Press Releases

Senate Leader Atkins on Enactment of State Constitutional Amendment to Protect Abortion, Contraception: California Will Continue to Lead the Nation

December 21, 2022

SACRAMENTO – Following months of legislative work and pivotal approval by California voters, a state constitutional amendment to enshrine the right to abortion and contraceptives takes effect today, further solidifying California’s longtime standing as a nationwide leader on reproductive rights. 

Senate Pro Tem Atkins, California Leaders Issue Condolences on Passing of Labor, Civic Luminary Michael Hardeman

December 13, 2022

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), California leaders and elected officials, and the community are mourning the passing of Michael Hardeman, a longtime San Francisco labor and civic champion.

San Diego Leaders Reflect on Deanna Spehn’s Lasting Impact on Community, State

November 17, 2022

SAN DIEGO – City and county leaders, public officials, and community groups have issued statements commemorating the life and legacy of Deanna Spehn, longtime district policy director for Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego).

Senate Leader Atkins on Legislative Analyst’s Office Economic Forecast: We Can Protect our Progress

November 16, 2022

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement today regarding the Legislative Analyst’s Office report on California’s fiscal outlook for 2023-24:

“The Legislative Analyst’s Office report indicates that California faces challenging times ahead. In the past, tough forecasts like this would have meant painful program cuts and middle class tax increases – things that actually cause more economic harm. That does not have to be the case this year, however.

Senate Leader Atkins, Former Senator Kehoe Mourn Passing of Longtime District Policy Advisor Deanna Spehn

November 14, 2022

SAN DIEGO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), former Senator Christine Kehoe, colleagues, and the community are mourning the passing of Deanna Spehn, a beloved policy director who served both leaders.

Senate Leader Atkins Hails Passage of Constitutional Amendment to Protect Abortion Rights, Commits to Continued Legislative Action

November 9, 2022

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement regarding the apparent victory of Proposition 1, which will enshrine the right to abortion and contraceptives in the California State Constitution, and further legislative efforts to protect reproductive rights:

Senate Leader Atkins, Legislators, Health Care Leaders Celebrate Signing of SB 1375, Reproductive Access Legislation

October 10, 2022

SAN DIEGO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), fellow legislators, and reproductive rights leaders from across the state gathered in San Diego today to celebrate Pro Tem Atkins’ bill, SB 1375 being signed into law, as well as the more than a dozen additional pieces of legislation from the California Legislative Women’s Caucus. These laws will work in concert to shore up reproductive rights in California, expanding and protecting access to reproductive health for all who need it.

Legislative Leaders Issue Statement on Governor Calling Special Legislative Session

October 7, 2022

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) issued the following statement following Governor Newsom calling for a special Legislative session in December to examine gas price gouging:

Senate Leader Toni Atkins, Senator Shannon Grove’s Legislation to Bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program to All of California Has Been Signed by Governor Newsom

September 30, 2022

Sacramento –Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) announced that Senate Bill 1183, their bipartisan legislation in partnership with The Dollywood Foundation to establish the Imagination Library of California Statewide Program, has been signed by Governor Newsom. The Imagination Library of California statewide program will work with local partners in each county to mail free, age-appropriate books directly to California’s early readers every month, from birth until age five.

Legislative Leaders Address New Plans to Lower Gas Prices for California Drivers

September 30, 2022

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) released the following statement following Governor Newsom’s proposal to implement a windfall profits tax, and his announcement directing the California Air Resources Board to immediately take steps necessary to allow early transition to winter-blend gasoline: