Legislative fly-in gets go-ahead

The Executive Board approved an annual legislative fly-in facilitated by the AVMA Governmental Relations Division for approximately 75 attendees to travel to Washington, D.C., to lobby their congressional representatives to pass the Association's legislative agenda. The program is scheduled to start in 2011.

In its recommendation to the board, the Legislative Advisory Committee explained that legislative fly-in events that facilitate education and direct congressional lobbying are one of the most effective advocacy tools for advancing a legislative agenda.

This proposed annual fly-in event would increase the AVMA's impact on Capitol Hill and pay substantial dividends toward achieving the Association's legislative priorities, the LAC explained.

At the 2010 AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference, an informal survey of members of the House of Delegates suggested that an overwhelming number of them would be interested in participating in a legislative fly-in event in Washington.

Additionally, in a February 2010 survey of Congressional Advocacy Network members, 53 percent of respondents said they would like to participate in a legislative advocacy event in Washington.

Although attendees will be responsible for their transportation and lodging costs, the board approved $20,000 to cover the GRD's expenses to host the 2011 event.