HARRISBURG — Only one of the seven state representatives serving Butler County constituents voted against the 2019-20 budget on Tuesday.

The state budget passed with expenses set at $34 billion and no tax increase.

Rep. Ted Nesbit, R-8th, said he voted for the bill, despite a continued concern that the state spends too much.

“I would like to do a little bit less spending, but considering we have a divided government, in the end, I think it was a responsible budget,” Nesbit said. “It's always a challenge to reign in spending. I think the government has to live within the means the best they can.”

As for avoiding a tax increase, Nesbit said their work from years before Tuesday's vote is paying off.

“We benefited from the good economy and some of the things we've done in the past to control spending,” he said.

Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-10th, was the only representative to vote no.

Bernstine could not be immediately reached for comment.

Marci Mustello, R-11th, has been on the job for three weeks, but she said she could see sense in the budget that passed the house.

“I am hearing from some folks back home that they were comfortable with it,” Mustello said. “We're doing our best to control spending. With increased costs, you have to conform to what's going on.”

Mustello said in addition to the exclusion of a tax increase, she appreciated the direction money was being allocated.

“I was glad to see more money for libraries and schools,” she said. “I think there was a decent increase in those areas.”

Mustello said while studying and voting on a budget was daunting having only three weeks of preparation beforehand, she had a lot of help from fellow Butler County delegates who answered her many questions.

She said next year she hopes to be more comfortable with proceedings. “Next year I hope to have more input,” Mustello said.