Pronews 7 reported on Monday that Texas Gov. Rick Perry has spent almost $600,000 in public money during the past two years to live in a rental home in the hills above the capitol.
According to records obtained by the Associated Press, it costs more than $10,000 a month in rent,utilities, and upkeep to house Perry in a five-bedroom, seven-bath mansion, with a gourmet kitchen, and three dining rooms. Perry has also spent $130,000 in campaign donations to throw parties, buy food and drink, and pay for cable TV and a host of other services since he moved in.
This information comes to light as the state deals with a shortfall of at least $11 billion. The governor has asked state agencies to cut their budgets by 5 percent. The Republican House speaker has even began considering furloughs and shortened work weeks for state employees.
The Dallas Morning News reports that ethics watchdogs say Perry's campaign may have violated state disclosure laws because of the vague way he's reported what his staff calls "incidental" spending at the mansion.
"Anybody who is not offended probably doesn't know what's going on," said Rep. Jim Dunnam of Waco, the Texas House Democratic leader. To spend so much while asking state agencies to spend less, Dunnam said, is "just rank hypocrisy."
When asked by the AP about the costs of living in the exclusive neighborhood Perry dismissed such criticism with a laugh.
"If that's the best cut anybody's got of leadership in the state of Texas, then bring it on."
Perry has been living in the rental home since the fall of 2007, after the governor's mansion caught fire due to arson. Officials say it will take two more years to finish its reconstruction.
His 6,386-square-foot rental sits on more than 3 acres and was advertised in 2007 for sale at $1.85 million.
The Texas governor's mansion is owned by the state and there is no rent or mortgage to pay. It has about 9,900 square feet total, but most of that is public space with historic artifacts. Only 2,750 square feet is dedicated to the governor's residence.
The governor's staff said Perry, who earns $150,000 a year as governor, has cut back on some luxuries in response to the state's tight finances.
Spokeswoman Allison Castle said he has just one housekeeper, one full-time chef - although a second chef works part time - and a mansion administrator who left and was not replaced.
Along with a steward, the salaries for the five mansion employees cost taxpayers $195,770 a year, records show.
Castle also said Perry and his wife lessen the burden on taxpayers by using campaign funds to pay for their expenses and reimburse the fund for their food.
Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee moved into a triple wide trailer while the governor's mansion there undergoes plumbing and wiring improvements and perhaps an expansion. To read more about this story click here.
