Featured Articles:
Thank You for Joining Us
By Dr. Mark Lutschaunig, Director of the GRD
Welcome to the inaugural edition of The AVMA Advocate, our monthly e-newsletter that will keep you informed about the activities in our Nation's Capital. The AVMA Advocate will provide updates on federal legislative and regulatory issues; AVMAPAC; AVMA Congressional Advocacy Network; AVMA Extern and Fellowship programs; and politics in Washington, D.C. Please feel free to forward this enewsletter to friends and colleagues, and use the content in your organization's newsletters. We are excited about this new endeavor, and hope you find it useful.
The AVMA Governmental Relations Division has had a busy month! The Animal Drug
User Fee Act reauthorization (ADUFA II) ... More »
It's Not All Monkey Business
By Dr. Angela Demaree, Assistant Director of the GRD
As you are all aware by now, the 2008 Farm Bill - on which GRD has been diligently working two years now - finally passed in May, after a year of deliberation by the House and the Senate and a last-minute clerical error.
Another success story for the GRD has been the Captive Primate Safety Act. The Senate version of the bill was introduced back in May 2007, and the GRD staff has been working behind the scenes since then, along with the help of our Grassroots Network... More »
Congress Passes Higher Education Act
By Gina Luke, Assistant Director of the GRD
More federal legislative news affecting veterinarians and veterinary students: After more than five years, Congress recently reauthorized the Higher Education Act (HEA). The legislation establishes policy and authorizes funding for colleges, universities and federal student aid programs. The new law includes a number of grants and student loans, and encompasses a new list of regulatory requirements for postsecondary education institutions. Additionally, ... More »
AVMAPAC Contributions on the Rise
By Christine Baker, PAC Manager
The 145th AVMA Convention in New Orleans ushered in the beginning of the new PAC year for AVMAPAC. The 2007-2008 AVMAPAC year was a strong one, having raised more than $310,000—a more than 20% increase over the previous year. There were contributions from 2,440 AVMA members that made up the $310,735.02 raised. With these contributions, AVMAPAC... More »
AVMA-CAN Roars Back to Life
By John Sullivan, Legislative Policy & Program Coordinator
Who CAN? You CAN? And YOU did! This year the AVMA unveiled the new AVMA Congressional Advocacy Network at the 145th Annual AVMA Convention in New Orleans to a very receptive audience. Armed with 250 green blinking buttons, a Wii and a new interactive display, the AVMA staff educated members on... More »
Opportunities:
Wanted: All-Star Advocates
All-Star Advocates are the AVMA's liaison in Congressional Districts. What does that mean? It means that you are the point person the AVMA and Congress will turn to for advice, advocacy and leadership in your very own community. You will work with other veterinarians in your district to develop strong relationships with your legislators and help the AVMA advance our legislative agenda. Sound daunting? Don't worry, we'll train you and help you every step of the way. For more information, e-mail Christine Baker.
Experience the Legislative Process: Become an Extern
The AVMA is currently accepting applications for ten 2009 Governmental Relations Veterinary Student Externships. The deadline for submission is October 3. In just four weeks as an Extern, you'll go from being a bright-eyed visitor to actually lobbying for your future profession with legislators and staffers on Capitol Hill. For more information and an application, click here.
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PAC Stats
