Lieutenant Gov. Will Ainsworth doubled down on Friday on his opposition to legislation putting the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) commissioner under the governor's control that passed the Senate on Tuesday by a 21-9 margin.
The bill was amended again on Tuesday after a vote on a previous version was delayed last week. The latest version still shifts the ADVA commissioner's hiring and firing responsibility to the governor. The role currently answers to the State Board of Veterans Affairs.
The legislation still has to pass the House before it can be signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey.
Ainsworth reiterated his opposition to the legislation on Friday.
I will always step up and defend Alabama's veterans because our veterans stepped up and defended all of us. pic.twitter.com/lWMgYZB0v2
— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) February 21, 2025
“Last week I announced my opposition to a bill that would seize control of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs lock, stock, and barrel from those who wore our nation’s uniform. I continue to hear from rank-and-file veterans who feel their voices are being silenced with this legislation and it makes a decidedly unpolitical agency into a fully political one. I stepped up because our veterans need someone fighting for them in Montgomery because our veterans fought for all of us,” Ainsworth said on Friday.
Ivey has maintained the bill will “give our veterans an even stronger voice.”
Former ADVA commissioner Kent Davis has said the bill is "retaliation" for his ethics complaint against a member of Ivey's cabinet last year.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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