Montgomery, AL – Governor Kay Ivey recently shared her pride in the support Senate Bill 67 (SB67) has received from major Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) in Alabama. The bill, which aims to restructure the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA), has garnered backing from organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), The American Legion (TAL), and American Veterans (AMVETS).
The VSOs issued a joint statement expressing their endorsement of the bill, emphasizing the importance of reviewing the engrossed version of SB67, which passed on February 18, 2025. They highlighted several key provisions within the bill, including the elevation of the ADVA Commissioner to a Cabinet-level position. This change, they noted, ensures that the Commissioner will have direct oversight of day-to-day operations within the department. According to the organizations, this restructuring has been discussed positively by the ADVA Board Members and Commissioner over the past two years.
The bill also maintains the existing process for appointing members to the State Board of Veterans Affairs, while adding safeguards for future realignment. These measures take into account factors such as attendance, the strength of the organizations’ membership, and term limits for board members. The Board’s responsibilities include advising the Commissioner on veterans’ matters, developing policy recommendations for veterans and their families, and assisting in the overall wellbeing of Alabama’s veterans.
“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,” the joint statement from VFW, TAL, and AMVETS read.
Governor Ivey also expressed her gratitude for the support of Alabama’s veterans in the development of SB67. “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,” Governor Ivey said.
In addition to SB67, Governor Ivey signed Senate Bill 70 into law, which establishes the Alabama Veterans Resource Center. She further emphasized her commitment to Alabama’s veterans, stating, “Alabama’s more than 400,000 veterans deserve our very best, and I look forward to the Alabama Veterans Resource Center being one more tool for those who have served. This legislation, along with Senate Bill 67 to restructure the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, will help Alabama be the number one state for veterans. As I said during my state of the state address, our veterans have taken care of us, so now, we must take care of them.”
Both SB67 and SB70 reflect ongoing efforts to enhance services for Alabama’s veterans and ensure they have the support and resources they need.
