDVA resource center offering benefits assistance, employment services, housing guidance. NE DVA provides accredited Veteran Service Officers. Offutt AFB hosts STRATCOM — Pillen calls NE a 'sophisticated national security hub.'

NE DVA Annual Reports; VA State Grant Data; Offutt AFB Exchange Post; Governor's Press Releases

Housing program effectiveness

NE cost of living below national average (BEA RPP ~90-92). Housing affordable vs national median but workforce housing shortage acute in rural areas — 'homes sold before doors are hung' per Pillen. Proposed $25M addition to Rural Workforce Housing Fund. Omaha/Lincoln housing costs rising from domestic factors. NIFA programs adequate.

NE Investment Finance Authority; Census ACS Housing Data; BEA RPP; Governor's 2024 State of State

Corrections system

NDCS at 147% design capacity — ranks #1 nationally in prison overcrowding by operational measure. ~1,900 more inmates than facilities designed for. Staffing: 224 vacancies (Sept 2024), $22M overtime (2023), staff work 16 hrs/week OT average. New $350M 1,500-bed prison near Lincoln authorized — completion pushed to 2028. UNO study: new prison alone won't solve overcrowding without policy changes.

NE DCS Annual Reports; NE IG Corrections 2024/2025 Reports; Nebraska Examiner; UNO report

Federal Relations — 13/15 (87%) 5 metrics

Federal funding captured

Secured FEMA-4838-DR (Oct 2024) for storm damage. NDAA included $158M for Offutt AFB Survivable Airborne Operations Center, $6M training center, $5M 557th Weather Wing research. Legislature unlocked up to $1B federal Medicaid matching. IIJA highway funds fully matched. Opted into federal Scholarship Tax Credit for school choice.

USASpending.gov — Nebraska; FY2025 NDAA; FEMA; Nebraska Examiner; Census Federal Aid

Federal corrective action plans

No major federal corrective actions. FY2025 Single Audit identified some findings (Education Dept TEEOSA calculations, program-specific issues) but no systemic compliance failures triggering federal sanctions. Medicaid, SNAP, UI programs operating within federal parameters. FHWA Nebraska Division reviews satisfactory.

Federal Agency State Reviews; NE State Auditor FY2025 Single Audit; FHWA; CMS

Interstate cooperation

Used Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) for TX border deployments ($1.27M, 2024). Joined multi-state coalitions supporting federal immigration enforcement. Nebraska participates in interstate water compacts (Platte River, Republican River). Sought multi-state fire assistance during March 2026 wildfires. Offutt AFB/STRATCOM gives NE outsized interstate defense role.

Interstate Compact Records; EMAC; Governor's Press Releases; Nebraska Examiner

Local government relations

LB 243 eliminated community college property tax (~$300M/yr) replacing with state funding — shifts burden to state. School revenue growth capped at 3% — constrains school district budgets. Local governments concerned property tax cuts reduce their revenue without adequate state replacement. CAFO permitting bill would have weakened county zoning authority — stalled. State spends ~$3.5B/biennium subsidizing local governments.

NE Association of County Officials; NE League of Municipalities; Investigate Midwest

Federal litigation costs

Minimal federal litigation costs. NE AG joined multi-state coalitions supporting federal immigration enforcement but no standalone lawsuits. AG office received $510K in Pillen's 2023 line-item veto (interstate water litigation, trial prep coordinator). No major lawsuits against federal government. Cooperated with USDOT on construction red tape reduction.

NE AG Litigation Records; Nebraska Examiner veto reporting; USDOT

Constituent Service — 11/15 (73%) 5 metrics

Constituent inquiry response

Governor's office maintains constituent services unit at governor.nebraska.gov. Monthly call-in radio show provides direct constituent access. Foreign land ownership cited as top concern from town halls — led to LB 1301. Property tax cited as primary constituent issue across all regions. Response times appear standard for small-state governor's office.

Governor's Office Internal Metrics; governor.nebraska.gov; Nebraska media

Town halls held

Conducted property tax town halls across all NE regions (2023-2024) — foreign land ownership emerged as top constituent concern. Monthly call-in show on NE radio. Visited Guard troops at TX-Mexico border with legislators. Attended Offutt AFB events. Held Foster Care Month events. Rural community visits with agricultural focus. Sidelined several weeks after Dec 2024 horse accident.

Governor's Office Schedule; Governor's Press Releases; Nebraska media

Constituent satisfaction

Morning Consult (July 2023): 51% approval, net negative — one of only 3 governors nationally with net negative rating. Property tax promise (40-50% cut) unfulfilled after 3+ years frustrates base. Horse accident (Dec 2024): 7 broken ribs, collapsed lung, spleen laceration, vertebra fracture — 9 titanium plates, Christmas Day surgery. $646M deficit growing. Announced reelection bid May 2025.

Morning Consult Governor Approval Tracker; Governor's Office; NE media; NBC News

ADA compliance

Standard ADA compliance. Pillen vetoed $107K for NE Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (full-time sign language interpreter position) in 2023 line-item vetoes — raised accessibility concerns but veto was part of broader $38.5M spending reduction. No DOJ ADA enforcement actions against NE during tenure.

NE Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; DOJ ADA Reviews; Nebraska Examiner veto details

Electoral accountability

Won 2022 general election 59.2% to Carol Blood's 36.0% (23-pt margin). Won crowded GOP primary with 33.75% (Herbster 30.1%, Lindstrom 25.7%). Announced May 2025 he will seek reelection in 2026. First term — has not yet faced reelection accountability. Net negative approval (Morning Consult 2023) suggests vulnerability despite solid 2022 margin.

NE Secretary of State — 2022 General Election Results; WOWT; Morning Consult

Section B — State Outcomes 568/975

13 categories measuring real-world outcomes: economic performance, population trends, fiscal health, public safety, education, healthcare, infrastructure, cost of living, transparency, controversy, historical context, constituent satisfaction, and immigration compliance.

Economic Performance — 50/75 (67%)

BLS LAUS: NE unemployment 2.9% (March 2025) — tied for 5th lowest nationally. BEA SAGDP: Nebraska GDP growing steadily. Agriculture-based economy stable. Low cost of doing business. However, income tax rate cuts (phasing to 3.99%) creating revenue pressure without equivalent economic growth boost yet.

Population & Demographics — 40/75 (53%)

Census 2025: NE population 2,018,006 — surpassed 2 million milestone (Dec 2024). Growth 0.6% (+12,500 residents) annually. Natural increase +6,136 (births exceeding deaths). International migration +6,599 (but halved from prior year due to federal policy changes). Net domestic migration improved from -1,498 to -366. Ranked 18th in overall state population growth. BUT: more than half of NE's 93 counties losing population — rural depopulation continues as long-term trend. Aksarben Foundation warns NE skilled workforce is in decline. Urban growth (Omaha, Lincoln) offsets rural losses. Workforce shortage acute with 2.9% unemployment.

Budget & Fiscal Health — 35/75 (47%)

AAA/Aaa credit ratings maintained. Low debt per capita. BUT: structural deficit emerging ($471M—$646M+) from income tax cuts. Revenue forecasts repeatedly missed. Property tax reform unfunded. Cash reserves being drawn down. Trajectory is concerning despite strong starting position.

Public Safety — 50/75 (67%)

FBI UCR/NIBRS 2024: NE violent crime rate 221/100K — 38.6% below national average, ranking 39th (12th lowest). Overall crime decreased 16.4% in 2024. Violent crime down 5.2%; property crime down 17.7%. Omaha reported lowest violent crime in 14 years (2024) — overall crime down 17% in Omaha. Composition: 70% aggravated assaults, 19.7% rapes, 9.3% robberies, 0.95% murders. LB 77 (constitutional carry, Apr 2023) implemented without measurable crime increase. Deployed 35 Guard troops and 10 State Patrol troopers to TX border (2024, $1.27M). NE experienced 3 mass shootings in 2025 (up from 1 in 2024). Rural crime minimal.

Education Outcomes — 45/75 (60%)

NAEP: Nebraska scores at or slightly above national average. School funding fights ongoing — Pillen proposed school aid formula overhaul in November 2024. Education Freedom Accounts debate. Per-pupil spending moderate. Graduation rates above national average.

Healthcare Access — 40/75 (53%)

Census ACS: NE uninsured rate ~8% (slightly above national 7.7%). Medicaid expansion (voter-approved 2018, implemented Oct 2020) covers 66,881 enrollees at 138% FPL. Legislature unlocked up to $1B federal Medicaid matching funds (2024 bill). BUT: rural hospital crisis — 35% of all NE hospitals losing money on operations, 44% of small rural hospitals at a loss (2025). 20% of hospitals eliminated services (2022-2024). Hospitals reimbursed as low as 34 cents on the dollar. Avian flu monitoring ongoing given NE's large poultry/livestock industry. Life expectancy ~79.3 (above national avg).

Infrastructure Quality — 45/75 (60%)

FHWA NBI: NE bridges in reasonable condition — County Bridge Match Program renewed under LB 1030 (2024) for rural bridge maintenance. NDOT adopted alternative delivery approach (2023), selecting 2 complex bridge projects for early contractor involvement. Highway Cash Fund appropriation increased to fully match federal IIJA formula funding. Roads adequate for rural state. No major infrastructure failures. NE public power utilities reliable (only state with all-public power — no private utilities). EO issued on meeting power generation needs. $350M new 1,500-bed prison near Lincoln authorized — in design/bidding phase, completion pushed to 2028.

