Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey calls for special State Board of Veterans Affairs meeting

MONTGOMERY, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Today, Gov. Kay Ivey wrote in another fiery letter that ample cause exists to remove W. Kent Davis as the commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

After declining her request for him to resign, Davis said he respectfully disagrees. “At no time did our actions jeopardize the state of Alabama in fulfilling it’s obligations of the two point one billion dollars in ARPA funds,” said Davis.

Of the more than $2 billion allocated, the Department of Veterans Affairs received $7 million to fund mental health programs. In her letter today, Ivey wrote that Davis did not work with other state agencies when they raised concerns over the grants- these being the Department of Finance, and the Department of Mental Health.

Gov. Ivey enclosed two other letters from these departments with her own. Written to the ADVA earlier this year, letters from both departments cited concerns over how much money was being given to awardees. They also express concern over the pertinence of these awardees when it comes to veterans’ mental health in general.

According to the April 12, 2024 letter from the Department of Finance, the non-profit organization Warhawgs was selected as one of the ARPA awardees by the State Board of Veterans Affairs for $114,120. The non-profit attempts to improve veterans and service member’s psychological wellbeing through outdoor activities. The Department of Finance wrote “Can we buy ammunition with ARPA funds?…” as one of the concerns in their proposal review notes.

Another awardee, the Military Officers Association of America, was proposed $250,000. The Department of Finance cited that $150,000 was dedicated to “advocacy”. They write that it “seems to be thinly disguised lobbying” as another one of their concerns.

Gov. Ivey wrote in her letter today that Davis’ “jeopardized the state’s ARPA obligations and very nearly prevented veterans service providers from receiving needed funds.”

But in a recorded video, Davis said otherwise. “It is my desire and will to continue advocating for Alabama veterans,” said Davis. “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.”

As a final warning, Ivey has given Davis until 5:00 p.m. on Monday to respond. Political analyst Steve Flowers said that Ivey would not act without reason. “Sometimes the old saying- ‘where there’s smoke there’s fire’… but in this case, there’s more fire than smoke. There’s something going on there or she wouldn’t have fired him,” he said. “There’s some fire there, and she’s got a smoking gun to prove that.”

Gov. Ivey is meeting with the State Board of Veterans Affairs on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. in Montgomery to consider Davis’ removal and appoint an interim commissioner.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.