Pennsylvania law makers are required to adopt a state budget annually by June 30. During the administration of Gov. Ed Rendell, this deadline was repeatedly missed, often leaving funding for crucial state programs in limbo for months at a time. While such posturing made for interesting political theatre, it did little to instill public confidence in state government.

Since House Republicans took control in January 2011, the state has not missed a budget deadline. And I am pleased to say that, once again, we have passed an on-time, balanced state budget. The $28.376 billion balanced budget package reins in government spending without raising taxes. The measure focuses the Commonwealth's attention on core government services, and it increases funding for some of our most important priorities, including education, job creation and public safety.

For example, K-12 education receives a significant boost. The budget adds $122 million to the basic education fund and raises overall state spending on K-12 education to a record $10 billion. Additionally, $6.4 million is allocated to Head Start and pre-K programs, and funding is restored for mobile science lab programs and $22.5 million is directed toward distressed schools.

Funds have been added to increase the size of the Pennsylvania State Police force by 290 officers and an additional 90 dispatchers. In addition, $1.5 million is added to the State Police Forensic Crime Lab to more quickly process evidence collected at crime scenes. The state attorney general's office receives a $9 million increase in funding to prosecute crimes and enhance its Local Drug Task Forces and Child Predator Interception Units.

On the economic development front, the budget passed by the House funds a pilot program through the Pennsylvania Work Force Investment Board to help unemployed Pennsylvania veterans find work, and it sets aside $5 million for career-oriented training programs to prepare workers with the skills employers need. And because this budget does not increase taxes, it helps Pennsylvania become more attractive to job creators and allows Pennsylvanians to keep more money in their pockets.

This is a responsible budget proposal. It caps government spending below the rate of inflation and doesn't raise taxes.

I want to hear from you. Please contact me with your questions and comments about state government and the budget process. You can reach me at rmackenzie@pahousegop.com or call my office at 610- 965-9933.