Alabama Veterans Push Back Against State Takeover of Veterans Affairs
"This Veterans bill has blown up in their face. Veterans all over Alabama are calling their legislators."
Montgomery, AL – The Alabama State House is experiencing an overwhelming surge of calls from veterans and veterans' organizations, demanding that their voices be heard in the debate over the governance of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA). Many are strongly opposing Governor Kay Ivey’s attempt to take greater control of the department, insisting that decision-making should remain with the State Board of Veterans Affairs.
The controversy stems from legislative proposals aimed at restructuring the ADVA. Supporters of the bill argue that reforms will improve efficiency and accountability, pointing to accomplishments under the current administration, such as the opening of a new State Veterans Home in Enterprise and reductions in service backlogs.
However, veterans and advocacy groups argue that removing control from the board—a body made up of veterans who understand their unique needs—would be detrimental. They fear that a more politically controlled department would not prioritize veterans’ best interests.
Tensions over the issue have been intensifying. In October 2024, Scott Gedling, vice chair of the State Board of Veterans Affairs, accused ADVA Commissioner Kent Davis of manipulating the board for his own interests and called for his resignation. The move signaled growing frustrations within the veterans’ community about the direction of leadership at the department.
Today, sources close to the situation at the State House describe a chaotic atmosphere as lawmakers grapple with the unexpected backlash. "This Veterans bill has blown up in their face. Veterans all over Alabama are calling their legislators. They are not happy. This Veterans bill overtook the ‘What Is a Woman’ bill today and is being discussed heatedly," one source said.
The wave of opposition from veterans is a clear sign that this issue isn’t going away quietly. As legislative discussions continue, all eyes are on how lawmakers will respond to the growing pressure from Alabama’s veteran community.
