Senate holds adjourned memory for former Pro Tem John Burton, members recall his blunt style and advocacy for foster youth

The California State Senate took up an adjourned memory for former Senate President Pro Tem John Burton on the floor, where members from both parties delivered extended tributes describing Burton’s decadeslong influence on state politics and social programs.

Senator Limon opened the observance with a reflection on Burton’s leadership and his ability to work across the aisle, recalling a moment when Burton responded to a complicated explanation by asking, “why didn't you explain it to me like that in the first place?” Limon said Burton combined blunt language with “a really big heart” and a lengthy record of accomplishments.

Senator McGuire described Burton as “a true California giant” and emphasized his longtime work on behalf of the state’s most vulnerable residents, particularly foster youth. McGuire said Burton “empowered and uplifted a generation of Californians” and that his guiding principle was the uplift of community.

Senator Weiner anchored his remarks in San Francisco’s political history, saying Burton helped assemble diverse coalitions that reshaped city politics. He said Burton’s influence extended beyond policy, helping previously underrepresented communities win political power.

Senator D'Alessio recalled Burton’s authorship of AD 134, which established the state’s SSI/SSP program with an automatic cost-of-living adjustment, and said the automatic COLA was later removed; he urged colleagues to sign on as co-authors to a proposed ACA 17 for the 2028 ballot that he described as protecting disability checks from being reduced “quietly, unnoticed, or obscured in the complexity of a budget trailer bill.”

Lawmakers across the chamber shared numerous personal anecdotes — from Burton’s habit of feeding squirrels on the Capitol grounds to his readiness to pick up the phone and contact White House officials — illustrating both his combative style and personal loyalty. Several speakers noted Burton’s mentorship of new legislators, his work on foster youth issues and the continuing legacy of organizations he started.

The Senate temporarily suspended the relevant rule to permit members to quote Burton directly, including his characteristic profanity, during the memorial.

The presiding officers invited members and guests to a reception in Room 205 following the session. The Senate recessed and scheduled a subsequent motion to adjourn in Burton’s memory later in the day. The floor session concluded with procedural scheduling for the next floor day.