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Proposed legislation aims to increase veterinarians in underserved areas
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Veterinarians are the first line of defense in protecting our nation's food supply against animal disease outbreaks. Unfortunately, the number of large animal vets in rural areas is dwindling. To help address this critical shortage, bi-partisan legislation known as the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act has been introduced in the U.S. Senate.
If the legislation is signed into law, it will provide a federal income tax exemption on payments from the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP), in addition to state programs that encourage vets to serve in underserved areas. By removing this tax burden, the number of veterinarians selected to participate in the VMLRP should increase by a third, allowing more vets to be sent into areas lacking professionals with expertise in livestock animal care and food safety.
According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas has more food and fiber animals than any other state. However, we're dead last among the 10 most populous states in doctors of food and fiber animals. Doctors who specialize in the care of large farm animals play a vital role in food safety, because they often are able to prevent diseases such as E. coli and salmonella from becoming full-blown epidemics.
The VMLRP is worthy of support as it is a critical step toward safeguarding our nation's food supply.
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