State Representative John Carey (R-Wellston) has announced the passage of House Bill 207, which designates the week in which Labor Day occurs as Ohio Coal Miners Week.

The designation is intended to honor the citizens of Ohio who have worked and continue to work in coal mines in the state. The legislation originally designated the first week in April, but Representative Carey offered and received favorable support to change the date to coincide with the annual Wellston Coal Festival.

“Every year the week of Labor Day, citizens of Wellston celebrate their rich heritage of coal mining during the Wellston Coal Festival,” Representative Carey said. “It would only make sense to designate that particular week in honor of Ohio coal miners.”