Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-Berks/Carbon/Schuylkill:

“Thanks to the House Republican Caucus and our responsible budgeting efforts in the past, our state is not facing a gaping budget deficit at the beginning of this budget cycle. We will continue to keep the taxpayers in mind when crafting and considering our budgetary policies this fiscal year.

“When it comes to putting our state budget together, I believe it should done be the same way it is in so many households across the state. You start with how much you will bring in and then figure out how much you can spend. So often, the state budget becomes a wish list. After creating that list, they then go out looking for tax dollars to fund it. That’s not the way it should be.

“Time and time again, I hear from people that they are ‘taxed out.’ I was hoping the governor would include property tax elimination in his address. Sadly, that didn’t happen.

State Sen. Mario Scavello, R-40

: “On the surface, the proposal seems like a good starting point, While I am opposed to the governor’s proposed cuts to tourism and veterans programs, I support the governor’s proposal to combat Lyme disease in the Commonwealth.”

Scavello also said that he applauds the governor’s proposed funding for career and technical education. “One of my priorities as a member of the Legislature has been to bring new businesses into Pennsylvania and to foster family sustaining jobs, and training people to fill those jobs is a necessary component to achieving job growth and economic success.”

Rosemary M. Brown, R-Monroe/Pike:

“I was disappointed that the governor did not mention property tax reform in his address today. Eliminating school property taxes is the No. 1 issue in the 189th District and I support a state-level solution. I am pleased that the governor proposed an additional $100 million for basic education since all new money will be distributed through the new education funding formula I helped pass and that benefits our area and school districts.”

State Sen. John Yudichak, D-Luzerne/Carbon

: “I plan to work to ensure that investments in education and economic development programs are at the forefront.

“Established northeastern Pennsylvania programs to improve educational opportunities, like the SHINE after-school programs are a perfect match to the governors’ PA Smart proposal. Both the Carbon/Schuylkill and Luzerne County SHINE programs have garnered national attention and have a documented record of improving academic performance and family participation.

“A responsible budget must adequately fund the Department of Environmental Protection and other agencies that support economic activity and growth. Environmental permits are required for nearly every energy, construction, environmental remediation, or economic development project in Pennsylvania. In the past 15 years, DEP has suffered from substantial funding reductions, and I commend the Governor’s effort to add $2.5 million to help the department increase its staff complement.”

Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon:

“Property taxes are a perennial problem for thousands of Pennsylvanians, and I was disappointed to hear no mention of property tax reform in the governor’s budget address. As a taxpayer, I am very concerned about Wolf’s proposed $1 billion spending increase, and how this may negatively impact Carbon County taxpayers. This year and every year, we must ensure our schools are properly funded — and that we provide critical services for our seniors and most vulnerable citizens.

“Thankfully, the governor shares with me a sense of urgency about the opioid and heroin epidemic — which is our most serious public health crisis to date. We must continue meaningful, bipartisan work on this important issue.

“As we begin to carefully craft a budget for the coming fiscal year, I remain committed, through my role on the appropriations committee, to serving as a responsible steward of Pennsylvania’s tax dollars. With this perspective in mind, we can deliver an on-time, balanced budget to Gov. Wolf’s desk.”

Rep. Zach Mako, R-Lehigh/Northampton:

“Last year was an eye-opening experience to the state budget process. After all of our hard work to eliminate a budget deficit and finalize a plan without any broad-based tax increases, it is disheartening to see the governor propose a budget that increases spending by $1 billion. We should be focused on keeping money in taxpayers’ pockets, not taking it away.

“Pennsylvania government, like you and I, must live within our means. Our families cannot sustain spending more than our paychecks allow. Likewise, Pennsylvania government must stop spending more than it generates. Taxes in this commonwealth already are too onerous. We need to be focused on lower taxes, not adding taxes.”