Supporters of two new coal-fired power plants in southwest Kansas... took their case to the Statehouse Friday.

More than 200 people attended a rally aimed to convince lawmakers to override a veto by former governor Kathleen Sebelius. She said no to a bill that would have allowed the plants.

Kirk Miller, a Democrat from Jackson County who is also union representative for Local 441, said it's not just about the power supply - it would also create jobs for those in the building and trade industries. He says 30 percent of them are expected to be out of work next year. When they're out of work, he says, they'll be getting assistance, their children will eat free lunches and other issues arise - a trickle down effect he described as "scary."

"This is about the future of our state," said Garry Kemp, business manager for the Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council. "If we want to grow and flourish, we need to think about the economic potential and impact for individuals, families, businesses, jobs for construction, jobs for businesses and economic growth for Kansas."

The Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Kansas Building & Construction Trades Councils organized the rally.

Gov. Mark Parkinson reiterated his opposition to the bill in its current form at a news conference Friday. He says the renewable energy initiatives it contains would be a step backward.

Lawmakers could vote on overriding the veto next week.