Nebraska’s first farmer governor in more than a century was sworn in yesterday at the Capitol.
67-year old Jim Pillen is a veterinarian, but earns most of his living from a hog operation near Columbus. The last governor whose primary profession was farming was George Sheldon, who left off in 1909.
Pillen spent about half of his inaugural address, which ran a little less than 15-minutes, singing the praises of Nebraska and the opportunities it has and continues to everyone.
Pillen said his 2 years of campaigning allowed him to meet and spend time with thousands of Nebraskans and that he came away with even stronger feelings for the state and its people.
Pillen also said it’s clear most Nebraskans share his vision of limited government that provides basic services, then steps back.
Pillen repeated many of his campaign points. He described the state’s tax code as “burdensome and uncompetitive” with the need for “transformational tax change now” while the state school aid formula is “outdated (and) unfair to far too many students.”
He said he hopes to work with the Legislature to make the state more attractive to young adults, both those raised here and those coming here for college or work – calling his children his inspiration for that.
Pillen did suffer one slight gaffe on his big day. As he stood with one hand raised to repeat the oath of office, he sheepishly changed to the other when Chief Justice Mike Heavican told him to raise his right hand.