Por Toni G. Atkins
Happy New Year. As we embark on 2021, there are unknowns and challenges ahead of us, but also opportunities.
January is all about fresh starts. This year though, more than most, our fresh start begins with meeting ongoing challenges.
As the 2021 Legislative Session gets underway on January 11, the COVID-19 pandemic remains our top priority. Too many lives have been lost and many more disrupted by this virus. The Senate will continue to work to find ways to help renters, homeowners, schools and businesses survive the impacts of this pandemic. In addition to vaccine procurement and distribution, the Legislature and the Governor will be working with our new federal partners on funding solutions for Californians.
COVID-19 ha exacerbado lo que ya era una necesidad crítica de viviendas más asequibles y más oferta de viviendas en nuestro estado. Al asumir un papel de liderazgo, el Senado presentó el paquete de vivienda del Senado 'Construyendo Oportunidades para Todos', que incluye seis proyectos de ley destinados a ofrecer oportunidades y soluciones de vivienda para los californianos.
I have two bills in the Senate housing package — SB 7 (The Housing + Jobs Expansion and Extension Act) which would expand and extend the existing CEQA streamlining process for environmental leadership development projects. SB 9 (The California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency (HOME) Act) — which will help streamline the process for new housing units while maintaining local control and preserving neighborhood character. It would allow more homeowners to create a duplex or subdivide an existing lot in a residential area.
We have a unique opportunity to pursue legislation and policies that support the housing needs of local governments and all Californians and I’m excited that the Senate is leading the way. More information can be found here: www.focus.senate.ca.gov/housing
We also must tackle the other crisis that touches all Californians: climate change. Given the wildfires, record high temperatures, and persistent drought conditions, I introduced SB 1 (The California Sea Level Rise Mitigation and Adaptation Act of 2021), which helps local communities address sea level rise. That need is particularly critical in San Diego, since it affects both our economy and military. The Senate will also be advancing a $4.1 billion bond measure to help communities invest in climate resiliency—including addressing sea level rise, preparing for droughts, and preventing wildfires.
También me enorgullece ser coautor de la SB 2 con mi colega el senador Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), que exige que se revoquen las certificaciones de los agentes del orden después de la condena por delitos graves o la terminación del empleo debido a mala conducta. Esta legislación es un compromiso de justicia social para garantizar que nadie esté por encima de la ley.
There is important work ahead. I am deeply honored to have been re-elected to represent the 39th Senate District and humbled by the opportunities my community has given me to serve. Should you ever need to get in touch with my office, please do not hesitate to reach out to my District Team.
By Phone: (619) 645-3133
Submit a comment online: www.sd39.senate.ca.gov
— Toni G. Atkins es presidente pro tempore del Senado de California. Habiendo servido previamente como Portavoz de la Asamblea de California, comenzó su mandato en el Senado en 2016. Como Senadora por el Distrito 39, representa a las ciudades de San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar y Solana Beach. Sitio web del presidente pro tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.Senate.ca.gov/Atkins
