ICYMI: Statements from Senate Leader Atkins on Legislative Actions, Accomplishments
SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) has issued statements in recent days regarding many important issues facing California, as well as legislation she authored that recently passed the Legislature. For more information about Pro Tem Atkins and her work for Senate District 39 and all of California, click here.
On the August Budget Package:
“The past few years have been so hard on many Californians, from families impacted by COVID, to communities devastated by wildfires, to workers having a harder time stretching their paycheck until the end of the month. I couldn’t look these folks in the eye if we didn’t make real progress for them this year. And we absolutely did.
“This year’s budget committed a record amount to our schools at every level, infrastructure projects statewide, and we sent money back to California taxpayers to help with the rising cost of fuel and food. The budget also includes funding to expand access to healthcare for all income-eligible Californians, regardless of age or documentation status, and invests in the safety net programs that help struggling families get back on track. And in an effort to meet the very real climate challenges we’re facing, it also directs funding to help us build on our climate goals, and double down on smart investments in a green future.”
On the Housing Streamlining Package, SB 6 (Caballero) and AB 2011 (Wicks):
“As California’s housing shortage grows more severe by the day, and thousands of people and families are left with little to no options, the significance of SB 6 and AB 2011 truly cannot be overstated. Together, the dynamic and determined team of Senator Anna Caballero and Assemblymember Buffy Wicks created an agreement that will result in both the affordable and market-rate housing that our state desperately needs. Today’s success would not have been possible without the collaboration of our labor partners and Speaker Anthony Rendon, and the around-the-clock dedication of Senate Majority Leader Mike McGuire, who simply refused to take ‘no’ for an answer. This monumental package of legislation gives us the power to say ‘yes’ to building more housing, to creating more jobs, and to all the hard-working people who want to call California home.”
On SB 1020, the Clean Energy, Jobs, and Affordability Act of 2022 (Laird/Atkins/Caballero/Durazo):
“Across the state, mounting impacts of a warming climate threaten our economy and quality of life. SB 1020 is another significant step to reach the landmark renewable energy and zero-carbon resources supply goals set by SB 100 in 2018. SB 1020 establishes more defined targets for California’s state agencies to meet our very necessary and aggressive climate goals.”
On SB 1375, which allows qualified nurse practitioners to provide abortions without the supervision of a physician (Atkins):
“As judges and lawmakers across the country continue to throw pregnant women into impossible and perilous positions, I am proud that California is resolutely moving in the opposite direction. Abortion is health care—period. And like other medical decisions, it is a private conversation between patients and their health care providers. By expanding the number of nurse practitioners who can perform first trimester abortions, SB 1375 would give more people the ability to get the timely, essential care they need from a provider they know and trust. We need to do everything we can to ensure abortion care is not only protected, but expanded in California.”
On SCA 10, a constitutional amendment to make explicit the fundamental right to abortion and contraceptives (Atkins):
“Abortion is health care, and should be a private discussion between a patient and their health care provider. When politicians and judges force themselves into that room, safety goes out the window... Today, we provide a ray of hope by enabling voters to enshrine reproductive rights in our constitution, reflecting California’s values and protecting all who need abortion, contraceptives, and other reproductive care in our state.”
On SB 1183, bipartisan legislation to establish California’s first statewide Imagination Library Program (Grove/Atkins):
“Growing up, my family had a very tight budget, but my parents taught me that I could travel anywhere in the world and have all sorts of new experiences with one swipe of my library card. That deep appreciation of reading is one of the greatest gifts they gave me. I hope to carry on their legacy by bringing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to California and ensuring that our youngest readers can add to their home library every month, regardless of how much their parents make or where they live. Dolly said it best when she said, ‘You can never get enough books into the hands of enough children.’ Amen to that!”
On SB 1027, legislation to expand the jurisdictional boundary of the San Diego River Conservancy to include the entire San Diego River watershed, expands the SDRC’s governing board to include a member of the El Cajon City Council, and amends the definition of tribal nation to directly reference the Kumeyaay Bands associated with the area (Atkins):
“This expansion will not only help the San Diego River Conservancy holistically restore and protect our watershed ecosystem, but will continue a legacy of conservation of this beautiful and delicate resource. It also will allow more communities to benefit from the Conservancy’s funding, projects, and responsible management, which is integral in our region.”
On SB 1041, legislation that would make permanent the sales tax exemption for the Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society and other qualifying organizations to aid military members and families (Atkins):
“The aid that the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society provides truly makes a difference in the lives of thousands of California’s military families and service members. Expanding this tax credit means that these families will continue to benefit from the amazing work of the NMCRS. It will give back to the service members and their families, who have sacrificed so much in service to our country.”
On SB 1013, legislation to add wine and distilled spirits bottles to California’s recycling program (Atkins):
“SB 1013 is historic change that is 40 years in the making. I want to commend the wine industry, distilled spirits industry, environmental advocates, and other groups who have come together to support this landmark proposal.”
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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