Press Releases

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.”

San Diego Receives $2.5 Million from Senate Bill 2 to Combat Homelessness

January 14, 2019

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Housing and Community Development has awarded $2,531,886 to the San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless to fund programs that address homelessness in the region. The funding stems from Senate Bill 2, legislation authored in 2017 by Senator Toni G. Atkins.

The award will provide the Regional Task Force with flexible funding to assist those experiencing or at risk of homelessness through tools such as rental assistance, permanent housing and systems support to ensure a coordinated regional approach to homelessness.

Senate Leader Atkins React to PG&E Bankruptcy Announcement

January 14, 2019

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement in response to PG&E’s Bankruptcy Announcement: 

Senate Leader Atkins and Budget Chair Mitchell React to Governor Gavin Newsom’s Budget Proposals

January 10, 2019

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Chair Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) issued the following statement in response to Governor Newsom’s proposed budget: 

“Senate Democrats are encouraged to see thoughtful, progressive initiatives in Governor Newsom’s proposed budget that can make a difference in the lives of Californians.