One of the keys to a successful governmental relations program is the participation of Association members; no one plays a more crucial role in legislative issues pertaining to your profession than the members themselves.

The goal of the IVMA is to develop and maintain a network of veterinarians who are familiar with, or who have contact with, a legislator. If you know someone in the Legislature, it could be a valuable contact for veterinary legislative initiatives.

Veterinary Medicine represents an enormous social and economic impact on Indiana. Rooted in the agricultural history of our state, veterinarians play a key role in ensuring the health of our farm animals and the safety of our food supply. Veterinarians are also vital in ensuring the health and welfare of Indiana’s pet population. Veterinarians work in a wide variety of professional careers that can assist legislators with important pieces of legislation.

What is the value of a grassroots network?
IVMA engages in government relations, public policy, and advocacy activities for a variety of reasons.

These activities can enable IVMA to:
• Serve as a unified voice for the profession;
• Impact state and federal legislation / regulation / policy;
• Provide a platform for members’ participation in the democratic process;
• Educate and inform public policy makers and influencers with its specialized knowledge and expertise.

Veterinarians have a position of influence in your local communities. Indiana’s legislators can rely on veterinarians and their expertise regarding potential legislative proposals related to your profession.

DO’s

• Do attend candidate/legislator local events. Ask where they stand on our issues.
• Wear your clinic gear identifying you as a veterinarian at public events in your local communities.

Want to connect with your state senator or representative? Here are a few tips:
1. Start now. Reach out to their office and work to establish a relationship. Most legislators have breakfasts and/or local meetings scheduled in their district. Find out about events.
2. Be a resource for your legislator. Let them know you are available to offer your expertise. Provide them with your contact information. Let them know to contact you anytime they have a question about veterinary medicine, zoonotic disease, public health, etc.
3. Be sure to call yourself “Dr.” when making contact with legislators (unless you know them, of course).
Personal interaction is the most powerful way to promote veterinary medicine in Indiana in the legislative process.

One of the keys to a successful governmental relations program is the participation of Association members; no one plays a more crucial role in legislative issues pertaining to our profession than the members themselves.

The goal of the IVMA is to develop and maintain a network of veterinarians who are familiar with or who have contact with a legislator.  If you know someone in the Legislature, it could be a valuable contact for the veterinary legislative initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Indiana Veterinary Medical Association PAC

Is Indiana Veterinary Medicine PAC politically neutral? Indiana Veterinary Medicine PAC is non-partisan. Candidates receive contributions based on our criteria, not party affiliation.

What is the minimum contribution amount? The power of any PAC is to some degree a function of the amount of money it has to distribute to legislators. We encourage donations of $100 or more, but any amount is allowed.  Even if everymember donated only $25, we could raise almost $65,000 each election cycle (2 years).

Are you aware of the extent that the Indiana Veterinary Medicine PAC affects the veterinary profession and ultimately your income and livelihood? Indiana Veterinary Medicine PAC allows our members and lobbyists the opportunity to build relationships with legislators and get our message out. The IVMA Legislative Committee deals with legislative issues ranging from animal medical and welfare to small business, to research, and public health.

What do I receive for my contribution? Persons making contributions to Indiana Veterinary Medicine PAC will be a part of the political process by having the chance to “weigh in” on legislation affecting the veterinary profession. In addition to that, Indiana Veterinary Medicine PAC offers incentives such as invitations to special events, political and legislative mailings, lapel pins.

Why should I give to the Indiana Veterinary Medicine PAC? Having a voice on legislative issues on the state level is critical to the veterinary profession.  Since our craft is so wide ranging, it is important to have everyone  participate so that our message gets across to key legislators.  The more issues that affect our profession, the larger our PAC needs to be in order to be heard.

Who decides to whom the contributions are given? Indiana Veterinary Medicine PAC is operated by a Board comprised of IVMA members from across the state.

What are the criteria used in deciding contributions? The Indiana Veterinary Medicine PAC Board looks at a variety of criteria such as prior support of the IVMA legislative priorities, and committee assignment.

Can I recommend a candidate for consideration for contributions? Yes, the PAC Board welcomes recommendations from members. Just ask for a    Contribution Request Form and return it to the IVMA office for consideration by the PAC Board.

Can I direct my contribution to PAC to be given to a specific candidate? No. The Indiana Veterinary Medicine PAC Board decides which candidates receive contributions.

Why is MY legislator not receiving any Indiana Veterinary Medicine PAC contributions? The Indiana Veterinary Medicine PAC has limited funds, so we are not able to contribute to every member, every election. The more money Indiana Veterinary Medicine PAC has, the more candidates it can contribute to.  The Indiana Veterinary Medicine PAC Board also considers a variety of criteria before contributing to any candidate.

Can I give a check from my corporation account? Yes, the Indiana Veterinary Medicine PAC can receive contributions written from corporation accounts.

What is the PAC’s fiscal year? The Indiana Veterinary Medicine PAC’s fiscal year runs from January 1^st through December 31^st. This is the time frame for determining contribution level.

Can I be more involved in the PAC? YES. The IVMA is always looking for constituents to deliver the IVMA message to their             member of the Indiana Legislature.  All legislators have at least one thing in common:  the desire to get reelected. Nothing is more important to them that making their voters   happy! They will listen to you.

Where do my PAC dollars go? 100% of your personal Indiana Veterinary Medicine PAC contributions go to candidates for the Indiana Legislature.

On what issues does IVMA lobby? IVMA Legislative Working Group lobbies on small business/tax issues, animal health/welfare, public health, appropriations, research, veterinary school and education, food, safety, homeland security, pharmaceuticals, drug compounding, and environmental issues.

Why is it important for me as a veterinarian to contribute to the PAC? Advocacy is ranked as one of the most important issues for the IVMA by our members.   As veterinarians, we all have a stake in the future for the profession and with so many  legislative and regulatory issues affecting our craft, we need to speak up and get our  message heard in Indianapolis.