Capitol Counsel and the American Veterinary Medical Association team up for America's veterinarians and farmers

WASHINGTON, June 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has hired Capitol Counsel, a top-tier D.C. government affairs firm, to help push Congress to pass bipartisan legislation that would make the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) tax exempt. The organizations will work together to educate policymakers on the importance of including the VMLRP Enhancement Act (S. 553/H.R. 1125) in any tax reform or tax extenders legislation that Congress aims to pass by the end of the year.

Public health and livestock veterinarians who are selected to work in rural and underserved communities across the nation, Puerto Rico and on U.S. federal lands as part of a national program are given $25,000 annually to help pay off their student loan debt. If the funds allotted by Congress to pay for that program were tax exempt, roughly 50 more veterinarians could have been added to the 205 veterinarians who served our nation's communities since 2010.

"Our nation's ranchers and farmers depend on veterinarians for the routine care of their livestock and for protecting our food supply, but unfortunately, communities all across the country continue to lack access to the vital veterinary services they need," said Dr. Mark Lutschaunig, AVMA's director of governmental relations. "Congress has a real opportunity this year to pass a bill that will make the VMLRP tax exempt, allowing more veterinarians to serve in shortage areas around the country."

"Our nation's agricultural economy is directly dependent on the health of our livestock and the health of all Americans is impacted by our ability to monitor, diagnose and treat public health issues. As a result, the importance of preserving tax exemptions like the VLMRP is paramount," said John Raffaelli, founding partner of Capitol Counsel.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 85,000 member veterinarians worldwide engaged in a wide variety of professional activities and dedicated to the art and science of veterinary medicine.

ABOUT CAPITOL COUNSEL
Capitol Counsel LLC is a full-service government relations firm providing political analysis, strategic advice and advocacy services. Founded in 2007, Capitol Counsel has established itself as a leader in tax and healthcare lobbying. Since inception, Capitol Counsel has expanded into the financial, energy, infrastructure, and trade industries. The professionals of Capitol Counsel are among the most seasoned lobbyists in Washington with extensive experience developing and executing effective legislative strategies for clients.

SOURCE Capitol Counsel LLC