Senate adopts amendment to target tuition aid at rural and large-animal veterinarians
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Summary
The Senate adopted a budget amendment to Senate File 1 to focus part of an existing tuition-assistance program on veterinary students who commit to rural or large-animal practice, adding $1 million for up to five students and ongoing appropriations tied to service agreements.
Senator Bonner moved and the Senate adopted amendment 18 to Senate File 1 on Feb. 17, creating a targeted component of an existing WAMI-like tuition support program for veterinary students who agree to return to Wyoming and practice in rural or large-animal fields.
Sponsor Bonner said the amendment was requested by the statewide veterinary association and designed to address shortages of large-animal veterinarians in rural parts of the state. The amendment authorizes $1,000,000 for up to five students and provides an ongoing appropriation thereafter if participants enter and complete the program; subsection d requires the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees to obtain an agreement obligating each participating student to practice in Wyoming for up to three years before funds are expended.
Senator Barlow urged that the service-obligation language be clear so the state does not subsidize out-of-state practice; the sponsor pointed to the statutory subsection (referenced on page lines cited in debate) that implements the return-to-practice requirement.
A roll-call vote on the amendment was held and the amendment was adopted. The full bill proceeded toward third reading as amended.