Governor Kay Ivey announced on Tuesday that three of the state's largest veterans service organizations (VSOs) have come out to support her efforts to engraft the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) commissioner into her cabinet.
The bill has turned out to be among the most highly contested thus far in the legislative session.
Senate Bill 67 (SB67) shifts the ADVA commissioner's hiring and firing responsibility to the governor. The role currently answers to the State Board of Veterans Affairs (SBVA). The bill also turns the SBVA into an advisory board.
Senate lawmakers heavily amended the bill during debate, resulting in an eventual substitute encompassing multiple changes, many of which were requested by some VSOs.
Ivey announced the legislation earlier this month at her State of the State address. The bill 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.
While initially opposed to the bill, Ivey announced on Tuesday that three of the nine SBVA appointing VSOs had endorsed it.
In a release by Ivey's office, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), AMVETS and the American Legion (TAL) all expressed support for the substituted bill.
The quote in Ivey's release was virtually identical to an email provided to 1819 News from a source that wished to remain anonymous. The email was from Robert Schmidbauer with VFW to other VFW members, as well as the American Legion, AMVETS and Disabled American Veterans (DAV), asking their approval to pass on a statement of support to Gov. Kay Ivey's office to use in her own press release with the following caveat: "I am recommending that names are not attached to the comments, to protect the leadership of each department."
Ivey's release did not include DAV, which appears to have opted not to support the bill, contradicting the leaked email. However, Ivey's provided quote was otherwise identical to the leaked email.
"We appreciate the governor, Senator Jones, Representative Oliver and others who have worked with us to ensure this bill helps the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs and the Board best serve the state's veterans. We are proud to support SB67." Ivey's release read, containing quotes attributed to VFW, TAL and AMVETS.
Ivey's release also included her statement, thanking the three VSOs for backing her play.
"Alabama's 400,000 veterans deserve our very best. I appreciate our veterans for working with us on this legislation, and I am proud to have their support for SB67. Working together, we will elevate the work of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs and give our veterans a stronger voice."
Ivey released her statement the same day as a group of veterans rallied in front of the state house to oppose the bill.
See: Veterans rally to oppose ADVA changes: 'What is the rush?'
Despite the continued pushback from some, the bill's House sponsor, House Veterans and Military Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville), told 1819 News that the bill would pass committee on Wednesday without further amendments.
To connect with the story's author or comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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