Balancing the state budget is, in a sense, balancing the concerns and needs of a very diverse Pennsylvania citizenry. It requires members of the Legislature to do a lot of their own research, to gain an understanding of disparate issues, and perhaps most significantly, to gather as much input as possible from the people of the commonwealth. That process is now underway in Harrisburg. Rarely has the budget demanded more difficult decisions than this year.

Gov. Rendell made a very good opening bid last month in the annual state budget negotiation. There was a lot to like about the proposal he introduced on Feb. 4: no broad tax increases in a period of great economic distress, more money for education and progress on health care.

It also caused enormous disappointment, much of it understandable yet unavoidable. Pennsylvania, like the majority of other states, has been plunged into a financial hole this year by the worst recession in most of our lifetimes. Even with the influx of billions in federal stimulus money, the governor was forced to suggest drastic program cuts to balance the books.

The governor's budget proposal is reported in great detail in the news media every year, as well it should be, because much of what he suggests will eventually be adopted, and because it allows the people of Pennsylvania to know what issues are on the table. But it is only a starting point. The work is far from over; in fact it is just beginning.

Over the next few months the Legislature, especially members of the Appropriations Committee, on which I sit in the Senate, will devote a considerable amount of time collecting information, listening to suggestions, and gauging the feelings of our constituents all across the state.

The first formal step is a series of budget hearings by the Appropriations Committees in the House and Senate. These take place over several weeks in late February and early March, and they provide a window into the operation of almost every aspect of state government. At the hearings, leaders of departments dealing with health, transportation, education, agriculture, the environment, law enforcement, labor and many other areas discuss their budget requests. Individual hearings on each topic last for hours, while legislators have a chance to question the agency heads in detail about their departments.

Quite often, the questions posed to cabinet secretaries rise directly from letters or phone calls that legislators have received in their districts, reflecting problems that come to their attention or constructive suggestions that they receive from the people back home.

The hearings are open to the public (and for the first time this year were available live via the Internet.)

In addition to things lawmakers learn at the budget hearings, we continue to receive feedback on budget proposals from a variety of sources. Citizens call or write. Lobbyists and advocates for a vast array of causes present their cases. Organizations offer up studies and analysis.

Developing the budget is not just about dollars; it is also about major and minor policy changes. The budget is a reflection of a people's priorities. In a state as diverse as Pennsylvania, crafting a budget that is fair to everyone is a monumental challenge. We must be cognizant of the needs of seniors and of children, the problems of large cities and small towns, of suburbanites and farmers. We must take into account the impact our decisions will have on businesses as well as workers.

Legislators have a responsibility to provide basic services that keep the public safe, to protect our most vulnerable citizens and, ideally, to improve the quality of life in our state. At the same time, we must be mindful that the taxpayers can only bear so much.

During the months while legislative leaders negotiate the final version of the budget, they are trying to represent the wishes of the individual members of their party all over the state, based on the needs of their constituents.

This year, because of the national economy, the challenge is greater than it has been in decades. In his budget proposal, the governor has completely eliminated more than 100 line items, and has reduced funding for hundreds more. Some are luxuries that we cannot afford in tough times, but most are worthwhile programs that some part of our population considers important if not essential to making Pennsylvania a better place to live and work.

Legislators are already hearing from many Pennsylvanians who are making persuasive arguments in support of line items targeted for budget cuts. At the same time, we also hear convincing arguments from those who say they cannot afford higher taxes.

Nothing comes for free, and unlike the federal government, the state must balance its budget. In the end, getting through the recession will require widespread sacrifice. State officials will try to construct a budget that spreads that sacrifice as evenly and so as fairly as possible, one that meets critical needs and allows the state to make cost-effective investments that will get our economy moving forward in the future.

Sen. Wozniak is a fourth-term Democrat from Johnstown and sits on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

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