Press Releases

Anthony Cannella Appointed to the Little Hoover Commission

February 2, 2022

SACRAMENTO – The Senate Rules Committee, chaired by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), appointed former Senator Anthony Cannella to the Little Hoover Commission.

“The Little Hoover Commission strives to make government policy-making more accessible and bipartisan, and Anthony Cannella has shown time and time again that he is committed to that goal, and to building bridges that improve the lives of Californians,” Pro Tem Atkins said. “I have no doubt that Anthony will work tirelessly to continue this mission.”

Senate Leader Atkins Announces Senator Eggman as Assistant Majority Leader

January 19, 2022

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) today announced that Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton) has been appointed as Assistant Majority Leader for the Senate. The move follows the transition of Senator Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) to Majority Leader, and the transition of Senator Robert M. Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys) to Majority Leader Emeritus.

Senate Leader Atkins Announces Transitional Role for Emeritus Majority Leader Hertzberg, Appoints Senator McGuire as Majority Leader

January 19, 2022

SACRAMENTO – As the Senate moves forward in the second year of the 2021-2022 legislative session, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) today announced that two Democratic Senate leaders are transitioning into new positions. Senator Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys) will move from serving as Majority Leader of the Senate to Majority Leader Emeritus. Senator Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg), currently serving as Assistant Majority Leader, will become Majority Leader.  

Statement by Senate Leader Atkins, Budget Chair Skinner on Governor’s 2022-23 State Budget Proposal

January 10, 2022

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), Chair of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee, released the following statements regarding Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2022-23 state budget:

Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins:

Senate Budget Key Values to Focus on Putting California’s Wealth to Work for a More Equitable Economy

December 8, 2021

SACRAMENTO – With a strong fiscal outlook for California on the horizon that includes more than $51 billion in available discretionary resources for schools and other General Fund purposes, the Senate has begun work on a budget plan that harnesses the state’s wealth to ensure a more equitable economy that uplifts California families.

Senate Leader Atkins on 2022-23 Fiscal Outlook: Valuable Guidance For Senate’s Ongoing Budget Work to Build More Equitable Economy, Stronger Middle Class

November 17, 2021

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement today regarding the Legislative Analyst’s Office report, “The 2022-23 Budget: California’s Fiscal Outlook”:

“The Legislative Analyst’s Office release of the annual Fiscal Outlook reveals the strength of California’s budget condition, with over $50 billion in available discretionary resources to make progress for our schools and other General Fund purposes.

Senate Leader Atkins Issues Statement on Safety Concerns Regarding Sexually Violent Predator Release

October 5, 2021

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement today regarding community concerns about a sexually violent predator’s proposed placement in the Rancho Bernardo community:

Senate Leader Atkins Praises Governor Newsom Signing Historic Climate Action Bills

September 23, 2021

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released a statement today following Governor Gavin Newsom signing 2021-2022 state budget trailer bills, including several that make historic investments in California’s climate resiliency efforts:

Governor Newsom Signs Senate Leader Atkins’ Historic SB 1 – the Sea Level Rise Mitigation and Adaptation Act of 2021– Into Law

September 23, 2021

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released a statement today following Governor Gavin Newsom signing into law SB 1, the Sea Level Rise Mitigation and Adaptation Act of 2021, which would provide tools and resources for communities to address the impacts of sea level rise:

Governor Newsom Signs Senate Leader Atkins’ SB 9 – the California HOME Act – Into Law

September 16, 2021

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released a statement today following Governor Gavin Newsom signing into law SB 9, the California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency (HOME) Act, which widens access to housing for California’s working families and provides homeowners with more options to create intergenerational wealth: