Governor Pillen Visits McCook, Highlights Education, Property Taxes, and Rural Healthcare

McCOOK, Neb. — Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen spoke to a packed room in McCook this week, emphasizing themes of appreciation, community values, and what he described as the need for “hairy, audacious dreams” for the future of the state.

Pillen began his remarks by asking the audience what they loved most about Nebraska, calling it a reminder not to take for granted the state’s people and opportunities. “It’s the people,” Pillen said, noting that even service members stationed at Offutt Air Force Base come to appreciate the community spirit of Nebraska once they arrive.

Running Government “Like a Business”

The governor highlighted his administration’s efforts to reduce state spending while improving services. He said that since taking office, 25 of 29 state cabinet positions have new leadership, and those leaders are applying a systems-based approach to reduce waste and bureaucracy.

According to Pillen, the state is on track to reduce spending by $500 million — nearly 10 percent of the budget — something he described as unprecedented. “We are improving services and decreasing spend,” he said, stressing that cuts would target bureaucracy rather than essential services.

Education, Property Taxes, and School Funding

Education funding was a major focus of the discussion. Pillen said the current system places too heavy a burden on property taxpayers and reiterated his push to have the state fully fund K–12 education through a broadened sales tax base.

“The facts are crystal clear. We all love our schools. The school bonds are failing because we can’t afford them,” Pillen said, referencing the recent failure of local and statewide school bond initiatives. “When the state funds education, not runs it, school bonds will pass because families can afford them.”

In response to a question about the Nebraska Department of Education, Pillen criticized bureaucracy within the agency and pointed to federal overreach. He said his administration is pursuing efficiencies and exploring ways to shift federal education dollars into state-controlled block grants.

Rural Healthcare and Federal Funds

Pillen also addressed concerns about rural healthcare and hospital closures. He criticized past administrations for declining federal grant opportunities, saying Nebraska had ranked near the bottom in drawing federal dollars back into the state.

Since taking office, Pillen said his administration has moved aggressively to secure federal funding, including an infusion of nearly $1 billion directed toward hospitals and rural healthcare. “Your hospital is the key to the growth of your community,” he said. “We have more dollars for our rural health care than ever before, and as long as I’m governor, that’s not stopping.”

Social Media and Youth Wellbeing

The governor also spoke about technology’s impact on children, describing smartphones as “dumb phones” that harm learning and mental health. He touted legislation limiting phone use in schools and restricting exposure of minors to social media and harmful online content.

“I would just tell you I’m embarrassed to admit what these dumb phones have done to me,” Pillen said, urging parents and community leaders to reflect on the long-term consequences of constant phone use.

Legislative Challenges Ahead

Several questions from the audience centered on property tax reform and whether Pillen’s sales tax expansion plan could garner enough votes in the Legislature. Pillen acknowledged the difficulty but said he would “fight like hell to fix this stupid property tax thing” and called on citizens to help push through reforms.

Closing Remarks

Pillen closed by thanking the McCook community for its hospitality. He encouraged Nebraskans to embrace big goals and maintain a collaborative spirit.

“Have a hairy, audacious dream. Take action on it. Make it happen,” he said. “Together, we can do better than anyone else.”