Legislative Initiatives

Univeristy of Minnesota Legislative Network

The Legislative Network is a coalition of alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members who are committed to educating elected officials and our community about the importance of the University of Minnesota to the state. For more informamation, visit Univeristy of Minnesota Legislative Network.

Legislation Before Congress to Address Critical Shortfall of Veterinarians

Washington, D.C. -- May 12, 2005 -- Demand for new veterinary graduates is high and will continue to grow, given the urgent need for veterinarians trained to protect the nation’s food supply and from emerging infectious diseases. While the job outlook for veterinarians is favorable, the colleges that train them are dealing with fewer resources to turn out the numbers needed. There are only 28 veterinary medical colleges in the U.S., and more than 30 years have lapsed since the U.S. government provided general funding for them. As a solution to this potential public health crisis, Mississippi Congressman Charles “Chip” Pickering, Jr. (R-3rd) introduced HR 2206, the Veterinary Medical Workforce Expansion Act of 2005 (VWEA).

See the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges news release

Click here for an updated account of the Veterinary Medical Workforce Expansion Act (As of 11-1-07)