HARRISBURG — Here is what state representatives and senators said about Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed 2014-15 $29.4 billion state budgets. He released his budget Tuesday.

These are edited comments from their news releases.

• Rep. Brian Ellis, R-11th: “This would be the fourth year in a row that our state budget’s spending is under control. The state needs to continue to spend what we have; no more, no less.

“I remain committed to getting Pennsylvania’s economy back on track and only spending within our means.

“Tough decisions in this process are inevitable. However, the short- and long-term benefits of getting our financial house in order, continuing to close the gap on our state’s unemployment rate, and making smart investments for our future will help make our state a better place to live, work, get an education and raise a family.”

• Rep. Dick Stevenson, R-8th: “I am encouraged to see that this budget proposal focuses on a number of key areas, namely job creation, public education and human services, and maintains our commitment to funding core functions of government, without any increases in taxes for families and job creators.”

Stevenson pointed out that the proposal anticipates dedicating more than $10.3 billion to kindergarten through 12th-grade education, with additional funds for special education, higher education scholarships and early learning initiatives.

• Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-12th, criticized the governor’s budget and said the increase in state spending can’t be justified when people are still out of work.

“How can he justify a 3.3 percent spending increase when inflation last year was about 1.5 percent? His spending increases are more than twice the rate of inflation at a time when many Pennsylvanians are unemployed or underemployed.”

He also blasted the governor’s proposal to increase welfare spending by $400 million since Metcalfe sees the system fraught with corruption and misuse.

“The governor is choosing once again to spend more money on welfare than education,” he said.

• Rep. Lee James, R-64th: “Today’s proposal marks the beginning, not the end, of this process.

The proposal calls for more than $10.6 billion in education spending. That would represent an increase of more than $360 million above the current state budget.

“We are currently spending more state dollars on education than at any time in the commonwealth’s history. The governor’s budget proposal would build on that record level of commitment to our students, teachers and parents.”

• Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-10th, applauded the new $25 million Ready to Succeed Scholarship proposal announced in Corbett’s budget address.

The scholarship would make the cost of a college education more affordable for students from middle-income families.

“As a member of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, I’m well aware of the struggles of middle-class Pennsylvanians to afford a college degree without getting into a mountain of debt.

“I’m proud to be able to use the resources of PHEAA to help constituents in my district, and I look forward to helping them take part in the Ready to Succeed Scholarship program.

“I’m also pleased Gov. Corbett is finally increasing funding for early childhood education and special education funding, though it’s well past due. However, the funding proposed still will not make up for the $1 billion cut our school districts have seen since Gov. Corbett took office.

“I’m also concerned about job growth and the direction Pennsylvania’s economy is headed. Pennsylvania currently ranks 41st in job growth among all states.”

“I believe by restoring proper funding to education and working across the aisle with fellow legislators on new ideas and programs, we can bring jobs back to Pennsylvania and push our economy forward.”

• Sen. Randy Vulakovich, R-40: “I am cautiously optimistic about Governor Tom Corbett’s budget proposal.

“While there are some significant hurdles that have to be overcome — the slow economy, revenues meeting forecast, and pension costs — I appreciate the governor prioritizing job growth policies, holding the line on taxes, increasing public education funding, and his commitment to the disabled.

“The truth is, the governor and General Assembly have made difficult choices over the past few years that are now paying dividends. I would like to publicly acknowledge the administration for saving half a billion dollars through his Innovation Office.”

• Sen. Don White, R-41st: “While calling for a modest increase in overall state spending without a tax increase, I am pleased the governor is proposing more money for public education in a specialized and targeted manner to improve literacy, promote math and sciences and provide incentives for high achieving schools to mentor their peers.

“The governor is to be commended for again stepping up to address the escalating cost increases associated with our public pension systems. I have introduced Senate Bill 283, a measure that would convert all members of the Pennsylvania Legislature from a defined benefit pension plan to a defined contribution plan as a way to curb costs and ensure that we as elected officials lead by example.

“What the governor is proposing will not affect current retirees or impact the benefits current employees have already earned. The current pension funds are not sustainable.

“While I am concerned that Governor Corbett is again limiting state support for our state-owned universities to current levels, it is gratifying to see a proposal for a new competitive grant program targeting middle income students who currently receive little to no support for their education expenses.”