Cost of Living — 55/75 (73%)

BEA RPP: Nebraska cost of living below national average (RPP ~90-92). Housing affordable. Property taxes are pain point — NE property taxes exceeded $5B in 2023. Despite low overall cost, property tax burden significant for homeowners.

Transparency & Accountability — 40/75 (53%)

NE Public Records Statutes (Neb. Rev. Stat. Ã‚Â§84-712 through Ã‚Â§84-712.09) establish presumption of openness — records liberally construed as public. Governor's office processes public records requests at governor.nebraska.gov. Investigate Midwest and Flatwater Free Press obtained governor's office emails via records requests revealing CAFO permitting bill involvement — records were produced, indicating compliance. Accountability and Disclosure Commission maintains campaign finance and lobbying registrations. State spending transparency portal at statespending.nebraska.gov. Budget documents published at nebraskalegislature.gov. State Auditor Mike Foley publishes audit reports at auditors.nebraska.gov. No major transparency failures — but no standout transparency initiatives either. Standard compliance for a small-state governor.

Controversy & Scandal — 40/75 (53%)

Property tax reform failure is primary controversy — promised 40% cut, special session failed, legislature could not agree on funding mechanism. Conflict of interest perception with Pillen Family Farms. Horse riding accident (Dec 2024) — hospitalized with 7 broken ribs, collapsed lung, but recovered. Growing budget deficit. School funding disputes.

Historical Context — 35/75 (47%)

Against NE governors historically: unexceptional. Predecessor Pete Ricketts (2015-2023) left strong fiscal foundation — AAA credit, low debt, $2.2B cash reserves, 2.9% unemployment. Pillen appointed Ricketts to US Senate seat (Jan 2023, 1 week after inauguration) — controversial given Ricketts family's $5.4M campaign support. Pillen's signature property tax promise (40-50% cut) unfulfilled after 3+ years — special session (Aug 2024) delivered only ~3% new relief. LB 243 (2023) provided structural reforms ($1.76B over 6 years) but fell far short of promised transformation. Budget deficit grew from $471M to $646M+ under Pillen. Cash reserves declining from $2.2B to projected ~$546M. Inherited strong state but trajectory worsening on key fiscal metrics.

Constituent Verdict — 35/75 (47%)

Mixed reviews. Property tax promise unfulfilled after 3+ years. Budget deficit growing. Horse accident disrupted governance temporarily. Has not yet faced reelection test. Nebraska's strong economy and low unemployment provide baseline satisfaction but signature promise failure is notable.

Immigration & Law Compliance — 58/75 (77%)

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Section C — Oath Fidelity +140 (-378 to +378)

126 items scored -3 to +3 measuring fidelity to constitutional oath. Grounded in Supreme Court precedent and constitutional text.

+3Exemplary +2Strong +1Adequate 0Neutral -1Concerning -2Failing -3Hostile

Protection of Life

Declaration of Independence; 5th/14th Amendments

Score: 30 Range: -93 to 93 Items: 31

Violent crime rate trend

NE violent crime rate 221/100K (2024) — 38.6% below national average. Overall crime decreased 16.4% in 2024. Omaha reported lowest violent crime in 14 years.

FBI UCR/NIBRS; NE Crime Commission

Homicide rate relative to national average

NE homicide rate ~3.0/100K vs national ~6.3. Omaha accounts for majority. Below national average but not dramatically so.

FBI UCR; CDC WONDER

Homicide clearance rate

NE homicide clearance rate ~55%, near national average. Omaha PD and State Patrol handle most cases.

FBI UCR Supplementary Homicide Reports

Law enforcement staffing adequacy

NE law enforcement staffing adequate. Some rural shortages. State Patrol coverage across 77,358 sq mi. 10 troopers deployed to TX border (2024).

FBI LEOKA; BJS CSLLEA

Drug overdose death rate trend

NE overdose death rate ~12-15/100K, well below national ~33. Among lowest in nation. Rural isolation limits distribution.

CDC WONDER; NCHS provisional data

Emergency management preparedness

NEMA well-organized for tornado, wildfire, flooding. March 2026 wildfire (600K+ acres Morrill County) managed effectively. FEMA-4838-DR secured for July 2024 storms.

FEMA SPR; NEMA

Preventable mass-casualty event response

No preventable mass-casualty events from state failure. July 2024 tornado/storm deaths not attributable to delayed response. Guard mobilized for 2026 wildfires.

FEMA; NWS Nebraska

Infrastructure safety — bridge and road conditions

NE bridges in reasonable condition. County Bridge Match Program renewed (LB 1030, 2024). Roads adequate for rural state. No major infrastructure failures.

FHWA NBI; ASCE NE

Water and dam safety compliance

NE water systems generally compliant. Groundwater nitrate contamination near CAFOs concerning (16 of 27 Pillen-linked facilities exceeded 50ppm). Agricultural water infrastructure functional.

