California Governor Newsom’s Office Dismisses ‘Pay to Play’ Accusations, Denies Panera Bread’s Exemption from Fast Food Legislation

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has dismissed accusations of “pay to play” politics and denied that Panera Bread has been exempted from fast-food legislation due to campaign donations. The controversy arose after it was revealed that billionaire Greg Flynn, founder of the Flynn Restaurant Group, had donated $226,800 to Governor Newsom since 2018. Critics alleged that these donations resulted in unique exclusions for Panera Bread in a new law regulating fast-food restaurants.

The governor’s spokesperson, Alex Stack, stated that Governor Newsom never met with Flynn regarding the bill and that Panera Bread is not exempt from the law. According to Stack, the exemption only applies if all aspects of bread-making are conducted on-site, which is not the case for chain bakeries like Panera Bread. The governor’s office also emphasized that the language of the bill was the product of normal legislative deliberations and not influenced by campaign donations.

However, some lawmakers are calling for further investigation into the matter. Senator Scott Wilk stated that if the allegations are true, it is unacceptable. Senator Kelly Seyarto criticized lawmakers for making exemptions for those with connections and the ability to pay, calling it bad legislation. Critics argue that money is influencing politics in California and leading to unfair competitive advantages for certain restaurant chains.

The controversy surrounding Panera Bread’s exemption from the fast-food legislation has raised concerns about transparency and fairness in the political process. The American Association of Franchises and Dealers opposed the bill, citing concerns about behind-the-scenes political maneuvering and the exclusion of small business owners from negotiations.

Republicans in the state Senate have voiced their concerns about the issue and called for a reevaluation of the legislation. Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones accused Governor Newsom of engaging in crony capitalism and stated that campaign contributions should not buy exemptions in legislation. Senator Brian Dahle criticized the bill for excluding small independent franchisees from negotiations.

Critics argue that the situation highlights the influence of lobbying and campaign donations from special interests in the political system. Some Republicans have called for the bill to be scrapped entirely and for a fresh start.

Requests for comment from the bill’s author, Assemblyman Chris Holden, were not returned by deadline.

Overall, the controversy surrounding Panera Bread’s exemption from fast-food legislation has raised questions about the influence of money in politics and the fairness of the legislative process. Critics argue that campaign contributions should not result in special treatment or exemptions for certain businesses. The issue has sparked calls for further investigation and a reevaluation of the legislation.