Senate Leader Atkins, Budget Chair Skinner Issue Statement on Governor Newsom’s January Budget Proposal

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Chair Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) released the following statements on the 2024-25 state budget proposal released by Governor Gavin Newsom today:

Pro Tem Atkins:

“Cautious and mindful – that’s the phrase that we need to keep at the forefront as we look at our state revenues and spending, legislation, and how we approach this fiscal year. I’m appreciative that the Governor’s January budget proposal is guided by that thinking as well. When I first took office in 2010, California was ill-prepared for the major budget shortfall we endured, and as a result, we saw devastating cuts to core programs and middle class tax hikes. Now, because of more than a decade of responsible budgeting, we’re better prepared to protect the path of progress we’ve made. Californians are relying on us, and we will not let them down.”

Senator Skinner:

“Balancing the state budget this year will be a challenge, but it is a challenge we are prepared for. The Senate Budget Committee looks forward to fully examining the Governor’s January proposal over the coming months, attentive to budget realities. I’m glad to see that the Governor’s proposal shares the Senate’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that Californians, particularly our children, students, seniors, and those who rely on the state’s safety net, are prioritized, that school funding remains healthy, and that budget solutions are ones that uplift California’s economy, as well as business and consumer confidence."

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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

Sen. Nancy Skinner represents the 9th Senate District, is chair of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee, and chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus. Website of Sen. Skinner: https://sd09.senate.ca.gov/