MONTGOMERY — The state’s top legislative leaders and committee chairs today endorsed the governors call for the resignation of the commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Legislature’s General Fund Chairmen, Sen. Greg Albritton and Rep. Rex Reynolds, along with Chair of the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee Sen. Andrew Jones and Chair of the House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Rep. Ed Oliver issued a joint statement fully supporting Gov. Kay Ivey’s call on Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis to resign.
“As members of the Alabama Legislature, we have proudly passed legislation and allocated resources to advance our state’s support for its veteran men and women,” they said in a joint statement. “However, we share a lack of confidence in the current Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner’s ability to adequately lead the agency and work collaboratively with other areas of state government. We fully agree with Governor Ivey and join her in calling on Commissioner Kent Davis to do the right thing for the Department and step down from his position. In recent years, we have had growing concerns and frustration, the most recent example being the agency’s mishandling of its proposed ARPA grant program. This would have been a significant problem had it not been caught by the Finance Department.
“Fortunately, we were able to quickly resolve the issue by working with the governor to authorize $7 million to veterans groups. Taking care of our veterans in Alabama is too important to let anything stand in the way of that mission. We look forward to a new and even stronger chapter at the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs.”
On Friday, Davis rejected Ivey’s call for his resignation, saying the claims are “inaccurate.”
“I respectfully disagree with the inaccurate claims made against the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs this week,” he said. “We have continuously been transparent in our department’s mission and day-to-day operations in our service to Alabama’s 400,000 Veterans. This includes earlier this year when ADVA attempted to work with members of the Governor’s staff, cabinet, and the Department of Finance regarding American Rescue Plan Act funds. At no time did our actions jeopardize the State of Alabama in fulfilling its obligations of the $2.1 billion in ARPA funds.
“It is my desire and will to continue advocating for Alabama Veterans. We have come a long way in supporting our nation’s heroes, but the mission is far from complete. I look forward to continuing the fight by their sides.”
Meanwhile the top officials of the Legislature joined Ivey’s call for Davis to resign.
Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed said he backs Ivey.
Our veterans have sacrificed so much in service of our country. These courageous men and women should be honored with resources and leadership that adequately reflect their service.
I fully support @GovernorKayIvey in her decision to call for new leadership in the department. https://t.co/OpfD6uHtnJ
— Senator Greg Reed (@SenatorGregReed) September 6, 2024
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter offered his support to the governor.
I support @GovernorKayIvey 100%. A change in leadership at the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs is in the best interest of our state’s veteran population. https://t.co/xT1FD5SB6W
— Nathaniel Ledbetter (@RepLedbetter) September 5, 2024
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