Press Releases

Senate Leader Atkins Appointed by Governor Newsom to Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery

April 17, 2020

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement on her appointment by Governor Gavin Newsom to the Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery:

New Bipartisan Senate Special Committee to Focus on California’s Pandemic Emergency Response, Findings for Future Preparedness

April 15, 2020

SACRAMENTO – Senate pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) announced today the creation of a special committee on California’s COVID-19 emergency response.

The Special Committee on Pandemic Emergency Response, a bipartisan committee of eleven senators, is tasked with reviewing the state’s response to the COVID-19 health crisis – what has gone right and what could be improved. The committee also will make findings and recommendations for future preparedness if the coronavirus returns later in the year, or if the state faces a subsequent pandemic. 

Senate Leader Atkins Creates Subcommittee on State’s COVID-19 Response; First Hearing Scheduled for Next Week

April 9, 2020

A newly-created Senate subcommittee focused on the state’s COVID-19 response will hold a hearing next week to review expenditures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senate Leader Atkins Issues Statement on Death of LGBTQ Trailblazer Phyllis Lyon

April 9, 2020

Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins released the following statement upon the passing of feminist and LGBTQ activist Phillis Lyon:

Senate Leader Atkins: Senate Takes Responsible Actions to Meet Unprecedented COVID-19 Challenge

March 16, 2020

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins on Monday issued the following statement regarding today’s Senate actions related to COVID-19:

“Today the Senate provided up to $1 billion for lifesaving care and COVID-19 prevention efforts. We also set a good example by shifting Senate activity from legislative work in the Capitol to allow us to follow public health directives while still working for the people of California. Right now no job is more important than flattening the COVID-19 curve.

Leader Atkins Issues Statement on COVID-19 and the Capitol Community

March 12, 2020

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement on COVID-19 and the Capitol Community:

“We are monitoring COVID-19 closely and are following the California Department of Public Health’s recommendations on large gatherings. At this time, the Senate is not recommending any changes to the way it conducts its business but understands the fluidity of the situation and may issue further guidance if needed.”

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Leader Atkins Reacts to Governor Newsom’s Actions, Legislative Precautions Regarding COVID-19

March 12, 2020

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement on Governor Gavin Newsom’s actions regarding COVID-19:

“My number one priority continues to be protecting the health and well-being of the public, our legislative workforce, and my colleagues.

“I fully support the Governor’s actions in adopting California Public Health guidelines for mitigating against the spread of COVID-19, and my colleagues and I urge all Californians to follow those suggestions.

Senate Leader Atkins Announces Committee Changes

February 26, 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, Weickowski, and vacant.

Energy, Utilities, and Communications:

New Atkins Bill Protects California Communities from Dangers of Sea Level Rise

February 20, 2020

SACRAMENTO—Senate Leader Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) today announced she has introduced SB 1100, first-of-its-kind legislation that will help California communities protect against the loss of life, economic harm, and environmental damage caused by rising sea levels due to global warming.

Leader Atkins Responds to Governor Newsom’s State of the State Address

February 19, 2020

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s State of the State address:

“As someone who has been working on homelessness and affordable housing issues for decades, I believe the Governor is right to stress urgency and accountability in his State of the State address. We need to get money out the door quickly, both new funding and Proposition 63 funds, but we also have to make sure the money is being spent in a timely and effective way.