Senate Leader Atkins and Budget Chair Skinner Comment on Governor Newsom’s May Revision Proposal

May 14, 2021

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Chair Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) issued the following statements in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s May revision to the proposed 2021-2022 state budget:

 

Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins:

“This time last year, our state was in the throes of COVID-19 and working around the clock to care for our most vulnerable neighbors. Today, we find ourselves in a very different position—emerging on the other side of the pandemic better than where we were before, thanks in large part to more than a decade of common-sense revenues approved by voters and responsible budgeting by legislators that prepared us for the unforeseeable. Now, we have an opportunity to create transformative change—to build a post-pandemic economy that invests in working families and lifts up our communities, especially those struggling the most in the aftermath of the pandemic. That is what the Senate aims to do with our Build Back Boldly budget proposal, and it’s promising to see Governor Newsom aligned with us on many of the ways we can accomplish that goal. As we work with the Governor, Speaker Rendon and our Assembly colleagues to finalize the budget, the Senate will come to the table ready to champion the needs of Californians. We cannot have 2021 tunnel vision. Last year showed us the power of our responsible budgeting habits. It’s critical that we embrace that lesson and ensure this opportunity will benefit Californians this year and for years to come.” 

 

Senator Nancy Skinner:

“Thank goodness California is in the position to make transformative investments to end family homelessness, lift those hurt by the pandemic and properly fund our schools. Governor Newsom’s proposed budget does that and more, and compliments the state Senate’s priorities. Let the negotiations begin.”

 

 

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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