HARRISBURG — A number of legislators who represent Butler County backed the 2013-14 state budget, which takes effect today.

Gov. Tom Corbett signed the $28.4 billion budget bill at 10:15 p.m. Sunday in his reception room.

State Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st, said in a news release, “The budget takes into account Pennsylvania's economy and prudently invests taxpayers' money in the basic core services and programs that provide the best benefits to our citizens.

“State spending for basic education is at unprecedented levels and additional money is appropriated for public safety programs.”

State Rep. Dick Stevenson, R-8th, said in a release, “This budget, passed without any tax increases, reflects the status of our economy right now and does not add to the burden of our hard-working citizens.”

State Rep. Lee James, R-64th, said in a release, “The budget we approved supports the key functions of government without further burdening Pennsylvania taxpayers with a tax increase on personal income.

“The budget is balanced, meaning the Commonwealth will only spend the money it expects to collect.”

But State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-10th, denounced the budget as unfair for children and taxpayers.

“This budget severely underfunds our school districts' needs and is a disservice to all of our children and their families,” Gibbons said in a release. “The lack of funding, which has been a hallmark of the state budget under Governor Corbett, will force schools to lay off teachers and staff, cut vital programs such as music and art and potentially increase property taxes, which then places the burden of making up for the lack of funding on taxpayers.”

“Earlier in June, I supported a Democratic amendment to the original House bill which would have restored the cuts to basic education, accountability block grants, educational assistance programs and other educational programs. Unfortunately, House Republicans had no interest in coming to the bargaining table and trying to work toward a compromise that would help Pennsylvania's students have the educational opportunities they deserve.”