562-693-8233

Over three months ago, the California Veterinary Medical Association launched a massive campaign to oppose the Governor's proposed tax increase on veterinary services.  They prevailed!  The budge deal, approved by the Legislature, does not include a tax on veterinary services.
 
On November 6, 2008 Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger called for an increase in the California state sales tax to address the multi-billion dollar deficit in the budget and proposed a sales tax on all veterinary services.  This was part of a larger combination of program cuts and revenue increases to balance the estate budget. This proposal would have added approximately 10% to the cost of veterinary care.
 
Thousands of letters were sent to legislators and the Governor's office by CVMA members.  In turn they mobilized their clients and the opposition grew.  Our voices were so loud that a special extension was added to the Governor's budget voicemail line to handle the opposition to the veterinary tax.
 
We are grateful to the CVMA, our fellow veterinarians, their clients, breeder groups, animal welfare groups and especially our own clients who assisted in this effort.  We also thank our state legislators who recognized that this tax would ultimately harm the animals that we cherish and the safety of our food supply. 
 
While this is a great accomplishment, there is still work to do as there may be budget revisions in the future.  The CVMA will continue to monitor the special tax commission appointed by the Governor to restructure and modernize California's tax system and any proposals that could affect the taxation of veterinary medicine in the future.
 
We are very pleased, however, that our voices have been heard and veterinary services will not be taxed in the 2009-2010 budget!