Press Releases

During National Public Health Week, Senator Atkins’ Legislation to Expand Access to Health Care Passes Senate Health Committee

April 3, 2024

SACRAMENTO – Today, Senate Bill 1213 and Senate Bill 1428 passed out of the Senate Health Committee. The bills, authored by Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), expand access to important breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment programs, and extend special enrollment periods for health insurance for people with qualifying life events. SB 1213 and SB 1428 both passed on a 10-0 vote.

Senator Atkins Introduces Legislation to Expand Access to Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings and Treatment

March 7, 2024

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) has introduced legislation to expand access to breast and cervical cancer screenings, diagnostic services, and treatment for lower income Californians.

Senate Committee Confirms Mary Salas Appointment to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors

January 24, 2024

SACRAMENTO – Today the Senate Rules Committee, chaired by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), voted to confirm the Governor’s appointment of Mary Salas to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Her appointment now moves to the full Senate for final confirmation.

Senate Leader Atkins, Budget Chair Skinner Issue Statement on Governor Newsom’s January Budget Proposal

January 10, 2024

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Chair Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) released the following statements on the 2024-25 state budget proposal released by Governor Gavin Newsom today:

Pro Tem Atkins:

Senate Leader Atkins Issues Statement on LAO’s 2024-25 Fiscal Outlook

December 7, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement regarding the Legislative Analyst’s Office’s 2024-25 Fiscal Outlook issued today:

Senate Leader Atkins’ Statement Regarding California’s Latest Fiscal Forecast

December 1, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement regarding the Legislative Analyst’s Office new revenue forecast:

Senate Leader Atkins Issues Statement on Biden Administration’s Inclusion of $310 million to Address Tijuana River Sewage Crisis

October 25, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Senate Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement today:

“I applaud the Biden administration’s inclusion of $310 million in the emergency supplemental bill to treat the toxic sewage water that has devastated our prized San Diego coastline.

Senate Leader Atkins’ Statement on Appointment of Laphonza Butler to U.S. Senate

October 2, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement regarding Governor Gavin Newsom choosing Laphonza Butler to serve in the U.S. Senate:

“As someone who has effectively fought for the rights of women and working people throughout her career, Laphonza Butler is an outstanding choice to serve California in the U.S. Senate. I am grateful to Laphonza — an incredible leader and friend — for stepping up and agreeing to take on this important role. She is an excellent choice.”

Senate Leader Atkins Issues Statement on Passing of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein

September 29, 2023

SACRAMENTO, CA - Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement about the passing of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein:

“California – and our nation – has lost an incredible leader who dedicated her career and life to public service, and opened doors for women in politics. We are fortunate to have benefitted from Senator Feinstein’s courage, strength, and governance for so many years – her legacy is one of a class few can hope to match.”

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Senate Leader Atkins Issues Statement on End of Session: Championing Progress, Innovative Public Policy

September 14, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement after the conclusion of the first year of the 2023-24 Legislative Session: