Thursday, March 01, 2007
Politicians - and their loopholes
Ethical politicians?
Apparently not in Austin, Texas...
Apparently not in Austin, Texas...
Jay Root reports for The Star-Telegram's Austin Bureau:
"AUSTIN -- It's illegal for Texas lawmakers to use campaign funds to buy real estate or enrich themselves, but several legislators have used a loophole to maintain second homes in Austin while continuing to receive $139 a day for living expenses when called to duty in the state capital.
One of them, state Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Lewisville, has paid rent of more than $140,000 since 2000 for a condo registered in her husband's name.
Rep. Vicki Truitt, R-Keller, rents a condo inside 1704 West Ave. in Austin. She has paid $92,247 in rent to her husband, James Truitt, since 2001, records show."
