"Gavin Newsom Clarifies Panera Bread's Minimum Wage Exemption Controversy"

California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing backlash over a news report that he pushed for an exception to the state’s new fast-food minimum wage law that benefits a wealthy campaign donor, Panera Bread franchisee Greg Flynn. Newsom's spokesman called the story "absurd" and stated that Panera Bread is not exempt from the law, but the exemption remains unexplained. Republican leaders criticized Newsom, stating that campaign contributions should not influence legislation. The law, which passed in 2023, raised the minimum wage to $20 per hour for most fast-food workers, but exempted restaurants with on-site bakeries. The issue has the potential to damage Newsom's reputation, similar to a previous controversy involving a dinner at the French Laundry during the pandemic.