A new law in California will raise the minimum wage for fast food workers to $20 per hour next year, an acknowledgment from the state's Democratic leaders that most of the often overlooked workforce are the primary earners for their low-income households.

California fast food workers will be paid at least $20 per hour next year under a new law signed Thursday by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The law, hammered out with the help of Gov. Gavin Newsom, increases wages for workers and allows business and unions to avoid a costly ballot fight over wages.

A new legislation will create a panel that will set wages and other standards for the industry