Crawford County’s four legislators split their vote on support of the state’s 2008-09 budget, which was approved Friday afternoon and sent to the governor for signature.

Republican state Sen. Bob Robbins and Republican state Rep. John Evans both voted yes.

However, Republican Michele Brooks and Republican Brad Roae were both no votes.

Robbins and Evans both were especially pleased that the budget contained no new taxes or fees and the Rainy Day Fund was kept intact — despite proposals by the governor to use some of it for the budget.

All four were pleased that the budget included 3 percent increases for school districts — double what the governor had proposed.

“It was a tough budget, but it held the line on taxes and fees,” said Robbins about his vote. “There were some tough decisions. Obviously some people won’t be as happy as they would have liked.”

His concern was the economic situation. He said the state “did a very tough budget last year, but it kept us in a better position than with state’s around us,” he said, referring to the fact that some have deficit spending. “Looking forward to next year, it will be the same,” Robbins predicted, saying the state will be in the same situation next year until something changes.

Concerning other programs, he said the funding was held steady or decreased. “We will try to work on (funding for) those programs and get them back (funding),” he concluded.

Evans also hailed the passage of legislation and funding for infrastructure projects, including those making upgrades to water and sewerage systems. Senate Bill 2 calls for $800 million for water or sewer, storm water, flood protection and dam safety projects. The funds will be derived from the fund within the Gaming Act that designates money for economic development.

He also is pleased that the budget comes in under the rate of inflation at 3.98 percent.

“With state revenues taking a slight dip in the past couple of months and the national economy struggling, we knew we had to keep spending in check and not saddle our residents with any unnecessary tax increases,” Evans said.

Brooks cited several flaws that she believes could have serious ramifications in future years.

Although the budget increased funds for schools, she said programs important to the people of the 17th District have been cut or altered in a way that may have long-term consequences.

Both she and Roae voiced concerns that the budget only calls for 11 months of payments for Medical Assistance managed care programs —meaning the 12th month will be rolled into the next year’s fiscal budget.

In addition, Brooks is concerned about the commonwealth’s financial health during the next year. Revenues for 2008-09 have been projected at a 3 percent growth level, even with the 2007-08 growth recording just a 1.7 percent increase.