Wage increases, which had accelerated in the early spring, eased in May, reducing concerns about inflation.
It will be the 10th straight year of increases, which continued even through the financial crisis.
And there are spending increases, which — in keeping with Albany tradition — continue to far outpace inflation.
Another reason cited is gasoline price increases, which divert family income from other spending.
Deficit reduction has been largely achieved through tax increases, which have sucked demand out of the economy.
Wal-Mart's sales increases, which last year outpaced the industry average, have missed initial forecasts the last three months.
The increases, which go into effect on March 25, will in part finance a $14 billion, five-year capital program.
The tuition increases, which do not include room and board, will range from about 3 to 10percentt.
Northwest declined to comment on the increases, which also affected unpublished senior, military, Internet and consolidator fares.
Those increases, which are still being considered by the commission, would be effective on Oct. 1 of this year.
That resulted in double-digit increases, which, combined with a tough stock market, threw the fund out of balance.
