A controversial member of the governor's team will not be losing his job or salary. An attempt failed at a legislative meeting Tuesday to cut funding to gubernatorial advisor Joe Profiri.
Republican Sen. Terry Rice presented the amendment ti members of the legislative JBC-Personnel subcommittee, citing a perceived lack of transparency and cooperation.
In January 2023, Profiri was appointed to lead the Department of Corrections by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The Arizona native was immediately controversial — Profiri attempted to add beds to prison facilities without the Board of Corrections' approval. Corrections officials say it's unsafe to add beds without the correct space to accommodate them.
Profiri was suspended by the board about a year after taking the position. The decision was made by the board vote of 4-2. Profiri was described as being “uncooperative” and difficult to work with. He was later formally terminated by a vote of 5-2.
His suspension and termination triggered a multi-year lawsuit between the Board of Corrections and the state of Arkansas, only settled this month.
Profiri now serves as a senior advisor to Sanders, making almost $265,000 a year. Lawmakers on Tuesday said Profiri is overpaid.
They also say he evaded testimony in front of the legislature when summoned — something Sen. Rice called a “major trust breaker.” He read out the duties of the legislature's Joint Performance Review committee, which includes overseeing the performance of the governor's appointees.
Rice said “the largest trust breaker” was a decision Profiri made to scrap a $300 million government contract for one costing $350 million. Rice said he couldn't understand the reasoning because Profiri avoids lawmakers' questions. Rice called this an "unwillingness to work with others.”
“Grey hair has not worked for him,” Rice said. “It doesn't automatically produce wisdom.”
Then, referring back to Profiri’s six-figure salary, he said: “let's make a statement that we don't want to continue spending $265,000 on bad results.”
A Board of Corrections member, Lee Watson, showed up to the hearing but wasn't allowed to testify about the board as a private citizen. The personnel committee only allows testimony from officials in their formal capacity.
Republican Rep. Jim Wooten was frustrated.
“I’m sick and tired of the governor's office running the show,” he said. “And they didn't even show up today.”
He alleged Profiri has made unexplained purchases on the taxpayer’s dime. After a voice vote, the amendment failed. Profiri will continue receiving a salary from the state.
During the meeting, Sen. Rice suggested the committee demand public testimony if Profiri were to stay in the job.
