Senate Leader Atkins and Budget Chairman Skinner Applaud Final Budget Allocations Approved by Legislature

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SACRAMENTO — Pro Tempore Senate Chairman Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), chair of the Senate Budget and Review Committee, released the following statements regarding the adoption by the Senate’s August Budget Package, a series of bills to further delineate 2022-23 budget funding that will reinforce California’s commitment to putting its wealth to work for all who live in the Golden State:

Senate President pro tempore Toni G. Atkins:

“The past few years have been so difficult for many Californians, from families impacted by COVID, to communities devastated by wildfires, to workers finding it harder to stretch their paychecks through the end of the month. I couldn’t look those people in the eye if we didn’t make real progress for them this year. And we absolutely did.

“This year’s budget committed a record amount to our schools at all levels, infrastructure projects across the state, and we returned money to California taxpayers to help them deal with the rising the cost of fuel and food. The budget also includes funds to expand access to health care for all income-eligible Californians, regardless of age or documentation status, and invests in net programs that help struggling families get back on track.And in an effort to address the very real climate challenges we face, it also directs funding to help us build on our climate goals and double our investments smart in a green future.

“I am grateful for the leadership of our Senate Budget and Financial Review Committee Chair, Nancy Skinner, and for the tireless work of our Budget Deputy Chairs, and for the partnership of Speaker Anthony Rendon and Governor Gavin Newsom. Together, we have been able to make historic investments over the past two years that will forever change the trajectory of our state – today’s budget bills are an important part of that success.

Senator Nancy Skinner:

“With today’s actions, California is accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles, jump-starting renewable hydrogen, and further reducing climate-damaging greenhouse gases. Housing for California students also benefits from $2 billion increase, and there are Hope Savings Accounts for children who have lost their parents to COVID. Workers will also be able to count on COVID sick leave, and we are providing new funding for strengthen our public health response to MPX.”

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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 term in the Senate in 2016. As a Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Pro Tempore President Toni G. Atkins website: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins

Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) represents the 9th Senate District, is chair of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and vice chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus. His website is here: https://sd09.senate.ca.gov/

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