PLATTSMOUTH- Nearly half a year after saying he "didn't believe in welfare," Gov. Jim Pillen says the state will begin to accept as many federal dollars as possible. Indeed, Pillen's latest directive to his cabinet members has been to find federal funds that have "no strings attached" so Nebraska can get "more than our fair share."

"Green light, pedal to the metal," Pillen recalled telling his cabinet. Pillen said his recent endeavor to draw down federal funding was "not a shift at all" from his December stance because his initial opposition to a now-enacted Summer EBT Program came over the program's execution, not its goals.

Nebraska's previous governor, now-U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, often rejected federal funds, including emergency rental aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. State lawmakers tried to force the state to accept the funds, but the move was vetoed by Ricketts. Sen. John Cavanaugh, who supported the Summer EBT Program, said he was happy with Pillen's position. "Welcome to the party," he said.

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