Tuesday, State Sen. April Weaver (R-Brierfield) announced her opposition 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.
Weaver joins Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth and State Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Josephine) in publicly opposing the bill.
SEE ALSO: Ainsworth opposes Ivey-backed bill restructuring Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs
The State Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee advanced the bill by a 5-2 margin. State Sens. Josh Carnley (R-Ino) and Keith Kelley (R-Anniston) voted against the bill, and State Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) abstained.
The Shelby County Republican lawmaker expressed her desire for veterans to determine the agency's direction.
"My mother was months old when she first met her father because he was away serving in World War II. My cousin, Gene, was killed in action. Each time I meet a veteran or active service member, I am struck by their love of country, devotion to duty, and willingness to put their lives on the line in order to protect our freedoms. Veterans deserve an agency that is focused solely on serving their needs and their voices deserve to determine its direction. For those reasons, I am a hard NO on the bill to restructure and reorganize the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs."
The bill is first up on the Senate's calendar on Tuesday.
Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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