21.   But he manages this by proposing tax increases on cigarettes and other budgetary manipulations that Congress has already rejected.

22.   But it also has tax cuts to offset the cost of the wage increase on small businesses, which they say are too grand.

23.   But over the last week or so, a consensus started to build that a quarter-point increase on Tuesday might be enough.

24.   But Republicans could argue that the change actually represents a rate increase on previously exempt income.

25.   But that trust makes the NRC vulnerable as competitive pressures increase on nuclear plants, perhaps forcing some to choose between cutting corners and shutting down.

26.   Chairman Tim Besley told reporters today that there are no planned increases on bank fees in other areas to offset the loss of income.

27.   Continental blamed the increases on higher commissions and food expenses, as well higher employee profit-sharing and bonus payments.

28.   Council Speaker Peter Vallone has expressed a willingness to consider a property tax increase on some forms of rental property.

29.   Democrats have floated ideas about mechanisms to enable landlords some increases on vacant apartments, but less than could be obtained on the open market.

30.   Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected no increase on the month.