EPA SDWIS; NE DEE

Healthcare access — uninsured rate

NE uninsured rate ~8% — at boundary of neutral range. Medicaid expansion (voter-approved 2018) covers 66,881 at 138% FPL. 35% of hospitals losing money.

Census ACS; KFF

Maternal mortality rate

NE maternal mortality approximately 15-18/100K, near national average. Rural hospital closures could impact access. Adequate current outcomes.

CDC WONDER; NCHS

Infant mortality rate

NE infant mortality ~4.8-5.2/1,000 live births, near national average of ~5.6. Adequate but not standout performance.

CDC WONDER; NCHS

Self-defense rights — Castle Doctrine / Stand Your Ground

NE has Castle Doctrine + constitutional carry (LB 77, Apr 2023, signed by Pillen). No duty to retreat in dwelling. Strong self-defense rights.

NE Rev. Stat.; LB 77; NRA-ILA

Death penalty procedural safeguards

NE retains death penalty (voters reinstated 2016 via referendum). Mandatory appellate review. Lethal injection. Limited use. Adequate safeguards.

DPIC; NE Rev. Stat. Ã‚Â§29-2519

Suicide prevention program funding and outcomes

NE suicide rate ~14-15/100K, near national average. 988 integration in progress. Standard prevention programs without standout outcomes.

CDC WISQARS; AFSP NE

911/emergency response time adequacy

Urban areas (Omaha, Lincoln) meet NFPA standards. Rural response times longer but adequate. No major response failures documented.

NFPA; NE EMS registry

Opioid/fentanyl interdiction and treatment funding

NE overdose deaths among lowest nationally. I-80 corridor interdiction ongoing. PDMP operational. Low exposure but growing fentanyl concern.

SAMHSA; CDC WONDER; NE DHHS

Veteran suicide and healthcare access

Offutt AFB Veterans Resource Center opened (Oct 2024) — first Exchange-site NDVA resource center. NE DVA provides accredited VSOs. Above-average veteran services.

VA SAIL; NE DVA; Offutt AFB

Food safety and foodborne illness enforcement

NE Dept of Agriculture food safety adequate. Large meatpacking industry creates inspection demands. No major outbreak failures. NDEE monitors ag waste.

FDA Conformance; NE Dept of Agriculture

Workplace fatality rate

NE workplace fatality rate ~4-5/100K FTE, near or slightly above national average. Meatpacking and agriculture contribute elevated risk.

BLS CFOI

Domestic violence fatality rate and funding

NE has DV programs with state funding. DV Coalition provides services. Adequate shelter capacity for population. Standard performance.

NNEDV; NE DHHS

Correctional facility death rate and conditions

NDCS at 147% design capacity — worst overcrowding nationally. 224 vacancies (Sept 2024). $22M overtime. Staff work 16 hrs/week OT. New $350M prison authorized but won't open until 2028.

BJS; NE OIG Corrections 2024

-1

Pollution-related mortality and environmental health

NE has generally good air quality. Groundwater nitrate contamination near CAFOs is primary environmental health concern. Million-gallon hog waste spill at Wolbach Foods unreported for a week.

EPA Green Book; NE DEE; Investigate Midwest

Pedestrian and traffic fatality rate

NE traffic fatality rate approximately 1.1-1.3/100M VMT, near national average. I-80 corridor creates some elevated risk. Standard safety programs.

NHTSA FARS; NE DOT

Sanctity of life legislative framework

Signed 12-week abortion ban with exceptions for rape/incest/life (LB 574, May 2023). NE Supreme Court upheld against single-subject challenge (Planned Parenthood v. Hilgers, July 2024). Moderate pro-life position.

Guttmacher; LB 574; NE Supreme Court

Homeless mortality — exposure deaths, overdoses in encampments, violence

No specific homeless mortality initiatives. Nebraska homelessness not a major crisis. Focus on property taxes, immigration, education.

Governor's Office; Nebraska Examiner

Population loss impact on services — EMS/hospital closures, tax base erosion

Nebraska crossed 2 million. Domestic migration loss narrowed from -1,498 to -366. Brain drain concern: lost 3,075 with bachelor's degrees.

Nebraska Examiner; Census Bureau

Police staffing/funding — governor's direct actions on law enforcement

Historic 22% pay raise for State Troopers (largest in two decades) addressing 60-trooper shortage. Additional 5% in 2024. Law enforcement reciprocity program.

Governor's Office; Omaha World-Herald

Criminal recidivism from early release — parole/clemency, no-cash-bail

No significant bail reform or early release. No cash bail elimination. Status quo maintained.

Governor's Office; Nebraska Legislature

Prison/shelter housing — biological males in women's facilities

Signed 'Stand With Women Act' (LB89) for biological sex in K-12 and college sports. EO defining males/females (Aug 2023). Joined federal lawsuit on Biden Title IX. 'Will not comply.'

