Photos: The business of governing in Nebraska in 2023
From the opening day of the 2023 Legislature to Gov. Jim Pillen's inauguration, these photos give a glimpse of governing in the state.
The reception area to the Governor's Hearing Room at the Capitol begins to fill up as lawmakers gather for the announcement of who will fill Nebraska's open Senate seat on Jan. 12.
Gov. Jim Pillen has asked for help in naming a pig statue in the reception area to the Governor's Office at the Capitol. The pig is a nod toward Pillen's career as a hog producer.
Gov. Jim Pillen (left) announces the appointment of former Gov. Pete Ricketts to become Nebraska's next senator. Ricketts' wife, Susanne Shore (right) was among those gathered for the announcement Jan. 12 at the Capitol in Lincoln. The vacancy was created with the departure of Ben Sasse, who will become the next University of Florida president.
Sen. Jen Day of Omaha hands off papers to Clerk of the Legislature Brandon Metzler during a bill introduction period Jan. 5.
Index clerk Carol Koranda (left) accepts papers from a senator during a bill introduction period for the new Legislature on Jan. 5 at the Capitol in Lincoln.
Military personnel stand near the entrance of the west chamber as inauguration ceremonies begin Jan. 5 at the Capitol in Lincoln.
Gov. Jim Pillen and his wife, Suzanne, shake hands as they exit the chamber following his inauguration on Jan. 5.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (left) shakes hands with Attorney General Mike Hilgers on Jan. 5 after swearing-in ceremonies at the Capitol in Lincoln.
A camera flash illuminates newly elected Gov. Jim Pillen (center left) as he is escorted through the Capitol Rotunda to be sworn in on Jan. 5.
Newly elected Gov. Jim Pillen gives remarks following his inauguration on Jan. 5 at the Capitol in Lincoln.
Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha shows his son, Leon, around the Capitol as the Legislature opened its 2023 session on Jan. 4.
Senators gather in the chamber on the first day of the 2023 session on Jan. 4.
A new senator wears a legislative pin on the first day of the 2023 session on Ja. 4.
Sen. Merv Riepe sets down his notebook ahead of the first day of Legislature on Jan. 4 at the Capitol in Lincoln.
Newly elected senators are sworn in on the first day of the session on Jan. 4 at the Capitol in Lincoln.
Senators tally votes during the election of the Education Committee chair on Jan. 4. Senators who have supported ending secret balloting for committee chairs opted to delay consideration of the rules change until later this month.
The 2023 Nebraska Legislature is called to order on Jan. 4 at the Capitol in Lincoln.
Kristina Konecko, an administrative aide for Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte, boxes up items at his old desk Jan. 3 at the Capitol on the day before the new session was to begin.
Gov. Jim Pillen speaks at his inaugural ball in Omaha on Jan. 7.
Those in attendance on the first day of the 2023 Legislature stand for the National Anthem on Jan. 4 at the Capitol in Lincoln.
Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward on the first day of the 2023 legislative session on Jan. 4 at the Capitol in Lincoln.
Senators gather to listen to Gov. Jim Pillen deliver his State of the State address on Wednesday at the Capitol.
Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon rubs his eyes while listening to floor comments earlier this year at the Capitol.
Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln has children's drawings on her desk at the Capitol.
Gov. Jim Pillen delivers his State of the State on Wednesday at the Capitol in Lincoln.
Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln listens as Gov. Jim Pillen delivers his State of the State on on Jan. 25 at the Capitol.
A Judiciary Committee hearing on Jan. 26 drew a crowd to the Capitol. Among the bills being heard was LB77, which would remove the requirement that gun owners obtain a permit to be able to carry a concealed weapon.
Sen. Justin Wayne (left) of Omaha laughs while giving instructions regarding testifying before a Judiciary Committee hearing on Jan. 26 at the Capitol.
John Lee (left), an opponent of LB77, open carries his great-great grandfather's musket outside a Judiciary Committee hearing on Jan. 26 at the Capitol. "This is the only arms that they knew of when they were writing the Constitution," Lee said. LB77 would remove a requirement that gun owners obtain a permit to be able to carry a concealed weapon.
People line up before a Judiciary Committee hearing on Jan. 26 at the Capitol. Among bills being heard were one from Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon that would remove the requirement that gun owners obtain a permit to be able to carry a concealed weapon.
A proponent of Sen. Tom Brewer's concealed carry bill (LB77) wears a Gadsden flag shirt outside a Judiciary Committee hearing on Jan. 26. The bill would remove the requirement that gun owners obtain a permit to be able to carry a concealed weapon.
Members of the First Nebraska Volunteer Infantry -- Ron Rockenbach (from left), Gage Stermensky, Paul Hadley, David Smith and Keith Rockefeller -- guard the Abraham Lincoln statue on the west side of the Nebraska Capitol on the 214th anniversary of his birthday on Sunday.
Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha reacts during a testimony on LB575, also known as the "Sports and Spaces Act," during a hearing in front of the Education Committee at the Capitol on Monday.
Ben Jackson speaks in favor of LB575, also known as the "Sports and Spaces Act," during a hearing in front of the Education Committee at the Capitol on Monday.
Opponents gather at the Nebraska Capitol Wednesday ahead of a rally to voice opposition to a bill seeking to limit when abortions can be performed. Lawmakers heard from a large contingent of supporters and opponents during a public hearing later in the day.
Sen. Pete Ricketts talks with supporters in front of the Nebraska State Capitol prior to the Walk for Life rally in downtown Lincoln on Jan. 28.
Walk for Life participants gather at the state Capitol on Saturday before marching to the Nebraska Union.
Patrick Mediner (from left), Ben Haus, JP Mattern, Ben Maly, Thomas West, Keaton Weiman, Ajay Sealock, Morgan Armagost and Mason Beck stand shirtless with painted chests at the Walk for Life on Saturday.
A sign for the Nebraska Walk for Life sits on front of the Nebraska state Capitol on Saturday.
Notes for a speech in favor of LB575, also known as the "Sports and Spaces Act," rest on the ground during a hearing in front of the Education Committee at the Capitol on Feb. 13.
Juniper Meadow, a trans woman and minister, speaks in opposition of LB575, also known as the "Sports and Spaces Act," during a hearing in front of the Education Committee at the Capitol on Monday.
Gov. Jim Pillen (left) and former Gov. Pete Ricketts laugh during the announcement of Ricketts' appointment to Nebraska's open Senate seat. The vacancy was left open by the departure of Ben Sasse, who will become the next University of Florida president.
Christ Lincoln Schools fourth grader Hudson Parr (right) rides the metal pig statue named Petunia as Gov. Jim Pillen watches on March 1.
Gov. Jim Pillen (center) talks with Sens. Bruce Bostelman (left) and John Lowe before a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Camp Ashland on Friday. Breaking a long-standing tradition, Pillen is not releasing his event schedule, which in the past would have included events such as the one Friday.
Gov. Jim Pillen signs a copy of LB574 on Monday the Capitol.
State Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh (from left), Megan Hunt, Kathleen Kauth, John Fredrickson, Wendy DeBoer, Mike Jacobson and Lou Ann Linehan watch the board during the final votes on LB574 on Friday at the Capitol. The bill limits gender-affirming care for transgender youth and bans abortion after 12 weeks.
State senators applaud as Gov. Jim Pillen speaks to close out the 108th Legislature on Thursday at the Capitol.
Speaker John Arch of La Vista told senators on Thursday, the final day of the legislative session, that he hoped this year “would be an aberration, not a predictor of the future.”
Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward, who received this raccoon hat from Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordo, talks to other senators on Thursday, the final day of the legislative session.
Grace Jacobson of Lincoln holds a rainbow umbrella over a coffin prop in front of the Governor's Mansion on Thursday, the final day of the legislative session.
Gov. Jim Pillen greets state senators before speaking at the close of the 108th Legislature on Thursday at the Capitol.
State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon (center) and others clap hands as Gov. Jim Pillen speaks to close out the 108th Legislature on Thursday at the Capitol.
In his first State of the State speech Wednesday, Gov. Jim Pillen unveiled a budget plan heavy on tax cuts and state support for K-12 education.
"We all agree -- we are taxed way too much," the governor said in his speech to the Legislature.
Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln said "there's a lot to like" in Pillen's plan to increase state funding for K-12 schools.
Gov. Jim Pillen has appointed Scott Cordes, who is currently the administrative department head overseeing all public safety activities for Norfolk, as the new state fire marshal.
In his first monthly statewide radio call-in show, Gov. Jim Pillen on Monday delivered a conservative message of less taxes, less government.
Retention bonuses, student loan forgiveness and alternative certification were just some of the proposed solutions to Nebraska's teacher shortage lawmakers are pondering.
Members of the state's employees union have ratified a new labor contract that contains the highest salary increases in more than 35 years.
Gov. Jim Pillen told the Legislature's Revenue Committee on Thursday that reduced state income tax rates would spur growth and development.
Former Sen. Ernie Chambers criticizes Gov. Jim Pillen's "misinformed stance as a 'denier' of critical race theory."
Gov. Jim Pillen on Monday pledged support for youth mentorship programs with Tom Osborne, his former Husker football coach, at his side.
The attorneys general, all of whom are Republican, argue that applying these notices to all crisis pregnancy centers, but not to Planned Parenthood and related facilities is discriminatory.
