But the overhaul plan that the department developed was criticized as "inadequate" last week by its chief committee of scientific advisers.

His first order of business was to come up with an overhaul plan that would restore the department's credibility.

In Massachusetts, voters backed a campaign-finance overhaul plan that would provide for public financing of most state election campaigns.

Ford last cut its dividend in January 2002, when it announced its first overhaul plan.

The Finance Ministry said the company could count on government backing for any overhaul plan.

Federal officials demand a viable overhaul plan from an airline before approving its application.

Nonetheless, some communications experts said the overhaul plan was misguided.

"I heard what he said," one superintendent said of the mayor's overhaul plan.

Delays in paying for part of the overhaul plan have led some to doubt that it will be fully carried out.

Under an overhaul plan, G.M. will close all or part of 12 plants and eliminate 30,000 jobs through 2008.