U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) have introduced the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act, a bipartisan effort to tackle the nationwide shortage of veterinarians in rural communities. The bill would exempt veterinarians from federal taxes on student loan repayment funds received through the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) and similar state programs—extending a benefit already available to physicians. “In nearly every state in the country, there are shortages for veterinarians, especially in rural areas,” says Sen. Smith. “This record shortage causes serious harm to the health of animals and the public. Providing additional funding to the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program and updating the tax code to better serve veterinarians will allow more qualified vets to do vital work with our animals in underserved communities.” The VMLRP, established in 2003, offers student loan relief to veterinarians who commit to working in underserved areas for at least three years. However, the current tax policy imposes a significant federal withholding tax on those loan payments, limiting the program’s effectiveness. “Access to quality veterinary care is vital for Idaho’s agricultural industry,” says Senator Crapo. “By addressing the burdensome taxes on the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program, this legislation would allow more veterinarians to serve in the rural and underserved communities most in need and help ensure ranchers and farmers have access to these essential veterinary services.” The bill is co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of 12 additional senators, reflecting broad support for strengthening veterinary services in agricultural and underserved regions. For more information, visit the official website of Sen. Smith.
