By Manuel Garcia, DVM, NMVMA Past President, Chair, Legislative Affairs Committee
As a fellow member of the New Mexico Veterinary Medical Association (NMVMA), I’m proud to report that this year, we’ve taken meaningful steps to strengthen our voice at the Capitol and advocate for the future of veterinary medicine in our state.
From day one of the 2025 legislative session, our focus has been clear: elevate the visibility of NMVMA, build relationships with lawmakers, and support legislation that protects and promotes the veterinary profession. Thanks to your membership and engagement, we’ve made significant progress. Here’s what we’ve accomplished together:
- Raised Awareness Among Lawmakers: At the start of the session, NMVMA sent a personalized letter to every member of the New Mexico Legislature. These letters introduced our association, shared our mission, and offered our support on any legislation impacting animal health, veterinary practice, or public health. This simple but strategic outreach helped lay the foundation for deeper partnerships and increased visibility.
- Showed Up in Person—Twice!: We proudly represented NMVMA at two key events in Santa Fe: AgFest 2025 and the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce Business Expo. These events gave us the opportunity to connect directly with policymakers, business leaders, and the agricultural community—many of whom rely on the veterinary profession every day. Our presence made it clear: NMVMA is active, engaged, and ready to collaborate.
- Made History on NMVMA Lobby Day: On March 10, 2025, we brought seven (7) NMVMA members to the Roundhouse for our Lobby Day. Together, we met with legislators, discussed priority issues, and emphasized the importance of veterinary medicine in public health, agriculture, and rural economic development. We were honored to meet with Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales, and thanks to the leadership of our allies in the House of Representatives, March 10th was officially recognized as New Mexico Veterinarians Day. It was a powerful moment of recognition for our profession.
- Legislative Wins That Protect and Advance Veterinary Medicine: This year, NMVMA championed legislation that strengthens our profession — and successfully opposed legislation that could have undermined it.
- SB 8 – Veterinary Medical Loan Repayment Act – Signed Into Law: NMVMA supported the research and advocacy behind SB 8, which establishes a loan repayment program for veterinarians who practice in underserved areas of New Mexico. Administered by the Higher Education Department, this new law will help address critical workforce shortages and ensure more communities have access to veterinary care. SB 8 was signed into law and will take effect July 1, 2025.
- SB 412 – Equine Dental Maintenance – Successfully Defeated: NMVMA also led the charge in opposing SB 412, which sought to exempt individuals performing equine dental maintenance from existing veterinary licensure requirements. The bill posed serious risks to animal health and would have weakened professional oversight. Thanks to strong, coordinated advocacy, SB 412 failed to pass, preserving the integrity of veterinary care standards in New Mexico.
- Planning Ahead: Launching a PAC to Fuel Our Future: Looking ahead, NMVMA is taking steps to establish a Political Action Committee (PAC) to ensure we can continue to support lawmakers who champion veterinary medicine and defeat legislation that threatens our profession. A well-resourced advocacy effort requires ongoing investment, and the PAC will allow us to grow our influence and protect the future of veterinary practice in New Mexico.
These efforts wouldn’t be possible without the strong support of the NMVMA Board of Directors, who continue to champion our advocacy work. Special thanks to Dr. Emily Walker and Dr. Daniel Levenson of the Legislative Affairs Committee for their leadership and dedication to our profession.
As we look ahead, we invite more members to join us in this work. Whether it’s attending next year’s Lobby Day, contacting your legislator, or lending your voice to policy discussions—every contribution counts. No experience is needed, just a commitment to veterinary medicine in New Mexico.
Your membership fuels our momentum. Together, we’re building a stronger, more visible profession—one that is respected, supported, and heard.
Thank you for standing with us.