Related by context. Frequent words. (Click for all words.) 44 budgets 38 coffers 37 cash strapped 36 spending 36 discretionary spending 36 wallets 35 clout 35 wield 34 sway 34 reins 34 grip 33 stranglehold 33 rein 33 finances 32 checkbook 31 belts 31 controls 31 loosen 31 pockets 30 outlays 30 majorities 30 tighten 30 screws 30 discretionary 30 expenditures 30 beholden 29 leash 29 budget 29 bankroll 29 oversight 28 leeway 28 noses 28 staffs 28 finance 28 levers 28 authority 28 spenders 28 payroll 27 loosened 27 strings attached 27 loosening 27 bribing 27 lobbying 27 tongues 27 necks 27 hands 27 tightly 27 earmarks 27 prerogative 26 salaries 26 veto 26 paychecks 26 hand 26 monopoly 26 tab 26 money 26 beleaguered 26 dealings 26 strings 26 economic downturn 26 crimp 25 screw 25 patronage 25 hiring 25 loathe 25 insiders 25 fortunes 25 debt 25 influence 25 tightening 25 accountable 25 expenses 25 powers 25 tightens 25 ears 25 appetites 25 cellphones 25 meddling 25 payrolls 25 lifeblood 25 exert 25 hoard 25 wielded 25 earmark 25 override 25 hearts 25 cronies 24 pocketbook 24 straps 24 taxpayer dollars 24 funding 24 control 24 relinquish 24 lips 24 indebted 24 pork barrel 24 leverage 24 appetite 24 fingers 24 multibillion dollar 24 tightened