The practice has been criticized by budget watchdogs.

They could support the thinktanks and public budget watchdogs that assess government commitment to reducing poverty and improving health.

Some urban planners and budget watchdogs questioned the need for an expanded trading floor, given the growth of electronic trading.

The new proposal delighted urban planners, budget watchdogs and even some investment bankers who have long criticized the size of the subsidies for the project.

City Council leaders and budget watchdogs offered unusually generous praise for the mayor's plan.

Yesterday, two budget watchdogs released their own calculations of next year's budget gap.

Let's" figure out how we can satisfy the budget watchdogs and you."

He gained a reputation as a budget watchdog, following a strict policy of paying for projects with available funding as opposed to bond issues.

That could raise eyebrows among some budget watchdogs, who oppose the government issuing debt to pay salaries.

So, with all the apparent cooperation, why, then, are so many budget watchdogs and other observers still so doubtful change will happen?