Consistent with a fiscally-prudent legacy Gov. Jerry Brown will leave behind after his final year in office, Wednesday’s unveiling of his $1.37 billion budget proposal was welcomed news to local lawmakers.

San Mateo County representatives cheered a spending plan that outlines filling the state’s rainy-day fund, increasing funding for schools, and allocating the first full round of new gas tax revenue toward transportation.

Here’s what interest groups and political leaders are saying about Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed budget:

As 2017 comes to a close, the new year brings implementation of new laws.

Three state legislators representing the local electorate collectively championed a range of new rules that touch on education, elections, housing, public safety, transportation and more.

The California Master Plan for Higher Education of 1960 is a testament to California’s commitment to accessible, affordable, high quality higher education. However, much has changed in California since the state detailed its vision for higher education 57 years ago. Population growth, increased diversity, technological advancement, and the rise of new industries have altered student needs and boosted demand for higher education.

Amidst all the dreary news of sexual harassment and assault coming out of Hollywood, the Golden State got some good news. On Thursday, Oct. 12, California became the latest state to pass the Sexual Assault Survivors' Bill of Rights, giving much-needed protections to survivors of sexual assault. The bill provides a number of provisions that are designed to make the process of reporting an assault to authorities and pursuing criminal cases easier.