(JUNEAU) - As the budget moved through the Legislature, House Speaker Pete Kott (R-Eagle River) met with Anchorage Mayor George Wuerch to discuss his city's interests in the budget. At a time of fiscal responsibility, both leaders recognized that everyone will have to make sacrifices.

"The citizens of Anchorage understand the importance of planning for the future," Wuerch said. "Ensuring a bright tomorrow means making adjustments today."

"We must continue to make our budget as trim as possible," Kott said. "However, we will not turn our backs on those who need help the most."

Speaker Kott and Mayor Wuerch decided that two areas must not lose support: people who need transportation to school and those who need social programs. The House Finance Committee restored $11 million to fully fund pupil transportation so that children have buses to take them to school. The committee also preserved human services programs, such as the Anchorage's Women's Resource Center and STAR (Standing Together Against Rape), with a full $1.3 million in matching grants. Both Kott and Wuerch agreed that these programs must continue.

"Alaskans want a state that will be there for them," Kott said. "To sustain the critical needs of our citizens, we must make difficult decisions right now."

"If we're not the solution, we're the problem," Wuerch said. "We will continue to seek ways contribute to the goal of cutting government spending."

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