Barker is putting his professional health care expertise to work for us. Serving on the Education and Health Committee and the Joint Commission on Health Care, George is working to control health care costs, improve quality and outcomes, and make health care accessible for Virginia families. His knowledge on issues, ranging from long-term care to mental health to community health centers, is helping the Senate plan for better health care for all Virginians.

Mental health reform was at the forefront of discussion in the 2008 legislative center. Senator Barker worked with other General Assembly members to pass legislation that overcomes many of the shortcomings of our current mental health system.

Senator Barker sponsored a bill that will create an online database of advanced health care directives, which passed the House and Senate and has been signed into law. This legislation will support families in need during a time of a crisis and will protect Virginian families by making sure the wishes of the patients can be more easily determined.