Since he has been in office, Gov. Ed Rendell has had an insatiable appetite for spending. State spending has increased by more than $7 billion, or 36 percent, since 2003. And for the seventh year in a row under Rendell, a budget has not been adopted on time — quite an infamous legacy.

Despite the Senate being led by Republicans — who aim to control spending and oppose tax increases — the House is controlled by Demo-crats, which has given the governor a key ally.

Two years ago, the Senate focused on defeating the governor's seven tax- increase proposals, which we did. Unfortunately, the compromise was that spending increased over the rate of inflation.

Last year, Senate Republicans again successfully fought the governor's proposed tax increases and limited spending to a degree.

With the economic downturn, Pennsylvania currently faces a $3.2 billion deficit. In 1991, Pennsylvania increased the personal income tax as well as business taxes. This severely crippled our economy.

Our Senate Republican Caucus has learned the lessons of the past and understands that increasing the personal income tax in this economy only further hurts us.

Even President Barack Obama has said that "in an economy like this, the last thing we should do is raise taxes on the middle class."

We need to do what every working family does — live within our means. We cannot afford all the items that we once did and, as such, we need to cut spending.

Last fiscal year, the commonwealth spent $27.7 billion. With a $3.2 billion deficit, we cannot spend more than last fiscal year.

Any federal stimulus dollars we receive will only be for a short term and will not allow us to spend more than what we have.

As such, the Senate adopted a proposal (Senate Bill 850) that would spend $27.3 billion, which we fully understand would have to be reduced further. The governor's plan would increase taxes and spend $28.9 billion.

Senate Republicans will continue to be engaged with the governor and recently sat down to review every line item in his budget.

As of now, we are a long way apart. And what needs to happen first is for the House to pass a budget. That legislative chamber has been absent in this debate.

The Senate passed our bill on May 6. For two months, the House has shirked its duties and not brought up a budget.

The House needs to engage in this process and show the public where it stands — either for cuts encompassed in Senate Bill 850 or for a 16 percent increase in the personal income tax like the governor has proposed.

State Sen. Jane Orie represents the 40th District, which includes part of Butler County.