Newsom Bread Exemption That Helps Billionaire Donor Draws Fire

A top Republican lawmaker in California called for an investigation into Governor Gavin Newsom’s role in exempting chains that sell bread from the state’s new $20 minimum-wage law for fast-food workers, a provision that’s poised to benefit billionaire restaurant owner and Newsom donor Greg Flynn.

California Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher said he’s pushing for an explanation over a narrow exemption in the law that favors Panera Bread and a few other chains that sell bread as a standalone item. He urged Attorney General Rob Bonta and California’s Fair Political Practices Commission, a political watchdog, to look into the matter.