California's New Fast Food Minimum Wage Law Faces Criticism Over Donor-Linked Exemption

The law, raising wages to $20 per hour, excludes restaurants with on-site bakeries, benefiting a Newsom donor.

California's minimum wage law for fast food workers, effective April 1, exempts establishments with on-site bakeries, like Panera Bread.
The exemption has sparked criticism and calls for investigation, linking it to Governor Newsom's campaign donor, Greg Flynn.
Republican lawmakers and critics label the exemption as 'pay to play,' demanding transparency and accountability.
Newsom's administration denies the exemption was donor-influenced, asserting a misunderstanding of the law's bakery criteria.
The controversy recalls past criticisms of Newsom, with potential implications for his political future.