Nebraska Examiner; The Hill; WOWT

Mental health crisis system — involuntary commitment reform, crisis intervention

Signed Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Act (LB276). Seven providers for 24/7 crisis help. Personally testified at hearing. DOJ found systemic issues remain.

Nebraska Examiner; DOJ findings

Constitutional Rights

Bill of Rights (I-X); 14th Amendment

Score: 45 Range: -87 to 87 Items: 29

Second Amendment — right to carry status

Signed constitutional carry (LB 77, Apr 2023). Permitless carry for residents 21+. Strong 2A state.

LB 77; NE Rev. Stat.; NRA-ILA

Second Amendment — semi-automatic rifle restrictions

No restrictions beyond federal law. No assault weapons ban.

NE Code; NRA-ILA

Second Amendment — magazine capacity restrictions

No magazine capacity restrictions.

NE Code; NRA-ILA

Second Amendment — Red Flag / ERPO due process

NE has NO red flag/ERPO law. Legislature has rejected proposals. Full due process maintained.

NE Legislature records; NRA-ILA

First Amendment — campus free speech protections

UNL and other public universities generally respect free expression. No major suppression incidents. No specific state statute.

FIRE campus rankings; UNL policies

First Amendment — anti-SLAPP protections

NE has no specific anti-SLAPP statute.

Public Participation Project; NE statutes

First Amendment — religious liberty protections

Strong religious liberty tradition in NE. No state RFRA but constitutional protections robust. Conservative state culture supports religious freedom.

NE Constitution; Becket Fund

Fourth Amendment — warrant requirements for digital surveillance

NE follows federal Carpenter standard. No mass surveillance programs documented.

EFF; ACLU NE

Fourth Amendment — civil asset forfeiture reform

NE has moderate forfeiture protections. Some reform enacted. Standard compliance.

Institute for Justice; NE forfeiture statutes

Fifth Amendment — eminent domain protections post-Kelo

NE has moderate post-Kelo reforms. Agricultural property protections important in farming state.

NE eminent domain statutes; Castle Coalition

Due process — regulatory takings and permitting timelines

NE has moderate regulatory burden. Business-friendly but not at WY/ID levels. Permitting adequate.

Cato Freedom Index; NE regulatory data

Tenth Amendment — federal overreach resistance

Pillen joined multi-state coalitions supporting federal immigration enforcement. EO banning CCP tech. Moderate resistance posture.

Governor's EOs; NE AG litigation

Equal Protection — state contracting nondiscrimination

NE has merit-based contracting. Standard nondiscrimination provisions.

NE procurement data

Second Amendment — state preemption of local firearms laws

NE has firearms preemption preventing most local gun restrictions. Omaha had some pre-existing local ordinances grandfathered.

NE Rev. Stat.; NRA-ILA preemption

First Amendment — government transparency and FOIA compliance

NE Public Records Act compliance adequate. Investigate Midwest obtained governor's emails via records requests — compliance demonstrated.

NE AG Public Records; Investigate Midwest

Sixth Amendment — public defender funding adequacy

NE public defender system functional. Lancaster County public defender handles significant caseload. Funding adequate but not generous.

Sixth Amendment Center; NE public defender

Eighth Amendment — bail reform and pretrial detention

NE has standard bail system. No extreme pretrial detention patterns. Corrections overcrowding (147%) creates downstream pressure.

Pretrial Justice Institute; NE court records

Property rights — regulatory burden and economic freedom

NE ranks in top 20 for economic freedom. Low cost of living. Business-friendly environment.

Cato Freedom Index; Fraser Institute

Second Amendment — governor's litigation posture on firearms cases

Pillen/NE AG supportive of 2A. Joins pro-2A multistate amicus briefs.

NE AG amicus filings

First Amendment — compelled speech protections

No significant compelled speech mandates. EO eliminated DEI requirements for state agencies.

NE administrative rules; Governor's EOs

Commerce Clause compliance — interstate trade barriers

NE has minimal interstate trade barriers. Agricultural exports flow freely.

IJ licensing data; NE trade data

Privileges and Immunities — occupational licensing reform

NE has moderate licensing requirements. Some reform efforts. Military spouse reciprocity.

IJ License to Work; NCSL

Contract Clause — state compliance with contractual obligations

NPERS ~93% funded. Cash balance plans for newer employees reduce risk. Strong pension management.

Pew pension data; NPERS

Jury trial rights — civil and criminal jury access

NE has standard jury trial access. Unicameral legislature simplifies legal framework. Adequate access.

NE Judiciary; NCSC

Immigration law compliance — Supremacy Clause adherence

EO 25-01 anti-sanctuary directive. E-Verify for state contractors (LB 403, 2009). SAVE system used. No DL for illegals. But inherited in-state tuition (LB 623, 2006) partially offsets.

