About a year ago, I signed into law an increase in the minimum wage for fast-food workers. The legislation created new protections for these hard-working people and gave them a greater voice in establishing workplace standards.

That bill, which took effect on April 1, increased the minimum wage to $20 per hour for workers at fast-food chains with 60 or more locations and created new health and safety standards.

Predictably, this modest law prompted fainting spells from conservatives and their enablers in the media. Even before I signed the bill, they quickly said it would lead to devastating job cuts and cause scores of businesses to close.

It was used as a scapegoat for businesses declaring bankruptcy, firing workers and more. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, the corporate restaurant industry even pushed out fake numbers to make it seem like thousands had been fired because of the wage increase.

NEWSOM, CALIFORNIA BUSINESS GROUP SPAR OVER CONTRASTING JOB NUMBERS AFTER MINIMUM WAGE HIKE

Now, the data is in. It shows that the opposite is happening: California now has more fast-food jobs than ever.

We believe in fairness, equity and the idea that everyone deserves a chance to succeed. And these results dispel the cynics who say we must choose between protecting workers and growing the economy.

In fact, fast-food jobs have increased every month this year. Since the law was enacted, California has added 11,000 new jobs in the industry. As of July, our state boasts a ...

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