LINCOLN- On Tuesday, State Senator Danielle Conrad of Lincoln filed a campaign finance complaint against Governor Jim Pillen claiming that he misused taxpayer funds to promote his political campaign and property tax reform plan across the state. Conrad's letter to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission alleged an improper link between his campaign website and a taxpayer-funded report outlining budget cuts, use of state funds for campaigning, and inappropriate promotion of his tax plan via the state's email system. The Governor's Office has yet to comment, but spokeswoman Laura Strimple said last week that the governor used his own funds.

Nebraska law prohibits an official from using public resources to campaign for an election or legislation. Civil penalties including fines can be imposed if a violation is proven. Conrad's letter added that she and her constituents were concerned about the possible crossover between state funds and private campaign funds.

Officials from the Accountability and Disclosure Commission did not comment on the situation. Typically, the commission refrains from issuing a public statement until a violation is confirmed. Conrad's letter recognized the governor's right to exercise his First Amendment right to freely speak but asserted that no official has the right to abuse resources.

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