Local lawmakers who helped pass a five-month $25.8 billion budget this week noted that it maintains present spending levels while keeping a close watch on revenue numbers during COVID-19.

“I think the big takeaway is we won’t know real revenue figures until about November,” state Rep. Garth Everett, R-Muncy, said. “What we have done in this budget is, we have fully funded things that we feel need fully funded so people can go on with their lives.”

It has meant in some cases not funding projects and organizations at their previous levels, if at all, he added.

“We are freezing discretionary spending,” he said.

Lawmakers noted that the reality of the pandemic has brought a tough economic reality and tough choices.

“The question is, what is essential for being funded?” Everett said.

State Rep. Clint Owlett, R-Wellsboro, said the budget reflects a commitment to public education.

“That is why this budget includes a full 12 months of funding for our school at all levels,” he said. “It is vital to get our students back to their classrooms this fall.”

Overall, he said the spending plan provides a degree of stability over the next few months as the state awaits collection of state income taxes in mid July and gets a better handle on how the pandemic has impacted overall revenue collections.

“We are also awaiting further information about additional assistance from the federal government,” he said.

State Rep. Jeff Wheeland, R-Loyalsock Township, noted that the budget includes no tax increases.

“It’s a five-month budget and the reason for that is because Personal Income Tax returns and other tax returns were moved from April 15 to July 15. So you can’t really make a budget if you don’t know what your revenues are going to be,” he said.

Asked to list what he liked or disliked about the budget, Wheeland said, “You had to fold up your wish list and put it in your pocket. Basically, we are using last year’s numbers. What else could you do?”

The longer businesses are shut down, the more pain will be felt across the state, Wheeland added.

“The fact is that Pennsylvania faces too many unknowns and a five-month budget gives us the ability to respond to new situations as they arise,” state Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, said.

Added Wheeland: “It’s important that Pennsylvania’s state government acts efficiently and with the utmost frugality during this unprecedented financial crisis. Millions of Pennsylvanians are facing a dire income situation this year, as is our state government. It is vital that we ensure funding for our schools and keep tax increases off the table.”

Everett said the budget will keep the state moving forward during these uncertain times while work is done to plan for the remainder of the fiscal year.

“I urge the governor to sign this budget,” he said.

Owlett noted the majority of budget line items are being allocated at about 42 percent of funding for the present year’s spending plan.

Everett, Wheeland, Owlett and Yaw voted yes on the budget.

Stephanie Borowicz, R-Lock Haven, voted against the budget. She was unable to be reached for comment for this story.