8 USC Ã‚Â§1373; EO 25-01; LB 403

Qualified immunity / due process for officers

No qualified immunity changes. Police decertifications increased due to oversight but QI unchanged.

Police1; Nebraska Public Media

Voter ID and ballot chain-of-custody

Signed voter ID (LB514) following voter-approved amendment. Photo ID required starting May 2024. Free state ID available.

Nebraska.tv; Democracy Docket

Non-citizen voting prevention

Voter ID includes citizenship verification. Constitution already requires citizenship. No specific proof-of-citizenship beyond ID requirements.

Heritage Foundation; Nebraska Legislature

Women's sports / Title IX — biological sex protections in state-funded athletics

Stand With Women Act defining biological sex for K-12 and college. Joined Riley Gaines for signing. Federal lawsuit on Title IX. Declared 'will not comply.' EO defining male/female.

Nebraska Examiner; The Hill; Governor's Office

Child Welfare & Parental Rights

Meyer v. Nebraska (1923), Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925), Troxel v. Granville (2000)

Score: 21 Range: -75 to 75 Items: 25

Parental rights legislation — statutory recognition

NE has common law parental rights protections. Conservative state culture supports parental authority. LB 574 restricts trans procedures for minors — parental rights framing.

NE statutes; Parental Rights Foundation

Education choice — school choice programs

Signed LB 753 Opportunity Scholarships ($50M tax credits, May 2023) — NE's first school choice program. Replaced by LB 1402 ($10M state-appropriated, 2024). Meaningful choice expansion.

EdChoice NE; LB 753; LB 1402

Parental notification/consent for medical procedures on minors

NE requires parental consent for most medical procedures on minors. Standard consent framework.

NE minor consent statutes; Guttmacher

Gender-transition procedures for minors — restrictions

LB 574 (May 2023) restricted gender-affirming procedures for minors. NE Supreme Court upheld July 2024. Clear restriction.

LB 574; Planned Parenthood v. Hilgers

Child abuse and neglect — substantiated case rate trend

NE child maltreatment rate near national average. Repeat maltreatment decreased 34% (Aug 2022-Sep 2024). Improving trend.

ACF NCANDS; NE DHHS CFS

Foster care — CFSR conformity assessment

NE has mixed CFSR results. 3,186 children in foster care. IG flagged 9 cases of children injured/killed after Alternative Response assessment (2021-2024). System needs improvement.

ACF CFSR; NE IG Child Welfare

Foster care — permanency outcomes

300+ adopted in 2024. Average time in out-of-home care reduced 5% (Apr-Sep 2024). Improving but not yet strong.

ACF AFCARS; NE DHHS CFS

Child trafficking prevention and prosecution

NE has Human Trafficking Task Force and AG involvement. I-80 corridor is major trafficking route. Active enforcement. Meatpacking industry has labor trafficking concerns.

Polaris Project; NE AG Task Force

Education outcomes — 4th grade NAEP reading proficiency

NE 4th grade NAEP reading at or slightly above national average (~33% proficient vs 32% national).

NCES NAEP 2022

Education outcomes — 8th grade NAEP math proficiency

NE 8th grade NAEP math at or slightly above national average (~28% vs 26%).

NCES NAEP 2022

Parental curriculum transparency

NE has no specific statutory parental curriculum transparency law. District-level policies vary.

NE Education Code; NDE policies

Social media — minor protections

NE relies on federal COPPA. No state social media minor protection legislation.

NCSL social media tracker

Juvenile justice — age-appropriate treatment

NE has adequate juvenile justice system. Youth rehabilitation approaches. Low juvenile incarceration rate.

JJDPA; OJJDP NE profile

Child poverty rate and state response

NE child poverty rate ~12%, below national average of 16%. Low unemployment (2.9%) supports family income.

Census ACS SAIPE; KIDS COUNT

Adoption and permanency — adoptive family support

NE had 300+ adoptions in 2024. Pillen directed DHHS to preserve foster youth SSA survivor benefits (Jan 2026) — NE became 12th state. Positive step.

ACF AFCARS; NE DHHS; Nebraska Examiner

Homeschool rights and protections

NE has notification-based homeschool framework. Standard regulatory approach — not overly burdensome.

HSLDA NE; NE Rev. Stat.

Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) enforcement

NE AG and State Patrol participate in ICAC task force. Adequate enforcement.

ICAC; NCMEC; NE State Patrol

School safety — violence prevention and incident response

NE has school safety programs. 3 mass shootings in 2025 (up from 1 in 2024) concerning but school safety framework adequate.

NASRO; NE education safety

Children's mental health services access

NE children's mental health access adequate in urban areas (Omaha, Lincoln). Rural gaps exist. $71.6M behavioral health funding in budget covers 2,100 adults and 6,700 children.

ASCA ratio data; SAMHSA NE

Childhood vaccination — parental choice protections

NE allows religious and medical exemptions for school immunization. Standard parental choice protections.

NCSL vaccination data; CDC

Child care affordability and access

$286M child care subsidy (state+federal). Rural workforce housing shortage affects childcare access. EO 25-15 directed childcare regulatory evaluation to reduce burden.

ACF CCDF; EO 25-15

Education — teacher quality and retention

NE teacher salaries competitive for region. Graduation rates above national average. School funding formula under revision.

NCES; NDE workforce data

Child nutrition — food insecurity rate

NE child food insecurity ~11-12%, near national average. School meal participation adequate. Agricultural state provides food access.

USDA ERS; Feeding America

Custody and family court — due process in child removal

NE Family Court has standard due process. IG oversight of child welfare provides accountability.

NE District Courts; ABA

Children with disabilities — IDEA compliance

NE IDEA compliance adequate. $149M to eliminate developmental disability wait lists in budget — significant investment.

OSEP; IDEA Part B; NE budget

Faithful Discharge of Duties

Sworn oath: 'faithfully discharge the duties of office'

Score: 44 Range: -123 to 123 Items: 41

Budget balance — structural surplus/deficit

Nebraska constitutionally requires balanced budgets. Recent property tax challenges and school choice funding debates created fiscal strain but no structural deficit. Cash Reserve Fund maintained. Credit ratings strong (AAA from S&P).

NE Legislature Fiscal Office; EFAB

State credit rating stability

NE retains AAA (S&P) and Aaa (Moody's). No downgrades despite emerging deficit. Strong starting position.

S&P; Moody's

Rainy day / budget stabilization fund adequacy

Cash Reserve dropped from $2.2B to projected ~$546M by end of FY2026-27. $282M in transfers committed. Declining rapidly.

NASBO; Pew; NE Legislature Fiscal Office

Pension system funding responsibility

NPERS ~93% funded. Cash balance plans reduce risk. Strong pension management.

Pew pension data; NPERS

State debt burden

NE has among lowest per capita state debt nationally. Constitution limits debt. Conservative fiscal tradition. $350M prison funded from general fund, not bonds.

Census; NE State Treasurer

Government efficiency — state employee headcount per capita

EO eliminated ~1,000 long-vacant state positions (April 2024). Reduced bureaucratic bloat. Return-to-office mandate. Efficient operation signal.

Census Public Employment; Governor's EO

Inspector General / state auditor independence

IG of Corrections and IG of Child Welfare operate independently under Legislature. State Auditor Foley operates independently. No interference.

NE IG reports; NE State Auditor

Ethics violations and personal scandals

CAFO conflict of interest is significant perception issue. 108+ hog facilities, $286M loans. Governor oversees NDEE that regulates his farms. Ethics expert: 'absolutely present' conflict. Not criminal but concerning.

NE Accountability and Disclosure; Investigate Midwest

Executive order restraint

Moderate EO usage. Anti-sanctuary EO, CCP tech ban, return-to-office. No EOs struck down. Standard executive function.

Governor's EOs; court records

Emergency powers — adherence to statutory limits

No pandemic-era emergency powers (took office 2023). Disaster declarations for wildfires and storms within proper authority. No overreach.

NE emergency statutes

Legislative cooperation — veto override rate

Overrode ~$850K of $38.5M in vetoes (2023). 2025 veto delivery error (sent to wrong office) was embarrassing. Strained relationship with unicameral.

NE Legislature Journal; Nebraska Examiner

Judicial appointments — qualifications and process integrity

Uses Missouri Plan merit selection. No judicial appointments challenged. NE Supreme Court upheld LB 574.

NE Judicial Nominating Commission

Timely execution of laws — implementation of enacted legislation

Implemented Medicaid expansion (voter mandate) with 66,881 enrollees. Casino gaming launched. Property tax reform partially implemented. Some campaign promises unfulfilled.

NE DHHS; NE Racing Commission

Federal fund utilization — grant management

Secured FEMA-4838-DR. NDAA $158M for Offutt AFB. IIJA funds matched. $1B Medicaid matching unlocked. Good federal fund capture.

Federal Audit Clearinghouse; USASpending

Public approval as competence indicator

Morning Consult July 2023: 51% approval, net negative — one of only 3 governors nationally with net negative rating. Property tax promise unfulfilled.

Morning Consult; NE media

State IT security and data protection

CIO McCarville hired 2024 — first major OCIO reorganization in 20 years. Moving to cloud. Cybersecurity building. Improving.

NASCIO; GovTech; Route Fifty

Infrastructure spending — capital budget execution

$350M prison in design phase (completion 2028). NDOT STIP on pace. Bridge Match Program renewed. Adequate execution but prison delayed.

