Capitol Report
by Thomas Hagerty, DVM

The Minnesota Legislature adjourned on May 16, 2011 after lengthy discussions on budget issues but it failed to present a budget that Governor Dayton would sign. A special session was called in July that eventually resulted in a budget agreement. However the delay caused a 20 day government shutdown and layoff of most state employees. The critical issues that the MVMA had a concern for was additional appropriations for the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (VDL) and for the veterinary loan forgiveness program. The dollars for the VDL flow through the university system and the loan forgiveness funding is a different state function. We are still waiting to hear how these are being resolved.

We were also interested in the dog and cat breeder bill proposals. Five bills were introduced during the 2011 session but essentially failed to get hearings because of the emphasis on the budget discussions. These bills will still be in place during the 2012 session and we anticipate some activity on this issue. The MVMA developed a position statement on dog and cat breeder legislation.

The Veterinary Technicians Task Force continues to meet to develop language that addresses the regulation and licensing of veterinary technicians. This is intended to be introduced in the 2012 legislature.

The 2010 legislature made changes to the wolf depredation statute which added licensed veterinarians to the list of individuals who are eligible to investigate livestock depredation and verify that the loss was caused by wolves. Former Senator Steve Dille introduced this change last year and worked hard to get it passed. Previously only conservation officers with the DNR and county extension agents had the authority to make these decisions. County sheriffs were also included in this legislation. For information contact Blane White at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at 651- 201- 6209.

The MVMA has been made aware of legislation in Washington that it has been monitoring. The Fairness to Pet Owners Act of 2011 (HR1406) was introduced this spring and is currently in committee. The bill imposes new stipulations on veterinary prescriptions. The AVMA has expressed concerns about this legislation citing that the bill adds onerous regulatory burdens on veterinary practices and it questions the need for the legislation. The bill also encroaches upon state pharmacy and veterinary practice laws that already govern compliance by veterinarians. The MVMA and its legislative team will continue to monitor the movement of this legislation in Congress.

This is the time of year that state legislators are at home in their districts and they use the opportunity to meet with their constituents. Take the time to visit with your legislators and discuss with them the funding issues of the VDL and the veterinary loan forgiveness program. Also spend some time talking about animal welfare issues such as the dog and cat breeder bills and explain the need for the licensing of veterinary technicians. The majority of states do license them while Minnesota only certifies them.

We encourage you to participate in the Clinic Visit Program with legislators. This has been well received by the legislators who have participated. We need more clinics to offer this to their legislators. For more information contact Dan at the MVMA office at 651-645-7533.

Included in your dues packet is an appeal for contributions to VET-PAC. Please help us in this effort. Send a personal check to VET-PAC at the MVMA office. We need to support those legislators who understand our issues and are willing to provide the leadership in moving our concerns forward. For more information contact Dr. Hagerty at 651-402-7347 or Dan Tjornehoj at the MVMA office.