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SALT LAKE CITY — Despite concerns about the state's tight budget, a bill that would create a veterinary school at Utah State University passed the House Friday.
"It's a tough time to do it, but it's the right thing to do," the bill's sponsor, Rep. John Mathis, R-Vernal, said.
HB57 would create a joint veterinary program with Washington State University that would take 20 Utah students and 10 out-of-state students a year. Students would spend the first two years at USU doing coursework and the second two years in Washington, where they could take advantage of the school's animal hospitals and clinics.
It's a tough time to do it, but it's the right thing to do.
–Rep. John Mathis
Rep. John Dougall, R-American Fork, gave the legislators a "friendly reminder" that the proposal would cost the state $1.7 million.
"If we're going to subsidize higher ed, I would suggest subsidizing students," said Dougall, House budget committee vice chairman.
While legislators acknowledged the need for more veterinarians in Utah, especially those specializing in large animals, some voiced concern that students wouldn't return to work in Utah after receiving their degrees.
Rep. Johnny Anderson, R-Taylorsville, proposed an amendment that would require students to work in Utah for four years after graduation.
"We should be assured that the citizens putting up the money receive benefit," he said.
The amendment failed.
Utah doesn't currently have a veterinary school, but students can apply for a grant from the Western Interstate Commission of Higher Education to attend a school in another state. Utah helps send about five students out of state each year.
According to Mathis, a veterinarian who took advantage of the grant program, about half of the students who participate in the program return to Utah to work.
Rep. Michael Noel, R-Kanab, thinks all of the students who would attend the proposed veterinary school would return to the state.
"We don't need to coerce them to come," he said.
The bill passed 48-23 and now moves to the Senate for its consideration.
E-mail: averzello@desnews.com