Ainsworth Opposes Ivey-Backed Bill to Restructure Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth on Tuesday released a statement opposing Senate Bill 67, legislation backed by Gov. Kay Ivey that would give the governor control over the leadership of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs.

Ainsworth’s position puts him at odds with Ivey, a fellow Republican, on a veterans affairs bill that the Alabama Senate was scheduled to take up when it convened at 2 p.m. Tuesday.

“When it comes to filling the needs of veterans, men and women who have actually worn a uniform should remain in charge,” Ainsworth said.

What the bill would do

SB67 is sponsored by state Sen. Andrew Jones, R-Centre, who is carrying the bill at Ivey’s request. Rep. Ed Oliver, R-Dadeville, is sponsoring the companion measure in the Alabama House of Representatives.

Under the current system, the state’s veterans organizations submit to the governor a list of three names from which board members are selected. That board, which includes the governor, governs the department, sets its policies and selects the commissioner of veterans affairs.

The bill would do away with the existing board and give the governor the power to pick a new board and the new commissioner. The board would serve only in an advisory role, with authority resting with the governor through an appointed commissioner.

In her State of the State address, Ivey said she alone should appoint the commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs so that the commissioner “is a team player.”

Background

The legislation follows the dismissal of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis. Davis filed an ethics complaint with Alabama Ethics Commission Director Kim Boswell, after which Ivey fired him. The board that runs the department did not back that action.

Other opposition

In addition to Ainsworth, state Sen. April Weaver, R-Briarfield, and state Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, have publicly opposed the bill.