TORRANCE DAILY BREEZE: Brown signs Lieu's Workforce Investment Board bill:

Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday signed into law a bill by Sen. Ted Lieu , D-Redondo Beach, intended to improve the process of connecting workers to well-paying jobs.

The legislation requires the state to establish stricter requirements holding local Workforce Investment Boards accountable for providing career information, counseling, job training and other support services.

The certified boards, which receive state and federal funds to promote job growth, currently have to adhere only to federal standards. They will now have to comply with California's strategic state plans and goals for job growth.

There are 49 Workforce Investment Boards across the state that receive funding under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.

Lieu is chairman of the Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee. Given today's economic environment, he said it is crucial for the governor to have greater powers outlined in SB 698 to ensure local boards are responsive to training needs.

Lawmakers approved SB 698 on unanimous, bipartisan votes in both the Senate and Assembly. The law goes into effect Jan. 1.

- Melissa Evans