The legal battle over Nebraska’s new 12-week abortion ban and limits to transgender health care is scheduled to be back in court tomorrow.

Opponents of the law, led by Planned Parenthood, argue it is unconstitutional because it violates the state’s so-called one-subject rule.

NCN’s Joe Jordan recently spoke with Gov. Jim Pillen about the law, which critics also claim is bad for business in Nebraska.

[View our full video report above]

In recent weeks Omaha Steaks and company after company across Nebraska urged Gov. Jim Pillen and state lawmakers to denounce legislation banning abortions after 12 weeks and limiting health care for transgender minors, arguing that, “States that sanction discrimination simply cannot compete.”

But the bill passed, and Pillen signed it.

NCN’s Joe Jordan: “Governor, the workforce issue being what it is aren't you concerned that dozens and dozens of companies, including Omaha Steaks have questioned your signing of the transgender legislation arguing that it's going to drive workers from the state and make it harder to bring workers into the state?”

Gov. Jim Pillen: “You know we've been perfectly clear for the folks that are trying to make that discriminatory that, no pun intended, that's hogwash. It is simply committed to protecting our kids; making sure that kids are protected like we do. They can't, they’ve got to be 18 years old before they can get a tattoo and buy tobacco; 21 before alcohol. We're just protecting kids so they can be old enough to make decisions, life altering decisions, for themselves. I have folks that I know, I love all Nebraskans and if they're transgender I love them as well, it doesn't matter to me. It has to do about protecting kids.”

NCN: “So, you don't think that what these companies are saying, that it's going to drive people out of Nebraska, you don't think that's true?”

Pillen: “No, I don't think that's true, not at all.”

Regent Barbara Weitz: “We are in a very strange time.”

Barbara Weitz is a member of the Nebraska Board of Regents, overseeing the University of Nebraska, as was Pillen before he became governor; the two clearly at odds on what it takes to grow Nebraska.

Weitz: “We say, ‘Oh, we really want big companies to come here. We want to invite people to come here. We want students to come here. But then we say but not you, and not you. And if you need this service not you. And pretty soon those companies will say, 'We can find places where those people will want to go and not be afraid of not getting things they need.’”

Weitz and her husband have committed to donate $25 million to the University of Nebraska at Omaha. According to Regent Weitz, UNO’s future is important to the state’s economy. 

Meanwhile Pillen stands firm on his support of the new legislation’s health-related restrictions.

NCN: “And you don't think it will stop people from coming into Nebraska?”

Pillen: “No, not at all. We all believe, Nebraska believes, our kids are our future, and we all believe in protecting our kids and making sure our kids are of one mind, sound body and then they can thrive, and we can make and protect them until they're old enough to make the decisions for themselves.”

NCN: “These companies have indicated they think they might lose employees. You don't think that's the case?”

Pillen: “No, I don’t think that’s the case.”

NCN: “What if it does turn out to be the case?”

Pillen: “You know, I don't speculate.”