Union protests surround Kasich's State of the State address

COLUMBUS (AP) — Union and Democratic protests over collective-bargaining proposals in Ohio are threatening to overshadow the first State of the State speech of Republican Gov. John Kasich.

The speech is Tuesday, the first day a bill that would limit collective-bargaining rights for 350,000 public workers begins its trip through the Ohio House.

The bill cleared the Senate last week 17-16. The AFL-CIO planned a Statehouse rally beginning 30 minutes before Kasich’s noon address.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees set the stage today with a “State of the Worker” event. A handful of public workers drew attention to benefit reductions and unpaid furlough days agreed to by public employee unions under current contracts.

National tea party groups planned a Tuesday event supporting Kasich and the bill.