Press Releases

STATEMENT: Senate Leader Atkins Condemns Attacks in Hillcrest

February 13, 2019

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement in response to recent attacks in Hillcrest, a neighborhood in San Diego.

STATEMENT: Senate Leader Atkins Reacts to Governor Newsom’s State of the State Address

February 12, 2019

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

“The Governor spoke some hard truths. He set audacious goals, and he’s assembling a formidable team to achieve them. We will need new ways of looking at old problems, and unprecedented collaboration to meet the challenges ahead. I’m eager to get to work.”  

PRESS RELEASE: State Senate Approves Urgent Funding for Humanitarian Aid in San Diego

February 11, 2019

SACRAMENTO – The California Senate today approved $5 million to support nonprofit organizations that are currently responding to humanitarian immigration emergencies, such as the one in San Diego involving thousands of migrant families seeking asylum in the United States.

PRESS RELEASE: Senate Approves Wildfire Recovery, Emergency Preparedness Funds

February 11, 2019

Measure Provides $50 million for Emergency Preparedness, Backfills Local Property Tax Revenue Losses, and Begins Updates to 911 Emergency Phone System

SACRAMENTO – The California State Senate has approved AB 72, amending the Budget Act of 2018, authorizing funds to improve emergency preparedness and restore local tax revenue lost as a result of wildfires. The measure passed unanimously and now awaits the Governor’s signature.

Statement: Senate Leader Atkins Commends Governor Newsom for National Guard Border Withdrawal

February 11, 2019

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement commending Governor Gavin Newsom for withdrawing hundreds of California National Guard troops from the border.

Senate Leader Atkins Commends AG Becerra, Sacramento Mayor Steinberg and Sacramento Police Chief Hahn for Recommendations on Force-Related Policies

January 29, 2019

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement commending Attorney General Xavier Becerra, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg and Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn for working together on force-related policies:

 

“I commend Attorney General Xavier Becerra, Mayor Darrell Steinberg and Sacramento Chief of Police Daniel Hahn for working together to review policies around use of force with the goal of continuous improvement so community trust can be restored.

Senate Leader Atkins Reacts to PG&E Bankruptcy Filing

January 29, 2019

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement regarding Pacific Gas & Electric Bankruptcy filing:

“Today’s bankruptcy filing by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) is disappointing. Bankruptcy is not the optimum solution for Californians, the company itself and the workers who rely on their salaries to provide for their families.

Senate Leader Atkins Commends Governor Newsom for Action on Affordable Housing

January 25, 2019

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement commending Governor Newsom’s legal action against the City of Huntington Beach.

Legislative Leaders Announce New Workplace Conduct Unit and Review Panel

January 18, 2019

SACRAMENTO – The California Legislature has established its landmark independent Workplace Conduct Unit, along with a panel of legal experts to review cases, Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) and Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) announced today. The unit is a national first, exceeding legal requirements and providing worker protection that is more comprehensive than any other state legislature.

Senator Bill Monning Appointed to the California Air Resources Board

January 18, 2019

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tem Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) announced the appointment of Senator Bill Monning (D-Carmel) to the California Air Resources Board (ARB).   

“As Chair of the Senate Rules Committee, I was proud to recommend the appointment of Senator Bill Monning to the ARB,” said Senator Atkins. “Bill has worked with communities around the state that are significantly impacted and vulnerable to pollution for years. His strong voice will affect these important policy discussions in critical areas.”