Kasich to state senators: Thanks

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Ohio Gov. John Kasich made a rare visit to the state Senate’s chamber to thank lawmakers for passing his updates to the state budget and other priority bills.

The Republican governor gave an unconventional speech directly from the floor during a break in Wednesday’s voting session. Lawmakers are wrapping up their work this week before summer break.

Typically, governors appear in the Statehouse chambers only to deliver addresses to a joint session.

Republican Senate President Tom Niehaus said Kasich contacted him to find a way to show appreciation.

for the bipartisan steps that lawmakers had taken to pass bills on human trafficking, energy, education and other issues.

In another unconventional move, the Ohio Democratic Party sent a spokesman to the chamber to respond to Kasich.