Ohio governor, black state lawmakers seek common ground

COLUMBUS (AP) — Black state lawmakers say they believe they can work with Ohio Gov. John Kasich to change sentencing laws, help close the achievement gap among students of different ethnicities and work to promote minority businesses.

The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus met today with the governor about its legislative priorities. The meeting comes after the group sharply criticized Kasich for not doing enough to diversify his cabinet.

Earlier this month, Kasich added his first minority to his previously all-white cabinet. Michael Colbert, who is black, was Kasich’s 22nd appointment.

Both sides said today's discussion was positive and offered a starting point on the issues. But the group said it disagreed with Kasich’s plans to create a private job-creation board and get rid of public employees’ ability to strike.