New Bill Would Help Get More Vets Practicing in Shortage Areas

Recently introduced House and Senate bills that would increase grants that encourage veterinarians to practice in veterinary shortage areas have the support of the American Farm Bureau Federation. The Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act (S. 487, H.R. 1268) would eliminate the withholding tax on grants awarded under the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program, which provides grants to veterinary school graduates who agree to work for three years in underserved areas.

“Many farmers and ranchers operate in areas that lack adequate veterinary services for their livestock. Expansion of the VMLRP will not only help to improve the health of farm animals but will contribute to the safety of our food supply,” American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said in a letter to Sens. Michael Crapo (R-Idaho) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Reps. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and Ron Kind (D-Wis.) and Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.), the Senate and House sponsors of the bill.