Despite receiving many amendments, the Alabama chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) still opposes the legislation designed to restructure the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, as lawmakers are anticipated to vote on the bill this week.
The legislation, with versions in both the House and Senate, would change the ADVA commissioner's role to one appointed by the governor. Currently, the State Board of Veterans Affairs (SBVA) hires and fires the position. The SBVA would also be changed to an "advisory" role.
On Tuesday, Gov. Kay Ivey continued to push for the restructure, calling it "an important step forward" in a post on X.
The Senate version of the bill was amended nine times during last week's deliberation. The amendments were meant to assuage the concerns of the state's veterans service organizations (VSOs), who initially came out in force at the state house in opposition. The main concern is the perceived shaving down of input from veterans and VSOs in the SBVA.
In a release, MOAA said it still planned to oppose the bill despite the amendments.
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.
"The numerous amendments made by the Alabama Senate are mere window dressing with superficial attempts to codify diversity that ironically already exists organically on the existing SBVA," MOAA said in a statement. "As nominated by the accredited Veteran Service Organizations, the SBVA accurately represents all Alabama Veterans. The amendments do not address the central issue of preserving Veteran oversight; the SBVA is still replaced with an advisory committee that strips Veterans of their current oversight and supervisory authority."
"Elevating the Commissioner of the ADVA to a cabinet level position may be positive, but the Commissioner should not be a purely political appointee; the SBVA should still select and make nominations to the Governor," MOAA added.
In addition to opposing the diminished input of VSOs, the MOAA adamantly insists that the SBVA should remain in an authoritative position instead of just an advisory role.
"MOAA Alabama Council of Chapters firmly recommends the state retain an independent SBVA; only non-partisan veteran representation can foster public trust, ensuring that veterans and their families receive stable, unbiased, and effective support," the statement continues. "The sacrifices made by veterans deserve a system that prioritizes their well-being over political considerations, making independence not just beneficial but essential."
"The proposed changes to ADVA and SBVA will set back gains made in Veteran benefits and services, jeopardize innovations to deliver viable Veterans care, and divide Veterans Service Organizations that currently cooperate as they will compete for the Governor's favor. SB67 does not improve Veterans services and in fact deprives Alabama Veterans of a voice they have successfully exercised for 80 years. The ill effects of SB67 will be so deleterious to Alabama Veterans and their families that we still oppose the amended SB67."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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