AVMA relaunches grass-roots network

SCHAUMBURG, ILL. — The American Veterinary Medical Association kicks off the Congressional Action Network, a re-launch of what previously was known as the Congressional Advocacy Network.

Dr. Mark Lutschaunig, director of AVMA's Governmental Relations Division in Washington, announced the directive last month during the House of Delegates Winter Session in Schaumburg, Ill.

The network, he says, will be composed of veterinarians who are interested in advocating on behalf of the profession. AVMA officials aim to name a "Congressional Champion" in each of the country's 435 congressional districts. That person will be responsible for coordinating the veterinary community's grass-roots response to federal legislation when necessary, Lutschaunig explains.