Press Releases

Statement on the Senate’s 2018-19 Budget Proposal

May 22, 2018

SACRAMENTO – California Senate Leader Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) and Senate Budget & Fiscal Review Committee Chair, Senator Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles), issued the following statement in response to the Budget Committee’s approval of the Senate’s proposed 2018-19 budget:

Statement on Texas School Shooting

May 18, 2018

SAN DIEGO – Senate Leader Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement in response to the tragic school shooting at Santa Fe High School, south of Houston, Texas:

Senate Leader Atkins Reacts to Judge’s Ruling on End of Life Options Act

May 16, 2018

SACRAMENTO – Senate Leader Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) today reacted with the following statement to Riverside County Superior Court Judge Daniel Ottolia’s decision to overturn California’s End of Life Option Act:

Senate Leader and Budget Chair React to Governor Brown’s May Revision to State Budget

May 11, 2018

SAN DIEGO—Senate leader Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Jerry Brown’s May revision to the proposed state budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year:

“California’s economy is growing and revenue projections are strong, but we cannot afford complacency or carelessness. Too many families have been left out of our resurgence, and recent history reminds us that we need to be prepared for a sudden downturn.

Please Donate Socks for Stand Down

May 7, 2018

Once again this year, I am pleased to be leading a drive to provide hundreds of pairs of new socks (and underwear) for our military veterans in San Diego County who are experiencing homelessness.

San Diego's 31st Annual Stand Down will take place June 29th through July 1st. The event, sponsored by Veterans Village of San Diego, gives homeless veterans a chance to rest for several days in a welcoming environment, along with others who have shared experiences. Charitable organizations are on hand to provide comprehensive services to help participants with their various needs.

Senate Leader Atkins Lauds California’s Decision to Sue U.S. EPA Over Tailpipe Emissions

May 1, 2018

SACRAMENTO – Senate Leader Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) today reacted with the following statement to the announcement that California is leading a coalition of 17 states and the District of Columbia in suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to preserve states’ authority to pursue stronger emissions standards:

“The U.S. EPA has left California with no choice but to once again take the federal government to court in order to protect our state’s commitment to combating climate change through higher fuel-efficiency standards.

Millions in State Funds Awarded to San Diego Transit Projects

April 27, 2018

SACRAMENTO – This week, the California State Transportation Agency announced more than $4.325 billion in funding for Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) projects throughout the state. The funds, generated through the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (Senate Bill 1) and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), will accelerate local projects to improve public transit access and service.

The San Diego region was awarded $45.86 million to increase ridership, speed up transit service and improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. 

Atkins Denounces San Diego County Vote to Join Trump Lawsuit

April 17, 2018

SACRAMENTO – Senate leader Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement in response to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors’ vote today to join the Trump administration’s lawsuit against California’s recently passed package of immigration bills, including Senate Bill 54, the California Values Act:

Pro Tem Atkins Announces Appointee to California Complete Count Census Committee

April 13, 2018

SAN DIEGO – Senate leader Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) has designated Christopher Wilson of San Diego to serve on the California Complete Count Census Committee (Committee) announced today by the Governor.

Pro Tem Atkins Appoints Senator Newman to Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children

April 11, 2018

SACRAMENTO—Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) has appointed Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) to the State Council on Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

 

“As a veteran of the U.S. Army and the father of a young child, Senator Newman is uniquely qualified to serve in this role,” Senate leader Atkins said. “I’m confident that Senator Newman will be a strong advocate to ensure that all of California’s military children have access to a quality education.”