COLUMBUS, Ohio — Dozens of people testified at the Statehouse before lawmakers in regards to the latest version of the operating budget. Ohioans have a chance to make requests to lawmakers on the Senate's Finance Committee before budget amendments are due Friday. 

Educators, childare advocates, engineers, and several other people are among those who still want to see some changes to the operating budget. 

Child care advocate Dorothy Moulthrop from Open Doors Academy is asking legislators to add temporary assistance for families in need back into the budget. Moulthrop told lawmakers that last year Open Doors Academy recieved $2.8 million in funding. However, after reviewing the proposal, the academy did not receive any funding.

Open Doors Academy is a nonprofit that works with school superintendents for educational after school and summer programming for families in need. They are currently operating 21 programs across eight districts in Ohio. 

Moulthrop said she would lose half of her students if the funding is not restored and said the programs give students hope to pursue a better education, and could also help students graduate high school. 

"90% of our families live at or below 200% of the federal poverty level," Moulthrop said. "Our scholar's parents cannot afford childcare before school, after school, or during the summer. Our programs allow them to keep their jobs by providing a safe and reliable place for their children to continue learning beyond school hours." 

The Ohio Restaurant Association also testified. The organization wants to see more money go to their Pro-Start Program that's involved with Ohio schools. It said its program can provide early learning to become future chefs, and let studnts develop skills that can brightly impact their future. 

Lawmakers have until June 30 to settle any differences and approve the budget. Once the approval occurs, the operating budget will then need to be signed by Governor Mike Dewine.