Press Releases

Senate Advances Atkins Bill to Add Housing by Encouraging Small-Scale Neighborhood Development

May 28, 2020

SACRAMENTO – The Senate Governance and Finance Committee today approved SB 1120 by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), legislation that will help ease California’s affordable housing crisis by streamlining the process for a homeowner to create a duplex or subdivide an existing lot in all residential areas.

Senate Leaders Detail Housing Production Legislation Intended to Increase Supply, Aid California’s Economic Recovery

May 20, 2020

SACRAMENTO – In an effort to spur affordable housing production and aid California’s economic recovery due to the COVID-19 crisis, Senate Democrats unveiled a package of legislation today intended to bolster production of new housing and remove existing barriers by further streamlining the development process.

Senate Leader Atkins Announces Committee Changes

May 18, 2020

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) today announced the following changes to committees (changes reflected in bold):

Appropriations:

  • Portantino (Chair), Bates (Vice Chair), Bradford, Hill, Jones, Leyva, and Wieckowski.

Budget and Fiscal Review:

Senate Leader Atkins and Budget Chair Mitchell Comment on Governor Newsom's May Revision Proposal

May 14, 2020

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Chairperson Holly J. Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) issued the following statements reacting to Governor Gavin Newsom’s May revision to the proposed state budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year:

 

Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins:

What Others Are Saying: Senate’s COVID-19 Recovery Proposals

May 12, 2020

SACRAMENTO – Earlier today, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), along with Senators Holly J. Mitchell (D-Los Angeles), Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), and Robert M. Hertzberg (D-Los Angeles), unveiled the Senate Democratic Caucus’ proposal for the state budget and California’s economic recovery.

Senate Leaders Unveil Proposed State Budget Approach, Proposal to Aid California’s Economic Recovery

May 12, 2020

SACRAMENTO – As the California State Senate returns to the Capitol and resumes session this week, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), along with Senators Holly J. Mitchell (D-Los Angeles), Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), and Robert M. Hertzberg (D-Los Angeles), unveiled the Senate Democratic Caucus’ proposal for the state budget and California’s economic recovery.

Senate Leader Atkins Joins Governor Newsom, Speaker Rendon and Assembly Minority Leader Waldron in Urging Additional Federal Funding for States

May 11, 2020

SACRAMENTO – With the impact of COVID-19 deepening and the May Revision of the state budget on the horizon, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) joined Governor Gavin Newsom, Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) and Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron (R-Escondido) in sending a letter to U.S. Congressional leadership, asking them to authorize $1 trillion in direct and flexible relief funding to states and local governments.

Senate Resumes Legislative Hearings With Extra Precautions

May 6, 2020

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) today released the following statement regarding the Senate’s return to the State Capitol:

 

“With the Senate’s Special Committee on Pandemic Emergency Response hearing held today, and with Senators slated to return to the Capitol on Monday, May 11, 2020 the California State Senate is continuing our efforts to conduct the people’s business in a safe, responsible, and transparent way.

Joint Statement from Senate and Assembly Leaders: Legislative Leaders Set Tentative Calendar for Remainder of Legislative Session

May 6, 2020

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) announced today a revised calendar for the remainder of the 2020 Legislative session. Adjustments were needed as lawmakers return to the Capitol and continue tackling the state’s continued response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Leader Atkins Provides Senate Schedule Update

April 28, 2020

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) today announced the following upcoming Senate events: