Atkins: Budget Passed by Legislature and Signed by Governor ‘Creates a Path to Recovery for All’

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) has released the following statement on the budget signed by Governor Newsom today:

“In April, when the Senate announced our Build Back Boldly budget priorities, I said that this year’s budget presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make transformational change in California – and to do it responsibly. I am very proud that after months of hearings, negotiations, and debate, the 2021-22 state budget passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor seizes that opportunity and fuels that change.

“This budget creates a path to recovery wide enough for ALL Californians to share: It will help more small businesses and non-profits keep their doors open. More people will be able to find and take jobs. Expanded nutrition benefits will mean that more people, regardless of immigration status, won’t have to worry about going to bed, or going to school, or going to work hungry. The record-setting investments this package makes in addressing homelessness and building affordable housing will mean more California families will have a place to call home, and our increased funding for drought relief and wildfire prevention can help make those homes safer.

“I want to thank Senate Budget Committee Chair Nancy Skinner and our Budget Subcommittee Chairs, John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont), Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton), Anna Caballero (D-Salinas), and Maria Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles). Their hard work through hundreds of hours of hearings and countless hours of meetings allowed them to make sure the budget works for all Californians.  I also want to thank Speaker Rendon, our colleagues in the Assembly, and Governor Newsom and his team for their work and their partnership in producing a budget that is so helpful and so hopeful for so many.

“Ten years ago, I voted for my first state budget, following some dark times during the great recession. Now, as California continues leaving the darkest times of the pandemic behind us, I am proud that ten years of responsible budgeting and building reserves by Democratic legislators and Governors helped put California in the strong fiscal shape that this budget reflects.”

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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