San Diego City Wire

Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones has criticized the exemption granted to Panera Bread from California's new $20-an-hour minimum wage law for fast food chains. The exemption was reportedly due to the franchise owner's connections and campaign contributions to Governor Newsom.

Jones expressed his disapproval in a statement, saying, "Panera couldn't afford Democrat lawmakers' $20 minimum wage requirement for fast food restaurants. Lucky for them, their franchise owner donated over $160,000 to Governor Newsom, who got them an exemption. Unfortunately, other restaurants lacked such substantial donations and now must comply with the new minimum wage by all means necessary, including layoffs and replacing workers with automation."

He further stated that "campaign contributions should not buy you carve-outs in legislation," calling it "crony capitalism" and labeling it as "corrupt and UNACCEPTABLE."

Jones, along with all Senate Republicans, opposed the measure AB 1228 which led to this minimum wage increase in 2023. Senator Brian Dahle also requested the governor veto the legislation in an effort to support California employers.