A recent analysis from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) indicates that California’s decision to raise the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20 per hour has resulted in significant job reductions in the sector. The study estimates a loss of approximately 18,000 positions in California’s fast-food industry since the policy took effect in April 2024, marking a 3.2% drop compared to similar sectors elsewhere in the U.S.
The researchers, Jeffrey Clemens, Olivia Edwards, and Jonathan Meer, concluded in their report: “Our median estimate translates into a loss of 18,000 jobs in California’s fast-food sector relative to the counterfactual.” This paper, released this month, is accessible via the NBER website.
The policy stems from Assembly Bill 1228, which California lawmakers approved in September 2023. Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, it created a Fast Food Council empowered to set and adjust wages for the industry. Effective April 1, 2024, the bill increased the hourly minimum from $16 to $20 for fast-food employees, with provisions for annual adjustments starting in 2025.
According to the study, fast-food employment in California declined notably after the bill’s passage, with reductions estimated between 2.3% and 3.9% across various models. In contrast, the national fast-food sector saw a slight growth of about 0.10% during the same period, while other parts of California’s economy aligned with broader U.S. trends. The researchers noted that prior to the law’s implementation, California’s fast-food job market had been on a comparable trajectory to the rest of the country.
The findings have drawn criticism toward the wage increase. Rachel Greszler, an economic expert at The Heritage Foundation, argued in a Daily Signal op-ed that “wage controls never work” because policymakers cannot avoid the inevitable repercussions. She highlighted the fast-food sector’s outcomes as a cautionary tale, particularly for Los Angeles, which recently approved a phased minimum wage rise to $30 by 2028 for hotel and airport workers.
The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board dismissed the idea that large wage hikes boost the economy as “magical thinking.” They also critiqued New York City mayoral hopefuls Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani for advocating similar increases—$20 and $30, respectively—suggesting such proposals ignore real-world evidence.
However, representatives from Governor Newsom’s office challenged the study’s conclusions. Tara Gallegos, deputy director of communications, told Fox News Digital that the research is affiliated with the Hoover Institution, which she accused of previously disseminating “false or misleading information” about California’s wage policies that required retraction. She referenced an October 2024 San Francisco Chronicle piece that countered pessimistic forecasts about the wage hike, noting many originated from the Employment Policies Institute, a think tank tied to restaurant industry lobbyist Richard Berman, whom TIME Magazine once labeled “the wage warrior” for his long-standing opposition to minimum wage laws.
Gallegos further cited a February 2025 study by a UC Berkeley professor examining the $20 wage’s impacts, highlighting findings that suggest the policy’s effects have not matched the dire predictions. The report, available through UC Berkeley’s Institute for Research on Labor and Employment, emphasizes benefits for workers covered by the increase.
Preparing for the Unexpected: Your Essential Partner in Health Readiness
In an increasingly unpredictable world—where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, and global travel can leave us vulnerable to sudden health challenges—being prepared isn’t just smart; it’s essential.
That’s where Jase Medical steps in, offering innovative solutions that empower individuals and families to take control of their health with emergency medication kits designed for real-life scenarios. As someone who’s always advocated for proactive wellness, I was impressed by how Jase Medical combines expert medical guidance with convenient, customizable options to ensure you’re never caught off guard.
At the heart of their offerings is the Jase Case, a comprehensive emergency antibiotic kit priced at just $289.95. This powerhouse contains five life-saving antibiotics and five vital symptom-relief medications, capable of treating over 50 common infections—from respiratory issues and skin conditions to traveler’s diarrhea and more.
What sets it apart? It’s fully customizable with 28 add-on options, including a specialized KidCase for children ages 2-11, making it ideal for families.
Whether you’re stocking up for home emergencies or preparing for remote adventures, the Jase Case provides peace of mind with medications that boast extended shelf lives—up to five years or longer when stored properly, with studies showing 90% potency retention even after 20 years.
For those on the move, the Jase Go travel med kit at $129.95 is a game-changer. Curated by physicians, it addresses over 30 common travel ailments, from digestive upsets to minor injuries, ensuring explorers, hikers, and globetrotters can handle health hiccups without derailing their plans.
And for targeted concerns, Jase Medical offers specialized kits like the UTI Kit ($99.95), which includes test strips and treatments for urinary tract infections, vaginal candidiasis, and even jock itch, or the Parasites Kit (starting at $199.95), featuring compounded Ivermectin and Mebendazole to combat internal and external parasitic infections.
But Jase Medical isn’t just about one-off kits; their Jase Daily service provides an extended supply of your ongoing prescriptions, supporting hundreds of medications for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart health, high blood pressure, mental health, and more. This ensures long-term preparedness, safeguarding against factory shutdowns or extreme weather that could interrupt your regular supply.
The process couldn’t be simpler or more reassuring. Start by customizing your order online, then benefit from a thorough review by a team of world-class physicians who ensure safety and accuracy. In most cases, prescriptions are issued after a quick consultation—sometimes just a call to clarify allergies or needs—and your kit arrives discreetly at your door. While they don’t accept traditional health insurance, many customers use HSA cards, and refills are available for added convenience.
What truly stands out is the real-world impact. As radio host Glenn Beck puts it, “The supply lines for antibiotics already are stressed to the max. Please have some antibiotics on hand… You can do it through Jase.”
One satisfied customer shared, “It could have been a nightmare. Instead, the best trip we’ve had,” after their kit turned a potential health crisis into a minor blip during a family vacation.
In a time when health uncertainties loom larger than ever, Jase Medical isn’t just selling products—it’s delivering empowerment. Don’t wait for the next disruption; visit Patriot.TV/meds today to build your personalized emergency plan and step into a more secure tomorrow. Your health, and your family’s, deserves nothing less.