New bill hopes to send veterinarians to rural areas via student loan grants

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A bipartisan group is forming a bill to allow recently graduated veterinarians to receive a $25,000 grant for student loans for each year they practice in a rural county, for up to four years, and $100,000, according to Wisconsin Public Radio.

The bill stipulates that the veterinarians spend at least 25 percent of their time treating farm animals, as Wisconsin farms and animal owners have found veterinary care to be sparse in rural areas. This follows a nationwide trend of veterinary shortages.

The program could receive funding in the next biennial state budget and has support from Republicans and Democrats.

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