Some key progress made during session

Sen. Edd Houck
Published: April 27, 2008

Access to mental health drugs

As an early critic, I was able to garner opposition to the governor’s amendment restricting access to mental health drugs for those in need. 

This amendment was defeated overwhelmingly by the legislature.

Capital projects

The General Assembly passed legislation to borrow approximately $1.5 billion finance construction and renovation projects for state colleges, state parks and mental health facilities. 

Financed projects include construction at the University of Mary Washington and Germanna Community College.

Substance abuse funding

I led efforts to reject the governor’s budget amendment withdrawing $5 million from substance abuse services.  It was defeated in the senate.

Judicial nominations

Working with the local bar associations, my colleagues and I elected the following individuals to fill four judicial vacancies:

Mr. Jack Berry: 16th Judicial Circuit Court
Judge Joe Ellis: 15th Judicial Circuit Court
Judge J. Overton Harris: 15th Judicial Circuit Court
Ms. Patricia Kelly: 15th Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court

State energy plan
The General Assembly rejected the governor’s amendment to the State Energy Plan. 

After hearing from many constituents, I feared it would limit the evidence the State Corporation Commission uses when determining whether to grant utilities applications for new transmission facilities, such as the proposed Dominion line in Northern Culpeper.

The 2008 session has adjourned, however I remain available to help the people of the 17th District. 

If you need assistance, please feel free to contact my office via telephone at (540) 786-2782 or via fax at (540) 891-8805.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sen. Edd Houck represents the 17th District, which includes Culpeper, in the Virginia General Assembly. E-mail