Appropriations priorities revisited

The Executive Board approved the Legislative Advisory Committee's proposed expansion and reprioritization of the Association's 2011 congressional appropriations priorities.

Securing $6 million for the Veterinary Medical Loan Repayment Program was identified by the LAC as the AVMA's top appropriations request, followed by $15 million for the National Animal Identification System and $5 million for the National Veterinary Accreditation Program.

Additionally, the board directed the AVMA Governmental Relations Division to work closely with the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges to secure $10 million for animal health and disease research and $15 million for the Centers of Emphasis Program. The program encourages veterinary schools and colleges to develop areas of professional focus, such as food animal medicine.

Other appropriations priorities will be advanced by working through various coalitions including the Animal Agriculture Coalition and the National Coalition for Food and Agricultural Research, according to the recommendation background.