Press Releases

Senate Leader Atkins Announces Appointment of Cara Dessert to Healthy California for All Commission

February 25, 2021

SACRAMENTO – The Senate Rules Committee appointed Cara N. Dessert to the Healthy California for All Commission during its hearing today. As Chair of the California Senate Rules Committee, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), who recommended Dessert to serve on the commission, issued the following statement:

Senate Leader Atkins Issues Statement on Legislation to Support Reopening of California Schools 

February 18, 2021

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement about SB/AB 86, legislation that would provide more than $6 billion to help California schools re-open campuses and aid with learning recovery:

Senator Atkins Responds to Calls for Reopening of Youth Sports

February 12, 2021

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement regarding calls to reopen youth sports:

 

Senate Leader Atkins Announces Leadership, Committee Appointments

February 10, 2021

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) announced the following leadership and committee appointments today. The committee appointments are effective Monday, February 15, 2021.

 

Senate Democratic Caucus Leadership Team

Senator Robert M. Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys), Majority Leader

Senator Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg), Assistant Majority Leader

Senator Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino), Caucus Chair 

Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), Majority Whip

Senate Confirms Dr. Shirley Weber as California’s Secretary of State

January 28, 2021

SACRAMENTO – The California State Senate confirmed Assemblymember Shirley Weber (D-San Diego) as the state’s Secretary of State in a 29-0 floor vote on Thursday, January 28, 2021.

The Senate Rules Committee confirmed Dr. Weber’s nomination during a hearing on Wednesday.

Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) characterized Dr. Weber as a principled leader whose morality, determination, and empathy make her the perfect leader for the constitutional office.

Senate Rules Committee Confirms Dr. Shirley Weber as Secretary of State; Sends Nomination to Senate Floor

January 27, 2021

SACRAMENTO – The Senate Rules Committee today confirmed Assemblymember Shirley Weber (D-San Diego) as California’s Secretary of State, sending the nomination to the Senate floor for a full vote on Thursday, January 28.

Senate Leader Atkins on Extension of Evictions Moratorium: Work Will Continue to Help Californians Most In Need

January 25, 2021

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement regarding an agreement to extend California’s moratorium on evictions:

 

Governor Newsom, Legislative Leaders Comment on Safety Precautions at State Capitol

January 13, 2021

SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood), issued the following statement regarding the safety of the California State Capitol:

 

Senate Leader Atkins Statement on Governor Newsom’s 2021-22 State Budget Proposal

January 8, 2021

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement regarding Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2021-22 state budget:

 

“The Governor’s formal budget proposal is an important marker in the California Legislature’s annual budget process, as we continue working to help Californians make it through this crisis and ensure our state’s fiscal stability. Once again I commend Governor Newsom for putting forth a responsible proposal for the Legislature to build upon.

Legislative Leaders Respond to Proposed Golden State Stimulus, Eviction Moratorium Extension

January 6, 2021

SACRAMENTO— Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) issued the following statement today regarding Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed Golden State Stimulus and eviction moratorium extension: