PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Governor Carcieri is headed to the Hyatt Regency resort and spa in Lost Pines, Texas Wednesday for the Republican Governors Association's annual conference.

Before heading back Thursday, he is scheduled to moderate a discussion on energy.
A series of reports out of the budget office this week have focused attention on the size of the state's ballooning deficit, and the need to freeze hiring and cutback on all less than essential expenses.

But spokeswoman Amy Kempe said the RGA will pay for all of the governor's travel costs, including his airfare and hotel accommodations.

She said the state is picking up the $304.60 in airfare to send with him a state trooper she declined to identify.

But she said the RGA will pay for all of the trooper's other travel costs, including his accommodations and meals.

In between discussion groups on energy, health care and the "2010 campaign battlefield,'' there will a plethora of "optional activities,'' including horseback riding, skeet and trap, archery and a 'trunk show and clothing boutique'' for the governors and their spouses.

Kempe said "Mrs. Carcieri has not decided if she will attend.''