HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Corbett signed the 2014-15 state budget Thursday but used his line-item veto power to cut $65 million from the Legislature’s own appropriations and another $7.2 million in earmarks and other spending items picked by lawmakers.

The governor also said the Legislature did not deal with the pressing problem of funding for public employees pensions.

Here is what several state legislators who represent Butler County say about the budget and Corbett’s actions.

n Rep. Dick Stevenson, R-8th, said he was surprised that Corbett said lawmakers had unfinished business. He added it is shortsighted to say the legislature did nothing.

But he was not concerned about the cut in legislative funds.

“I don’t think it will make a great deal of difference in our operations,” Stevenson said.

He agreed with Corbett on the need for real pension reform.

Stevenson said, “I think it’s a good budget.”

n Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-10th, said in an e-mail statement:

“Governor Corbett’s line item veto is senseless and nothing more than political extortion.

“Sadly, in the past two weeks, the governor showed he is willing to hold the state budget, school children and now the General Assembly hostage in an attempt to further push his failed agenda.

“But political extortion is not going to make his disastrous legislative proposals any more popular or any more successful. It doesn’t change the fact that the pension plan he supports won’t help school districts, won’t save the state money and won’t reduce property taxes.

“Asking the legislature to continue spinning its wheels on a pension plan that produces minimal long-term savings while failing to address the current massive unfunded pension liability is a further waste of time and taxpayer money.”

n Rep. R. Lee James, R-64th, said he believes Corbett is clearly trying to prove a point with the legislative cut.

“Primarily I think it’s symbolic,” said James. “I don’t believe it will cause a great stir.”

James said he is not in favor of the move, but said it may eventually lead to progress.

“I’m disappointed in the cut,” he said. “But if it gets us to the table, then maybe it is worth it.”

James said he believes it is important for the state to quickly find a permanent fix to its ongoing pension woes.

“We need to find a solution,” he said.

n Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st, is happy to have a state budget finalized.

“I’m pleased a budget is signed,” Hutchinson said.

He agrees with Corbett’s pursuit of pension reform, and said he is happy to work on it with him.

“I think it’s overdue,” Hutchinson said.

He said he is not concerned about the legislative appropriation being cut, saying that there is a surplus of funding and it should not create any problems for legislators.

nSen. Don White, R-41st, said in an e-mail statement:

“I strongly believe Pennsylvania must act quickly and decisively on curbing the skyrocketing costs of our public pension systems and have introduced legislation in three legislative sessions to move legislators into a defined contribution (DC) program so we lead by example.

“We cannot let the pension problem fester. It is drawing valuable financial resources away from essential programs and services and is increasing the burden on citizens through ever increasing school property taxes.

“It is a positive step that the governor did sign the appropriations bill, the fiscal code and the various budget documents ...

“At this point, we are studying the implications of the specific line item vetoes by the governor before determining what actions are warranted by the General Assembly.

“The governor cited his displeasure with the General Assembly as the reason for the line item vetoes. I share his frustration. However he must also accept the fact that his administration needs to take a much more active role in working to develop the pension reform and liquor privatization policies he wants to implement.”