Clarification of Level Funding for NJ Contract Seats

EMail from Jane Oates, Executive Director of Higher Education Commission of New Jersey:


Email from Jane Oates:

I received your email regarding clarification of “level funding” for the Veterinary Medical Education Program. The Governor has recommended maintaining the same level of state support that is provided for the current year, which is $687,000. While this appropriation is not sufficient to support the same number of students that have benefited in some past years, I believe it is a very positive recognition of the importance of maintaining this program, which was originally slated to be eliminated from the 2007 budget due to extraordinary state fiscal challenges.
I understand your concern and your desire to ensure that New Jersey has a sufficient number of veterinarians to address state needs. The continuation of the Veterinary Medical Education Program at the current level will play an important role in addressing those needs, particularly in light of the requirement for any newly admitted student attending a school of veterinary medicine in a reserved space for New Jersey residents to practice veterinary medicine in the state for one year for each year of contract funding provided on the student’s behalf.
As I had mentioned previously, the statute calls for state funds within the limits of available appropriations rather than a specific funding level, and the Commission on Higher Education is very pleased that the Governor’s proposed budget, despite ongoing revenue constraints, includes funding for this important program.
Thank you for your advocacy for the program and state needs.
Jane Oates