LINCOLN- Governor Jim Pillen's executive order from April 30th required the elimination of state government positions that had been vacant for at least 90 days, with several exceptions. At the time, he announced that nearly 1,000 positions were in jeopardy of being terminated, but his plan only ended up wiping out half of them. An updated list showed 489 positions being eliminated as well as a significant decrease in estimated savings.

Pillen expressed pleasure with this outcome but recognized that it was only the first step. “We have proven we can work without them, so we will eliminate them and return the money to the taxpayers,” said Pillen last month. The state will continue monitoring vacant positions to determine whether they qualify for review or elimination. It was noted that savings generated will be included in ongoing efforts to reduce the state budget and reform property tax.

The updated list of government positions to be terminated is smaller than the initial number because the order allowed agencies to request exemptions if they could justify the need for them. Multiple agencies, such as the Department of Health and Human Services and the Racing and Gaming Commission, were greatly affected by the policy. The order includes multiple built-in exemptions for public safety services and other essential workers, even those not covered under state personnel.

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