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Budget plan shifts veterinary funding into competitive grants to address vet shortages, secretary says
Summary
The governor’s budget would convert veterinary appropriations into a $33 million grant program intended to fund clinical services, diagnostics, training and research and to target veterinarian shortages in underserved regions.
The governor’s proposal would replace a direct line‑item appropriation to a single institution with a $33,000,000 Veterinary Training and Services Grants program, Secretary Redding told the House Appropriations Committee.
Members asked whether the change would reduce support for Penn Vet and how grants would operate. Redding said the change was intended to add flexibility: the department would issue procurement solicitations or a request for applications describing defined needs—clinical services, diagnostic testing, veterinary education and innovative research—and would allow multiple applicants to compete for awards. “The hope is that we... get a chance to do some things in a new model that we haven't been able to do to address the issues of shortages,” Redding said.
Deputy Secretary Greg Hauseneter told the committee grants would typically be issued in two‑year increments under the state procurement approach. Committee members asked for clear documentation on solicitation timing, scoring criteria and whether the program will preserve diagnostic and research capacity that Penn Vet and other institutions currently provide.
Redding and staff said written procurement documents would be provided to the committee and that the grant approach aims to target services to underserved regions and to explore placement incentives for large‑animal veterinarians, including possible tuition or business assistance models.
No formal vote occurred; members said they will review draft procurement materials and expect the department to ensure transparency and continuity of core diagnostic services while using grants to address workforce shortages.
