Projo Politics Blog

File cabinets, desks and computers lined the first-floor hallway outside State House Rooms 140 and 143 while legislators were away during the recent break week.

The contents of Rooms 140 and 143 were temporarily moved to make room for the carpeting and painting contractors inside the offices, described as being “related to people in the governor’s business office,” according to Governor Carcieri’s spokesman, Jeff Neal.

“There are individuals who are situated in those rooms — they were unventilated rooms, there were old carpets,” Neal said.

How much did taxpayers pay for the renovations?

The tab for new carpeting for both rooms was $3,124.80, according to Neal. The painting bill was a little less: $1,739.90.

“The carpeting had not been replaced in many years,” he said. “It simply needed to be done.”

Incidentally, two similar-size Senate offices recently got new carpets and paint as well.

“It needed it — it was my office — the walls were very old and sort of dingy looking,” Senate spokesman Greg Pare said of Rooms 314 and 114. “It needed it more than any office I’ve ever seen.”

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