Senate Leader Atkins, Budget Chair Skinner on Final Budget: Protecting Progress for California is Key

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Senate Budget & Fiscal Review Committee Chair Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) released the following statement regarding the budget bill voted on by the Senate today:

Pro Tem Atkins:

“The final budget we passed today is fiscally responsible, protects our reserves, and avoids cuts to core programs – all without increasing taxes on the middle class. This is exactly what we meant when we said we wanted to ‘protect the progress’ California has made in recent years. Because of a decade of responsible, on-time budgeting, we’ve been able to do just that. This budget increases funding for our public schools and community colleges, allows for rate increases for child care providers, addresses the immediate needs of transit agencies, and expands critical access to Medi-Cal and Covered California. I’m proud of this, and am deeply grateful to our Senate Budget Chair, Nancy Skinner, and our Senate Budget Subcommittee Chairs, as well as our Assembly colleagues and the Administration, for their partnership.”

Senator Skinner:

“Californians can rest assured the 2023 budget completed today continues the Senate’s commitment to create a more equitable economy for all. The 2023 budget not only protects our progress, it maintains record reserves to safeguard against future economic uncertainty while uplifting families, foster youth, seniors and those with disabilities who rely on state support. I am particularly proud that the 2023 budget strengthens California's nation-leading efforts to combat climate change and expands much-needed funding for childcare, public transit, and other essential services still suffering from pandemic-related impacts. Much thanks to Governor Newsom and staff, Senate and Assembly Budget Committees and staff, and Senate and Assembly Leadership and staff for their outstanding work on this budget.”

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Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins

Senator Nancy Skinner is chair of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee. She is also chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus. She represents Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, and other East Bay cities. Website of Senator Nancy Skinner: https://sd09.senate.ca.gov