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RESOLUTION URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO ESTABLISH A SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AND EXPLORE AFFILIATION WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA�S COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

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WHEREAS, the University of Florida�s College of Veterinary Medicine is presently the state�s only veterinary college; and
WHEREAS, the University of Florida�s College of Veterinary Medicine has allowed over 2400 graduates to obtain Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees and apply their expertise towards a variety of fields, including in-depth scientific research, traditional small and large animal practices, zoological and aquatic medicine, public health, epidemiology and veterinary services for the U.S. military; and
WHEREAS, Miami-Dade County has a sizeable pet and livestock population in constant need of high-quality veterinary services; and
WHEREAS, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment of veterinarians is expected to increase by thirty-three percent (33%) over the next decade; and
WHEREAS, the most recent BLS figures place the median wage for veterinarians at $79,050; and
WHEREAS, these figures should only be bolstered, on a national level, by the growth of pet care into a multi-billion dollar industry and, on a local level, by Miami-Dade County�s rising status as an international gateway to domestic markets in the livestock industry through trade events such as the Miami International Agriculture & Cattle Show; and
WHEREAS, a local school of veterinary medicine would help create good-paying, local jobs in this growing field; and
WHEREAS, it is regrettable that students of Miami-Dade County interested in a veterinary career must go outside the County to pursue their education and often do so at an accredited college elsewhere in the United States or abroad; and
WHEREAS, these students should be able to pursue their passion and obtain their education at a local institution; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of a local school of veterinary medicine affiliated with the University of Florida�s fully accredited and prestigious College of Veterinary Medicine would help ensure that these students stay locally when deciding where to practice; and
WHEREAS, the local retention of qualified, well-educated, and talented future veterinarians can only be an asset to this community; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of this school in Miami-Dade County would help meet the increasing demand for veterinarians in the state�s most populous metropolitan area while simultaneously conserving state resources and guaranteeing quality instruction through affiliation with the state�s existing, accredited, and well-regarded College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that:
Section 1. The Florida Legislature is urged to establish a School of Veterinary Medicine in Miami-Dade County and explore affiliation with the University of Florida�s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Section 2. The Clerk of the Board is directed to transmit certified copies of the resolution to the Governor, Senate President, House Speaker, and the Chair and remaining members of the Miami-Dade State Legislative Delegation.
Section 3. The County�s state lobbyists are directed to advocate for the issues identified in Section 1 above, and authorizes and directs the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs to amend the 2013 state legislative package to include this item.