21.   Similar notices have gone out in previous years, without layoffs actually occurring, but are more likely now because of the budget crunch.

22.   Sonny Mehta, president of the Knopf group, closed his speech at its holiday party with a nod to the budget crunch.

23.   That being the case, one can all but absolutely predict the first activity that will be cut when a budget crunch arises.

24.   Supporters said the funding levels were appropriate given the budget crunch.

25.   The budget crunch in many athletic departments can be traced to the extra material needed to manufacture the tentlike uniform bottoms.

26.   The budget crunch, which is an impetus for change, may also make necessary new computer equipment unaffordable.

27.   The budget crunch has its humiliations.

28.   The checkoffs are viewed as a painless way to help environmental, medical and social programs at a time of state budget crunches.

29.   The national budget crunch also has taken a toll, with President Clinton proposing a sharp cut in federal funding for beach rebuilding.

30.   The new laws reflect an era of falling crime, budget crunches and the skyrocketing cost of running prisons.