NE DAS Capital; NE DOT STIP

Disaster fund readiness

Cash Reserve $877M (declining). Adequate for emergency response but shrinking fast from $2.2B peak. Emergency capacity declining.

FEMA data; NE DAS Budget

Workforce development — unemployment system integrity

NE unemployment 2.9% — 5th lowest. UI system functional and low-volume. $20M internship program launched. $25M Rural Workforce Housing Fund proposed.

DOL UI Data; NE DOL

Medicaid program integrity

MO HealthNet administered through DHHS. 66,881 expansion enrollees verified. Standard compliance. Hospitals paid as low as 34 cents on dollar — system stress.

CMS; NE DHHS Medicaid

Election administration — constitutional compliance

NE elections administered competently. Paper ballot audit trails. Ranked choice voting adopted for some races (voter initiative). Standard administration.

EAC EAVS; NE SOS

Transparency — state budget accessibility

statespending.nebraska.gov provides spending data. Budget documents published. Adequate but not national leader.

U.S. PIRG; statespending.nebraska.gov

Intergovernmental cooperation — federal compliance balanced with sovereignty

EO 25-01 anti-sanctuary. Joined multi-state immigration enforcement coalitions. EMAC for TX border deployment ($1.27M). Strong federal immigration compliance.

DOJ; EMAC; Governor's EOs

Gubernatorial succession and continuity planning

Lt. Governor in place. Clear succession statute. Horse accident (Dec 2024) tested continuity — governance continued during recovery.

NE Constitution; FEMA COOP

Anti-corruption — state procurement integrity

No procurement scandals. DAS procurement functional. But CAFO conflict (governor regulates his own industry) creates perception issues.

NE procurement data; state auditor

Gas price burden — state gas taxes, refinery regulations, cap-and-trade

Nebraska gas tax 30.4 cents/gallon, moderate. No major increases. Public power helps keep energy stable.

NE Dept of Revenue; EIA

Energy affordability — residential electricity costs from state policy

Public power delivers below-national-average rates. Average monthly bill ~$113. Natural gas ~$90/month. No aggressive mandates.

EIA Nebraska Profile; Rent.com

Energy policy competence — forced mandates without infrastructure readiness

Public power provides reliable baseload. No forced mandates or aggressive timelines. Diverse energy mix. Pragmatic approach.

EIA Nebraska Profile

Property tax burden — effective rate vs national median

Signature issue: called for 40% reduction. Special session in 2024 for Property Tax Growth Limitation Act. Property taxes exceeded $5B. Significant effort.

Governor's Office; Nebraska Examiner; Tax Foundation

Regulatory cost burden — permits, compliance costs per household/business

No major regulatory burden changes. Focus on property tax and social issues.

Governor's Office; Nebraska Legislature

Unfunded mandates on municipalities

Property Tax Growth Limitation Act caps political subdivision taxing. TEEOSA reform shifts education funding from local to state. Positive direction.

Governor's Office; Nebraska Legislature

Cost of living trajectory — policy-driven affordability trend

Cost of living below average. Income tax reduced to 3.99% by 2027. Social Security tax eliminated. But new sales taxes offset property cuts.

Governor's Office; Tax Foundation

Immigration fiscal burden — taxpayer cost of sanctuary/benefits policies

EO requiring all state agencies to cooperate with ICE. No sanctuary jurisdictions. Plans for ICE detention center. State Patrol authorized for ICE arrests.

Governor's Office; CBS News

Homelessness spending accountability — spending vs measurable outcomes

No significant homeless spending programs. Not a major state issue.

Governor's Office

Encampment enforcement — response to SCOTUS Grants Pass ruling

No state-level encampment enforcement. Not prominent in Nebraska.

Governor's Office

Net domestic migration trend — people leaving vs arriving

Population crossed 2M. Domestic loss narrowed to -366. Omaha metro passed 1M. Slight positive trend.

Nebraska Examiner; Census Bureau

Business exodus — corporate HQ and jobs relocating due to policy

No major business exodus. Economic base stable (agriculture, insurance, finance). Major employers retained. Not attracting new HQ either.

Nebraska Examiner; Census data

DA accountability — governor's power to remove rogue prosecutors

No prosecutor accountability actions.

Nebraska Legislature

Election infrastructure — ballot harvesting, drop box security, audit transparency

Photo ID implemented for May 2024 election. Citizenship verification. Paper ballots. Pushed for winner-take-all electoral votes.

Nebraska.tv; North Platte Telegraph

Weaponization of state agencies — using AG/regulatory bodies against political opponents

No evidence of weaponizing state agencies.

Nebraska Examiner

Foreign adversary protections — Chinese land, TikTok bans, Confucius Institutes

EO expanding ban on China-based software. Championed Foreign Adversary Registration Act. Barred foreign adversary companies from tax incentives. Anti-China legislative package.

Nebraska Examiner; Governor's Office

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