Press Releases

Governor Newsom, Legislative Leaders Announce Historic Broadband Budget Bill

July 12, 2021

SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) today announced an agreement on a broadband trailer bill, AB/SB 156, to expand the state’s broadband fiber infrastructure and increase internet connectivity for families and businesses. 

Senate Rules Committee Appoints Vicki Estrada to the California Arts Council

July 7, 2021

SACRAMENTO – Today the Senate Rules Committee, chaired by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), voted to appoint Vicki Estrada to the California Arts Council. The Senate Rules Committee appoints one public member to the California Arts Council for a four-year term.

Governor Newsom, Legislative Leaders Announce Eviction Moratorium Extension, Increased Compensation for Rent Relief

June 25, 2021

SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders of both the Senate and the Assembly today announced a proposed extension of California’s statewide evictions moratorium, and an increase in compensation for California’s rent relief program.

Senate Rules Committee Approves Governor’s Appointment of Fern M. Steiner to California Water Commission

June 23, 2021

SACRAMENTO – The Senate Rules Committee, chaired by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), approved the Governor’s appointment of Fern M. Steiner to the California Water Commission during its hearing today.

Senate Leader Atkins Names Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank 2021 Nonprofit of the Year

June 23, 2021

SAN DIEGO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) is recognizing the efforts of the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, a San Diego-based nonprofit that serves as the region’s largest hunger-relief organization, by naming them the 2021 Nonprofit of the Year for the 39th Senate District.

Senate Leader Atkins, Speaker Rendon Applaud Passage of 2021-22 Budget Bill

June 14, 2021

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood), have released the following statement today following the Legislature’s passage of the 2021-22 state budget bill:

Legislative Leaders Respond to Expected Cost of Recall

June 10, 2021

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) issued the following statement about the expected costs of the upcoming recall election of Governor Gavin Newsom:

Judy Ki Appointed to the California Veterinary Medical Board

June 9, 2021

SACRAMENTO – The Senate Rules Committee, chaired by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) approved the appointment of Judy Ki to the California Veterinary Medical Board during its hearing today.

Senate Leader Atkins’ California HOME Act Passes Senate

May 26, 2021

SACRAMENTO – Today, the California State Senate passed Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins’ SB 9, the California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency (HOME) Act, legislation that streamlines the process for a homeowner to create a duplex or subdivide an existing property. The bill, which passed the Senate on a bipartisan 28-6 vote, would enable homeowners to create intergenerational wealth and widen access to more rental and home ownership opportunities for working families.

Governor Newsom Signs Senate Leader Atkins’ SB 7 to Restore, Expand CEQA Streamlining

May 20, 2021

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today signed into law Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins’ SB 7—legislation restoring California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) streamlining provisions and expanding them to benefit small-scale housing projects. The legislation, which is an integral piece of the Senate’s “Building Opportunities for All” housing package and the first of the bills to be signed, would help stimulate economic development projects and create jobs for Californians.