Statehouse renovations bill questioned

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - A $500,000 bill to remodel offices for five state legislators and several staff members is drawing criticism from other legislators who see it as a poor example in tough economic times.

State Rep. Richard Laird is the former chairman of the Legislative Building Authority, and he says other authority members approved the expenditure. But the new chairman, state Sen. Roger Bedford, said they didn't approve the leather and marble furnishings, and he wants to try to return them.

The remodeling stems from the flooding of two floors of the Statehouse in May. The remodeling was recently completed, and Laird and four other House members moved into the space. It includes a kitchenette and shower.