Press Releases

Senate Leader Atkins, Budget Chair Skinner Praise Responsible Budget Plan to Protect California’s Progress, Economy

April 26, 2023

SACRAMENTO – With California’s economy remaining sound despite recent economic challenges, Senate Democrats today unveiled the “Protect Our Progress” budget plan, which centers on responsible investments and actions.

The plan includes:

Senate Leader Atkins' Statement on SCOTUS Mifepristone Decision

April 21, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement on the Supreme Court decision to allow access to mifepristone while the legal battle over FDA approval of the abortion pill continues:

What Others Are Saying: Lawmakers, Leaders, Advocates Vocalize Support for BRIDGE Project

April 17, 2023

SACRAMENTO - An innovative new approach to encourage acceptance and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community in other states – introduced by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) as SB 447 – passed out of its first Senate committee today.

Senate Leader Atkins’ CA Dream for All Home Loan Program Launch Successful, More Funding Needed to Fulfill Goal

April 14, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement regarding the California Dream for All program reaching its limit of available funding within the first weeks of initial launch:

Gretchen Newsom and Matthew O’Malley Appointed as Alternates to the California Coastal Commission

March 30, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Today, the Senate Rules Committee, chaired by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), appointed Gretchen Newsom and Matthew O’Malley to serve as alternate members of the Coastal Commission. Ms. Newsom will serve as an alternate to Commissioner Ann Notthoff and Mr. O’Malley will serve as an alternate to Commissioner Dayna Bochco.

Senate Leader Atkins Announces BRIDGE Project to Lift Travel Ban, Create Marketing Program to Encourage Acceptance of LBGTQ+ Community

March 29, 2023

SACRAMENTO – With legislative attacks on the LGBTQ+ community and youth worsening in recent years nationwide, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) is introducing legislation that would lift California’s travel ban to other states and create in its place a program to encourage acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.

Senator Atkins Introduces Bill to Strengthen Protections for Abortion, Gender-Affirming Care Providers in California

March 21, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) today announced that she has introduced a bill to strengthen protections for California health care providers who provide abortion care services and gender-affirming care services.

Senate Leader Atkins Introduces Legislation to Improve Access, Oversight for California HOME Act

March 20, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) has introduced legislation, SB 450, which would modify SB 9 to make it more accessible for homeowners and enhance oversight to ensure that the law can be used.

Senate Rules Committee Appoints Ann Notthoff to California Coastal Commission, Joy Sterling to State Coastal Conservancy

March 15, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Today, the Senate Rules Committee, chaired by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), appointed Ann Notthoff to the California Coastal Commission and Joy Sterling to the California State Coastal Conservancy.

Senate Leader Atkins on Housing Law Enforcement: Attempts to Eliminate Homeowners’ Rights Stand in Way of Progress

March 9, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), who authored the California HOME Act in 2021, released the following statement regarding the lawsuit filed against Huntington Beach for limiting housing development: