COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Workers, employers and lobbyists for Ohio's growing oil and gas industry are descending on the Statehouse to tout the industry's economic benefits.
The lobbying event Wednesday is expected to draw more than 200 industry representatives and 75 lawmakers. It's sponsored by the Ohio Oil & Gas Association, the Ohio Petroleum Council and the Ohio Shale Coalition.
Participants will visit lawmakers in their offices and at a scheduled luncheon featuring pro-industry state Reps. David Hall and Sean O'Brien. Hall is a Millersburg Republican. O'Brien is a Democrat from Hubbard.
The event comes 12 days before Gov. John Kasich (KAY'-sik) introduces his two-year state budget.
The Republican governor's plan may include tax hikes on large-scale oil and gas drillers whose proceeds would fund a modest statewide income-tax cut. The plan previously stalled.
