Lieutenant Gov. Will Ainsworth announced his opposition on Monday to legislation that would change the makeup of the State Board of Veterans Affairs and how the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) commissioner is appointed.
The legislation would change the ADVA commissioner's role to being appointed by the governor. Currently, the position is hired and fired by the State Board of Veterans Affairs. The State Board of Veterans Affairs would also be changed to an "advisory" role. Seven of the nine board members would be appointed by the governor. The House speaker and Senate pro-tem would also each get one board appointment. Governor Kay Ivey endorsed the legislation in her State of the State address on Tuesday.
The bill passed out of the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee on Wednesday by a 5-2 margin with one abstention.
"When it comes to filing the needs of veterans, men and women who have actually worn a uniform should remain in charge. The department and the method of selecting members of the Veterans Affairs board have operated well under the current system for many years, and I am among those who believe 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.'" Ainsworth said in a statement on Monday.
Former ADVA commissioner Kent Davis has said the bill is "retaliation" for his ethics complaint against a member of Ivey's cabinet last year.
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