Press Releases

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.

Senator Atkins Reacts to Tony Mendoza’s resignation

February 22, 2018

SACRAMENTO—Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) has issued the following statement:

“Our first priority is to create a safe working environment for our employees, and accepting Tony Mendoza’s resignation is consistent with that goal. Going forward, I will work with my colleagues to ensure that our zero-tolerance policies on sexual harassment are backed up with strong enforcement in order to guarantee that all employees are protected.”

Senator Atkins Introduces Bill to Allow San Diego River Conservancy to Serve 3 Other Local Waterways

February 16, 2018

SACRAMENTO—Today, Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) introduced SB 1367, legislation that authorizes the San Diego River Conservancy to help restore and enhance three other nearby rivers – the Otay, the Sweetwater and the Tijuana – and their watersheds.

Senator Atkins Introduces Bill to Make it Easier for Medi-Cal Patients to Access Mental Health Care

February 13, 2018

SACRAMENTO—Today, Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) introduced SB 1125, legislation 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.

Senator Atkins Introduces Bill to Extend Access to Benefits for Families of Deceased Public Safety Officers

February 12, 2018

Today, Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) introduced SB 1086, legislation that extends the window of time during which the family of a public safety officer whose death is attributable to certain work-related illnesses is eligible to collect survivor death benefits.

Senator Atkins Introduces Legislation to Help Violent-Crime Survivors Avoid Choosing Between a Home and a Pet

February 6, 2018

Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) on Tuesday introduced SB 1005, a bill that allows survivors of violent crimes, such as domestic violence, to use state-provided victim-relocation funds to pay for expenses related to housing an animal companion, including pet deposits and pet rent.

Senator Atkins Introduces Legislation to Require Hotels to Train Employees on Human-Trafficking Prevention

January 31, 2018

Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) on Wednesday introduced SB 970, a bill that requires California hotels and motels to train employees how to recognize the signs of human trafficking and how to report those signs to law enforcement.