Press Releases

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.”

 

California Senate Responds to Citizenship Question on the 2020 Census

March 27, 2018

SACRAMENTO—Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins and Senator Richard Pan (D-Sacramento), chair of the Senate Select Committee on the Census, issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s decision to include a citizenship question on the 2020 United States Census:

“The Trump administration’s decision to ask residents about citizenship in the 2020 Census will make that census less accurate, result in federal funding cuts to services for Californians and inequitable electoral representation for a decade.”

Toni Atkins Sworn In as 48th President pro Tempore of the California Senate

March 21, 2018

SACRAMENTO—In a ceremony in the state Capitol Wednesday, Sen. Toni Atkins was sworn in as the 48th President pro Tempore of the California Senate.

Following introductory remarks from Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, outgoing President pro Tempore Kevin de León introduced Senate Resolution 88, proposing that Atkins be elected by a vote of her colleagues. The resolution passed unanimously. Atkins was escorted to the rostrum, and California Supreme Court Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye administered the oath of office.

Toni Atkins’ remarks on being sworn in as 48th President pro Tempore of the California Senate

March 21, 2018

Colleagues, I’d like to begin with an expression of profound gratitude to you for this privilege.

Every day, I’m struck by your energy and intellect.  I’m inspired by your passion for public service.  I will never stop striving to earn the trust you’ve placed in me.  Nor will I ever take for granted the gravity of this gavel.  
 

Toni Atkins Names Vicki Granowitz 2018 Woman of the Year in Senate District 39

March 12, 2018

SACRAMENTO—Sen. Toni Atkins on Monday honored San Diego resident Vicki Granowitz as Woman of the Year in Senate District 39 for 2018. Granowitz was one of 40 women from across California recognized on the Senator floor for their remarkable contributions to their communities.