CalMatters, a nonprofit newsroom focused on statewide issues in California, provides a platform for Californians impacted by policies to share their stories. The 2023-24 legislative session has been marked by Senate Bill 1047, which aims to regulate artificial intelligence developers, sparking intense lobbying and global interest.
In past sessions, debates centered around minimum wage for fast food workers, with Assembly Bill 257 proposing a $22 an hour minimum wage, which was repealed and replaced by AB 1228 setting a $20 minimum wage. The implementation of the $20 wage led to increased prices and job losses in the fast food industry, with mixed reactions from policymakers, industry organizations, and economists.
Governor Newsom defended the wage increase, citing job growth in fast food outlets. However, critics like the International Franchise Association and economist Christopher Thornberg raised concerns about job losses and negative impacts on vulnerable workers.
The effects of California’s fast food minimum wage laws have sparked debates on the future of industry regulation and its potential implications beyond the state. CalMatters continues to provide in-depth coverage, analysis, and expert reporting to keep Californians informed and engaged in these crucial discussions.
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