AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Now-former Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick renovated his cherished Capitol apartment — spending all but $18.55 from a fund that once topped $1.3 million.
The Associated Press reports the final purchase order was issued hours before Craddick handed power over to Rep. Joe Straus of San Antonio.
Straus got Craddick’s leadership job — plus keys to the 1,804-square-foot apartment behind the House chamber.
Private funds were used for the renovation.
Tom Smith with the watchdog group Public Citizen says the last-minute expenditures were inappropriate. Craddick declined comment.
Craddick on Jan. 4 withdrew from the speaker’s race.
The next day the Texas State Preservation Board approved an expenditure of $124,000 on the apartment.
Board director John Sneed says Craddick inquired about the balance in the account during the week of Jan. 5.
The legislature convened Jan. 13.