The latest iteration of an effort to reorganize the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs will reduce the number of veterans service organizations (VSOs) with input into the State Board of Veterans Affairs' makeup.
For that reason and others, Eagle Forum of Alabama (EFA) is asking the public to oppose the legislation.
The legislation, with versions in both the House and Senate, would change the ADVA commissioner's role to being appointed by the governor. Currently, the State Board of Veterans Affairs hires and fires the position. The State Board of Veterans Affairs would also be changed to an "advisory" role.
When the bill was put before the public one week after Ivey announced the bill as a priority in her State of the State Address, representatives of Alabama's veterans' organizations appeared at the state house in opposition.
SEE ALSO: Vote on amended Ivey-backed ADVA 'restructure' bill delayed
The House Veterans' Committee delayed voting on the bill while the Senate carried it over after adding nine amendments.
In fliers designed to oppose the bill, EFA echoes the concerns of the veterans' groups that opposed the legislation during the House committee's public hearing. The primary concern surrounds the input allowed by the state's veteran community.
EFA flyer by Craig Monger on Scribd
Under current law, the governor appoints State Board of Veterans Affairs members based on suggested appointees from the following organizations: The Alabama Department of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, the Vietnam Veterans of America, AMVETS, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the American Ex-Prisoners of War, the Alabama Alliance of the Military Officers Association of America, Inc. and the Marine Corps League.
The amended version of the bill gives appointing authority to the governor, lieutenant governor, House speaker and Senate pro-tem. However, the amendments also reduce the number of veterans' organizations that have input into the board's makeup.
Under the amended bill, Ivey would get nine appointees of her choosing, one of whom must be a woman. The remaining three are appointed based on recommendations from the three largest veterans' organizations in the state, significantly reducing the input from the remaining groups.
Additionally, EFA opposes reducing the board to a mere advisory role, removing the state board's authority. In its flyers, EFA calls for a substitute bill to address concerns over governance and authority within the board.
"Given the extensive amendments to the bill, we propose introducing a substitute bill," the EFA flyer reads. "This new bill would enable the governor to directly appoint the commissioner, chosen from three nominees which are presented to her by the SBVA. The governor can make the Department of Veterans Affairs a cabinet-level position at any time. She does not need a law to do that."
It continues, "Alabama veterans' organizations would then remain front and center of the SBVA not only in their representation on the board but also in their responsibilities and duties to direct veterans' affairs and oversee the Commissioner.
The restructuring effort follows a public feud between Ivey and former ADVA commissioner Kent Davis.
In October last year, Ivey removed Davis from office. After the board voted twice to keep Davis and not accept his forced resignation, Ivey exercised her "supreme executive power" to remove him for allegedly mishandling American Rescue Plan Act funds.
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 craig.monger@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
