Pillen to examine "usefulness and necessity" of state jobs

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen says to improve efficiency in state government he will examine the “usefulness and necessity” of state jobs. During a call-in show with KFOR, he said the goal will be to shrink the state government.

“The first step would be – is where we have empty seats that haven’t been filled – we don’t fill them,” Pillen said. “And the second step is, as we become more efficient, there’s going to be people retiring. And when people retire, then the goal would be we don’t refill those spots.”

In a statement released to Nebraska Public Media on Tuesday, Pillen added the focus remains on continuing to provide service to Nebraskans.

“It is important in any system to examine the usefulness and necessity of positions. In cases where a job is left vacant, it may be that the duties can be better delegated to improve efficiency. The focus must still be on providing excellent service to Nebraska citizens, with an eye on reducing waste where possible.”

However, Justin Hubly, the Executive Director of the Nebraska Association of State Employees (NAPE), said the DMV and the Department of Roads offices are already running low on personnel. He said health care and mental health practitioners are also in short supply, and that being short staffed leads to government inefficiencies.

“We’re already super short staffed,” Hubly said. “So, we agree with the governor on providing excellent service, and we want to reduce waste. But, let’s not be pennywise and tom foolish here.”

Hubly said a new contract that’s awaiting ratification between the state government and NAPE aims to peak interest in local government jobs. The tentative agreement would increase wages by 10 - 27% and take effect on July 1, 2023, according to a release from NAPE.

Editor’s note: Some Nebraska Public Media employees work for the State of Nebraska.