Fast Food Chains Raise Millions to Oppose California Wage Law

McDonald’s Starbucks Chipotle Mexican Grill and other big restaurant chains are joining to spend millions of dollars to try to overturn a new California law that could set the state’s minimum wage for the fast food industry as high as $22 an hour next year.

The “Save Local Restaurants” coalition said Friday it has raised around $12.7 million to fight the law, known as the FAST Recovery Act. Corporate brands have contributed $9.9 million and individual franchisees have given $2 million, including owners of KFC and McDonald’s restaurants. Trade associations account for the rest, the coalition said.