In California, a controversy has emerged surrounding the fast-food worker bill signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, which notably exempted businesses like Panera that bake and sell their own bread. This exemption has sparked allegations of favoritism and calls for investigations into Newsom's ties with billionaire Panera franchisee Greg Flynn. Republican Assemblyman Joe Patterson has suggested involving the FBI, emphasizing that Republican state lawmakers have no confidence in the Democratic supermajority's ability to investigate itself. Amidst the turmoil, every Panera location in California has closed, and there are increasing demands for Attorney General Bonta to investigate the situation, now referred to as 'PaneraGate'. Greg Flynn expressed surprise at the exemption, further complicating the narrative. The controversy highlights concerns over the influence of political connections on business operations in the state.
JUST IN: Panera franchisee Greg Flynn responds to reports about his ties to Newsom & exemption in new fast-food law. "At no time did I ask for an exemption or special considerations.. I was surprised when the exemption appeared." His full quote here: https://t.co/5OTN3UcAGh
Asked author of CA's landmark fast food wage law about optics of Panera/Newsom situation. "That's a question you'll have to have with others," he said. As GOP urges AG Bonta to investigate, Bonta received franchisee's most recent political contribution. https://t.co/5OTN3UcAGh
We’re calling on AG Bonta to investigate PaneraGate. The appearance that campaign donations influenced an official action impacting the livelihoods of countless Californians is deeply troubling. The public deserves to know the truth about the allegations of Governor Newsom’s… https://t.co/MrLyR1z0uZ
And just like that every Panera closed in California. https://t.co/7EVuMWnPtI
Panera—or any business—shouldn't survive or fail in California because of its connections in the halls of power. https://t.co/7efkMib1u4
Republican Assemblyman Joe Patterson is calling for outside investigation into Gov. Newsom’s ties to billionaire Panera franchisee, even going as far to say the FBI should be involved. Republican state lawmakers have no confidence in Dem super majority investigating itself https://t.co/yj82LoIb47
NEW: Assemblyman Chris Holden, author of California’s fast food worker law, says he did NOT negotiate it in its final stages in 2022, when Panera/bakery exemption was added. He tried to say he inherited the language. But he was the author when carve out was added. Watch: https://t.co/GdvKwkRWMS
I’m actually impressed CA required bread making operations prior to a certain date. California regulators inadvertently creating a bread glut (that then impairs many dedicated bakeries) would be more in line with my expectations for policy. https://t.co/IR1nJNylLS https://t.co/AX2WYFHjma
Tbf, CA is a tough market for Big Gluten. Jokes aside, surge pricing starts to make a lot more sense in a $20/hour world. https://t.co/8sbfeqGwBO
When Gov. Newsom signed the fast-food worker bill, I asked him why Panera + other spots that bake/sell their own bread were carved out. "It was a part of the sausage making," he said at the time. Bloomberg reports there may have been more to that. https://t.co/fEAdUn9mwd
Restaurant owners should not need to be friends with politicians to be able to run their business as they please. But that's how things seem to work now in California. New from me @NRO https://t.co/rpfAh1BFaP
Suddenly every business starts selling bread in California https://t.co/JTiwU7d2qh