A new study finds that the effective minimum wage in the United States is nearly $12 per hour and, when factored for inflation, probably the highest minimum wage in American history. Align Public Strategies talks about how that impacts the national conversation around wages as well as the political ramifications for the industry.

In other news, California has a bold new initiative for restaurants to engage in the climate conversation. Is it a forward-thinking part of the solution, or are restaurants setting themselves up to be cast as part of the problem? The Align crew looks at that issue.

Finally, the cottage food industry is on fire and lawmakers across the country seem to fanning the flames. Will the home-prep industry soon take a bite out of traditional restaurants? The team discusses those stories and then wraps up the episode with the weekly legislative scorecard.

Align Public Strategies is a full-service public affairs and creative firm that helps corporate brands, governments and non-profit organizations navigate the outside world and inform their internal decision-making. This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality.