Budget Update - Your help is needed!
Dear friends,
On June 26, Governor Edward G. Rendell proposed a revised State budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2009. We understand that the Governor has had to make extraordinarily difficult budgetary choices for the Commonwealth as a result of the recession. However, the Governor’s 24% cut in funding for Penn Vet will have a devastating impact – for the Commonwealth as well as the School itself.
A cut of this magnitude will endanger our ability to educate the state’s next generation of veterinarians, to support Pennsylvania’s economically important agricultural and horse racing industries and to provide much-needed clinical services.
Now, more than ever, with outbreaks of the H1N1 virus and the continued threat of Avian Flu, the Pennsylvania can not afford to lose the essential services Penn provides in safeguarding the food supply and identifying, eliminating and controlling infectious disease.
We understand that the global financial climate continues to create dire economic conditions for the State and appreciate the support the Commonwealth has provided in the School’s 125 year history.
We hope that in making the difficult decisions in crafting a final budget, the Governor and our legislative leaders will reflect on our critical role in protecting the State and restore our funding.
Many of our friends and supporters have asked us how they can help. Several have launched a letter-writing campaign to help draw attention to this impending calamity. If you would like to help contact: nancy.sullivan0@gmail.com.
We hope you will want to learn more about Penn Vet’s service to the Commonwealth. Thank you for supporting us at this critical time.