LINCOLN- During the Covid-19 pandemic, Capital Cigar Lounge, which is partially owned by Nebraska Department of Economic Development Director Tony Goins, received two "stabilization" grants from the agency. The two grants, which equaled a total of $24,000, came as part of the $330 million worth of similar loans that were given to Nebraska through the CARES Act.

Goins, who has a 51% stake in the cigar lounge, did not comment on the finding. However, his business partner maintained that Goins played no part in seeking the relief funds. A spokeswoman from Gov. Jim Pillen's office said that they "take these reports extremely seriously and expect the utmost integrity from all members of his cabinet."

Under state law, state agency directors are disallowed from earning profit from another business while holding office. If there is a conflict of interest, state officials are required to file the incident with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission. An official from the Commission confirmed that Goins hadn't filed such a statement following the disbursement of relief funds to the lounge.

Following the breaking of this story, as well as one that alleged that Goins utilized his state email to campaign, Goins announced his resignation on Wednesday. Gov. Pillen, in a press release, thanked Goins for his "honorable service to our country as a United States Marine and wishes him and his family the best." Gov. Pillen's office went on to state that future communication to the public regarding the hiring of a new Economic Development Director will come in due time.

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