Senate Leader Atkins Reacts to Public Charge Rule

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement about the Public Charge Rule:

“This outright intimidation of immigrants is unacceptable. The new public charge ‘rule’ will disproportionately impact people of color—further evidence of the systemic racism that is guiding decisions at the federal level. California will not stand by as immigrants – our family, neighbors, friends, and valuable members of our community – are threatened in this manner. I commend Speaker Rendon and Assemblymember Gipson for leading today’s march and focusing on efforts to push back against these injustices. The California State Senate will continue to work with our Assembly colleagues, Governor Newsom, Attorney General Becerra, and community advocates to protect Californians and ensure everyone knows their rights and options.”

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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