The outpouring of anger by Wisconsin residents upset over proposed anti-union legislation spread across the Midwest Thursday as thousands of protestors in Ohio, which faces a similar measure, descended on the statehouse.

A crowd estimated at 3,800 massed in Columbus holding hands, carrying signs and chanting “kill the bill.” The group, which included firefighters, teachers, and other public employees, was reacting to SB 5, a move by Republican leaders to eliminate union’s collective bargaining rights.

Former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, a Democrat who was voted out in last November’s election, made an appearance at the rally, and gave an impromptu speech.

“I think it's a power grab. It's an attempt to diminish the rights of working people. I think it's an assault of the middle class of this state and it's so unfair and out of balance,” Strickland said.

Inside the state capitol, some lawmakers vehemently defended their move as necessary step to hemming the deficit and taking greater control of spending.

"City leaders, managers -- elected to represent the taxpayers -- need the ability to pay what we can afford, and not have it dictated by unions gaming the system and unelected third parties,” said Cincinnati Councilman Jeff Berding.

Severe budget deficits have rocked governments across the country, forcing lawmakers to make big cuts to public programs and union agreements. In Wisconsin, a proposal by Republican Governor Scott Walker to eliminate union bargaining agreements was met with an even more massive response. On Thursday, a crowd of 25,000 engulfed the state capitol, while schools were shut down as students and teachers walked out on classes.