A Nebraska bill would allow medical practitioners, institutions and insurance providers to deny care based on their ethical or religious beliefs.
The Legislature confirmed the nomination of Jim Macy to continue to serve as director of the Department of Environment and Energy following opposition from senators who are registered Democrats.
Gov. Jim Pillen on Tuesday named Dr. Timothy Tesmer of Lincoln as the state's next chief medical officer, effective March 27.
Kenny Zoeller, the director of the governor's policy research office, says Gov. Jim Pillen's goal is to "grow our economy, invest in every kid and keep Nebraskans here."
Gov. Jim Pillen on Friday named an eight-member search committee to assist in a search for a new state tax commissioner to succeed Tony Fulton, who resigned in December.
Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Heavican delivered a report to the Legislature Tuesday on the state of the judiciary in Nebraska.
"It's a big boost," said Seward Superintendent Josh Fields, who is the president of Schools Taking Action for Nebraska Children's Education (STANCE), which represents midsized schools like Waverly, Norris and Crete.
An Omaha lawmaker outlined a vision for a second streetcar line running from downtown to Eppley Airfield as part of a pitch for $100 million in state dollars.
A bill in the Nebraska Legislature would pay tuition and fees for students to attend private or parochial schools if they are denied option enrollment.
Opponents on Thursday filibustered legislation to allow concealed carry of handguns in Nebraska without a permit or safety training.
A Nebraska bill aims to allocate millions to multiple recovery efforts in North and South Omaha, but the finer details of the plan still remain unclear.
Answering questions on his call-in radio show, the governor said he believes a proposed consumption tax could "hurt our economy" and expressed his commitment to "save babies" with anti-abortion legislation.
In a statement, Tony Goins says he has been the target of “false attacks,” and decided to step down so he didn’t distract from DED’s other work.
Nebraska lawmakers on a key committee reached a compromise Thursday to advance a bill that will keep roughly 10,000 families eligible for food assistance.
While defending the minority voice, Speaker of the Legislature John Arch says senators will be able to deal with major legislation before they adjourn.
The Legislature confronts a collection of big policy and funding decisions as it moves into May.
Sen. Merv Riepe says he stands firm on his deciding vote that blocked a bill to sharply limit abortion rights in Nebraska.
Nebraska settled a 2019 lawsuit with India-based technology company Wipro Limited for just over one-third of the original amount the company sought.
A bill passed Wednesday would increase public access to the Nebraska Legislature by creating a digital archive of closed-caption video recordings of debate and hearings.
The Appropriations Committee set the stage Thursday for a potential clash with Gov. Jim Pillen next week over three budget vetoes, accounting for less than half of his $119 million in vetoes.
Gov. Jim Pillen on Tuesday signed into law private and parochial school choice legislation that provides tax breaks for private contributions.
A bill that would carry out Nebraska's new voter ID requirements moved closer to becoming law after lawmakers advanced the measure on Tuesday.
Gov. Jim Pillen signed major tax reduction bills on Wednesday, hailing the legislation as "transformational" in clearing a path for growth and development in the state.
Expected delays by Nebraska's health department could result temporarily in a full ban later this year on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for people under 19.
Folded into the bill is $180 million to support a new water treatment plant in Lincoln.
Speaker John Arch told senators he hopes this year “would be an aberration, not a predictor of the future” and pledged to repair relationships before next year.
Monitoring wells at 16 Pillen family-tied operations have tested for nitrate levels far above legal drinking water limit. One was so high, an expert said, “it should be a 911.”
With book in hand, Suzanne Pillen on Wednesday set out to teach the 35 kindergarten through fifth grade students at Prescott's Community Learning Center how Nebraska farmers feed the world.
Former State Sen. James “Jim” Jensen had a knack for real estate development and a strong bent for service. It was, however, his love of family that guided his life.
Nebraska's school aid fund that state lawmakers established this year at Gov. Jim Pillen's urging will dwindle faster than officials initially projected, a new report shows.
The tiny Nebraska village of Dix went 10 years without paying federal payroll taxes — and the bookkeeping issues stretch far beyond the non-payments.
Nebraska's public employee union renewed its demand to bargain Wednesday, pointing to survey data that suggests nearly 1,400 workers could leave state government over Gov. Jim Pillen's return-to-office mandate.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen on Friday said he doesn't "believe in welfare" as he defended his administration's decision to not apply for federal summer grocery aid for low-income families.
In the days since Gov. Jim Pillen ordered state employees to return to the office full time in January, dozens of workers have raised concerns over the order and its impact.
After two years of work, a plan to overhaul aspects of Nebraska's criminal justice system reached the finish line Thursday. In part, the bill is aimed at easing prison overcrowding.
The Legislature amended a 12-week abortion ban into another controversial measure and advanced it to final reading.
