21.   A Telecom spokesman said the rate reductions had been expected and seemed similar with those that had been recommended to the government by the two companies.

22.   Across-the-board rate reductions tend to benefit Americans in higher income brackets.

23.   After the German rate reduction, the central banks of Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria and Ireland their lowered interest rates.

24.   Along with the rate reduction, the central bank said it would establish a standby lending facility for commercial banks at the new discount rate.

25.   Business leaders, who have been calling for cuts for several months, welcomed the rate reduction.

26.   But as recently as last week, many economists were predicting a rate reduction either Thursday or by the end of the month.

27.   But extending the income tax rate reductions is a bit much even for the GOP to swallow right now.

28.   But it also lays some groundwork for the European Central Bank to make another rate reduction when it meets next Wednesday, widening the gap again.

29.   But Norlander said the Public Service Commission needs to place as much emphasis on rate reductions for the poor as on collection programs.

30.   But such rate reductions had more impact when rates were higher.