Texas First Lady Anita Perry announced a new partnership with independent banks this morning, to drum up more money for the Governor's Mansion Restoration Fund. It's the fund made up of private donations that was started last year after the historic landmark was destroyed by an arsonist.

So far, more than $3 million has been donated or pledged to the fund, with about $1.5 in cash-on-hand. The total cost of rebuilding is still unknown, but a large sum will likely come from state appropriations.

A quick look at the Governor's Mansion Restoration Fund, so far:

-More than 280 donations

-Average donation = $5,200.

--Among the top donors were energy companies, including BP ($250,000), ConocoPhillips ($100,000) and Valero ($50,000), with interests in Texas government. All employ lobbyists at the Capitol. BP, for example, has three that are expected to cost between $110,000 and $200,000 this year.

--H.E.B. founder Charles Butt, a large donor to GOP candidates in Texas, is the second-largest donor: $200,000.

--Another top donor, massive insurance company USAA ($50,000), employs seven lobbyists at the Capitol

Critics like Austin attorney Fred Lewis say the public building should be paid for with public money.

"Would the American people think it was a good idea if the oil and gas industry paid to renovate the White House?" he said.

See the full spreadsheet of donors here. The full video story will be available after six pm on kvue.com.

1 Comments

hypocrite alert said:

at least we know who is making donations, unlike Fred Lewis' group which routine attacks public officials without disclosing who funds those attacks.

January 29, 2009 3:26 PM

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