As you may have heard, the House passed the 2010-11 state budget and sent it to Gov. Rendell for his signature. He is expected to sign the $28 billion plan, which is roughly the same spending level as last year.

I voted for the budget. It needed to pass by June 30 so that schools, agencies that provide services to vulnerable residents and others could receive their funding and continue operating. The state and its people could not afford another 101-day protracted standoff like last year.

On the whole, this budget does more good than harm. The budget includes no tax increases.

In negotiations with the Senate, we were able to secure a $250 million increase for basic public education. This is significant given most other states are cutting their funding for schools. Additionally, notwithstanding the devastating budget deficit we faced, we managed to make critical investments in economic development to create jobs and grow our economy.

Nearly every other line item was cut, including the House of Representatives. Key public health programs, libraries and environmental protection sustained cuts. Make no mistake, I am not happy about those cuts and fought hard to bolster those programs during budget negotiations. In the end, we compromised, we lived within our means and we did not raise taxes.

As always, please contact my office if I can help you with any state-related matter.

• Budget breakdown
• Basic Education Funding
• Special Education Funding
• PA Accountability Grant
• Educational Assistance Program Funding
• Reimbursement of Charter School Expenditures