Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis on Sept. 7 formally declined a request from the state executive branch for his resignation.
A day earlier, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey sent a letter to Davis’s office asking that he resign by the end of the day over alleged mishandling of grant funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Former members of the armed forces and their dependents are provided assistance by the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, which is a state department. The State Board of Veterans Affairs, which Ivey leads, oversees the agency, including its commissioner.
“Ample cause exists for your removal as Commissioner,” Ivey wrote in the letter. “For example, your agency mishandled an ARPA grant program by, among other things, proposing—on a substantially delayed basis—uses of grant funds that would be ineligible under U.S. Treasury rules and regulations and/or state law or policy.”
The letter didn’t elaborate or provide examples of the uses that were not eligible for the exemption.
“I respectfully disagree with the inaccurate claims made against the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs this week. We have continuously been transparent in our department’s mission and day-to-day operations in our service to Alabama’s 400,000 Veterans,” Davis said.
The commissioner cited attempts by his office to work with members of the governor’s staff and the Department of Finance on issues related to 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 [American Rescue Plan Act] funds,” Davis said.
The Alabama official reaffirmed his commitment to supporting veterans and their families by helping them access the benefits they have earned, securing housing for those who are homeless, finding funding assistance through nonprofits, and offering referrals for both mental and physical health care.
Davis said the focus of his office remains on continuing to advocate for veterans in the state, recognizing that while progress has been made, the work is ongoing.
The Epoch Times has reached out to the governor’s office for comment.
The funding would be allocated to benefits, pensions, and compensation for veterans.
House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.) noted a shortage of $2.88 billion during fiscal year 2024 and a shortfall of $11.97 billion for the Veterans Health Administration.
