LINCOLN- On Tuesday, Gov. Jim Pillen announced that he was setting his sights on the elimination of any state government positions that have remained vacant for more than 90 days, estimating that this move will rake in millions of dollars in savings. Pillen outlined the plan in an executive order, slating the elimination of nearly 1,000 jobs that have remained vacant for months, if not years.

Certain "critical" positions, according to the order, will be maintained, even if they have remained vacant for some time. Pillen's Office estimated that the change could save the state around $39.4 million. "I promised to run state government like a business and this order delivers on that promise," wrote Pillen in a statement.

The Nebraska Association of Public Employees, which represents around 8,000 state employees, argued Tuesday that the change would hurt those working in government. "It is clear that the governor expects public employees to work short staffed permanently," they wrote. However, Laura Strimple, spokeswoman for Gov. Pillen, said the "vast majority" of vacant positions are no longer necessary for operating state government.

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