It’s been two years since Gavin Newsom signed the so-called FAST Recovery Act , creating a $20 minimum wage for fast food workers. Instead of a raise, the best data shows these workers lost hours or their jobs. The governor owes them an apology.

At a celebratory bill signing on September 28th two years ago, Newsom was all smiles, calling the law a win-win-win that would leave restaurants, workers, and consumers better off. Under the law, the state’s minimum wage for fast-food workers would rise rapidly to $20 an hour, while a new regulatory council could consider future hikes and institute other mandates.

The party ended quickly. Starting that fall, a wave of media reports showed that restaurants were raising menu prices, cutting staff, and turning to automation to get ready for th

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