SACRAMENTO – The California State Senate adjourned the unprecedented 2020 legislative session today, having approved significant measures to fight COVID-19, spur economic recovery, and respond to calls for greater economic and social justice.
“In a year that couldn’t be business as usual, this session we were able to get important business done for the people of California who are facing so many challenges,” said Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego). “We have increased aid during the COVID-19 pandemic to individuals and families, small businesses, schools, and people who have lost their jobs—and we performed ongoing oversight to ensure the state’s COVID-19 funding is effective and efficient, and we have taken steps to erase some of the stains structural racism has made on our social fabric.”
In April, the Senate announced it would be focusing its efforts primarily on the following areas: COVID–19 policy response and action, budget, economic recovery, housing stability, and social and economic justice. Senators reduced the number of bills they carried this session to help keep the focus on these key areas. The Senate also faced a compressed calendar and new processes that were implemented to keep the public, legislators, and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following are some of the actions taken by the Legislature in 2020:
“Thanks to a decade of prudent actions by the legislature, California’s budget was in the best shape it’s been in for years, and that helped us address the economic downturn caused by COVID-19,” Atkins said. “In the weeks ahead, in anticipation of the new legislative session starting in December, Senators will be working with our colleagues, our constituents, and our communities to build on these successes, help Californians persevere through this pandemic, continue to build a strong and equitable recovery, and increase the production of affordable housing.”
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Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins [2]
En Español [3]
Links
[1] https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300
[2] http://www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins
[3] https://sd39.senate.ca.gov/sesi%C3%B3n-legislativa-sin-precedentes-de-2020-termina-con-progreso-sobre-los-desaf%C3%ADos-clave-que