A Youngstown-area state lawmaker is protesting Ohio Gov. John Kasich's plans to deliver his State of the State speech outside Columbus again this year.
In a letter sent Tuesday, state Rep. Ronald Gerberry asked House Speaker William Batchelder to reject any request by Kasich to change the speech's venue. Gerberry said moving the address "significantly destroys" the historic tradition of holding the joint session in House chambers.
Kasich made history last year by delivering the major policy address in blue-collar Steubenville, along the Ohio River. Because the Ohio Supreme Court was in session that day, justices didn't attend. Neither did all statewide officeholders.
This year, Kasich wants the address in the western part of the state. He hasn't named a city, but says it makes an important statement.