75FB334E4D2AFFD88725895100788453 Hearing Summary

Senator Ginal and Senator Pelton R., co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 23-044 to the committee. The bill transfers funds to the Veterinarian Education Loan Repayment Program and makes the following changes to the program:

• allows the council to select six applicants for loan forgiveness, up from four in current law;
• increases the total amount that selected applicants may receive over four years to $90,000 in loan forgiveness, up from $70,000; and
• removes the requirement that applicants have graduated from an accredited veterinary medicine school in 2017 or later.

The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.

Dr. Callie Kuntz, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mrs. Ali Mickelson, representing American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Tyler Garrett, representing Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Rachel Heatley, representing Dumb Friends League, testified in support of the bill. Leo Boyle, representing Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, testified in support of the bill. John Stocking, representing Colorado State University, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Stocking responded to questions from the committee.

Senators Ginal and Pelton R. wrapped up their presentation of the bill.  Written testimony on the bill is included as Attachment A.