COLUMBUS, Ohio — Lawmakers have begun negotiations around the operating budget in conference committee. The Senate's version of the budget has several provisions that are different compared to the House's version.

Gov. Mike DeWine expressed concern over a provision in the Senate's version of the budget this week. The provision impacts state workers who remotely work office hours across Ohio. 

In the Senate's proposal, the provision contains language to stop state employees from working from home the entire 40-hour work week. Instead, it would let Ohioans work remote eight hours a week. If the provision passes in the operating budget, it would immediately go into effect on Oct. 1. 

Senate President Matt Huffman, R-Lima, is a believer of the provision and said people are able to perform more effectively when they are physically in the workplace setting. 

The Ohio Civil Service Employees Association represents 30,000 state employees across Ohio. Chris Mabe is the president of the organization and told Spectrum News remote work is critical for state employees. Mabe said remote work has been a part of employee-working contracts even prior to COVID. 

Mabe said remote work increases work-life balance, contributes to hiring employees out of area and helps with recruitment. 

"I think telework is something that's going to be here to stay for quite some time," Mabe said. "It is now a competitive field of people wanting to do not only public sector work, but private sector work across the nation. 

Although lawmakers in the Senate support the provision, some members in the House do not.

June 30 is the deadline for a finalized version of the operating budget to be agreed on by lawmakers. The lawmakers will decide if this provision will remain.