Press Releases

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. 

Senate Leader Atkins Appoints New Members to the Newly Formed Community College Student Success Funding Formula Oversight Committee

January 9, 2019

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) announced the appointment of the following individuals to the Community College Student Success Funding Formula Oversight Committee:

Senate Leader Introduces Bill to Ease Access to Mental Health Care through Medi-Cal

January 9, 2019

SACRAMENTO—Today, Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), along with Sen. Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg), introduced SB 66, legislation with bipartisan support that allows community health centers to bill Medi-Cal for two visits if a patient is provided mental-health services on the same day they receive other medical services.

Senate Leader Atkins and Colleagues React to Governor Gavin Newsom’s Proposals on Emergency Preparedness and Response

January 9, 2019

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Senators Bill Dodd (D-Napa), Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) and Henry Stern (D-Canoga Park) issued the following statement commending Governor Newsom for his actions today on emergency preparedness and response:

STATEMENT - Senate Leader Atkins Issues Statement on Governor Gavin Newsom’s Inauguration

January 7, 2019

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement congratulating California’s 40th Governor, Gavin Newsom:

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our new Governor – Gavin Newsom. We have a lot of work to do, and his partnership will be critical as we tackle some of California’s seemingly intractable problems.

Senate Leader Atkins Announces Committee Membership for the 2019-2020 Legislative Session

January 3, 2019

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore, Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), today announced the Senate’s committee membership assignments for the 2019-2020 Legislative session. Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs were announced on Dec. 21, 2018 and remain the same.

Designated committee chairs, vice chairs and membership will be formally adopted by the Senate in January 2019.

Standing Committees

Agriculture

Senate Leader Atkins Announces Committee Assignments for the 2019-2020 Legislative Session

December 21, 2018

SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore, Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), today announced the Senate’s leadership positions and committee assignments. These assignments reflect a diversity of skills and backgrounds needed to continue to move California forward and achieve the people’s work.  

Designated committee chairs and vice chairs will be formally adopted by the Senate in January 2019.

Senate Leadership Positions

Senate Leader Toni Atkins Calls for Coordinated Action to Address the Humanitarian Crisis at the San Diego-Tijuana Border

December 18, 2018

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) today called on public officials at all levels of government to come together and work to resolve the ongoing humanitarian crisis in San Diego and Tijuana.