Industry groups combat local activists with aggressive state-level campaigns California State CapitolPhoto: iStock.com/fusaromike Local elected officials and activists have become increasingly focused in recent years on issues like soda taxes, plastic bag waste, minimum wage increases, and worker scheduling at fast-food restaurants. Trade groups have countered with big-budget campaigns at the state level. Most recently, the American Beverage Association used the threat of a statewide ballot measure to score a major victory with state lawmakers. California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill in June that would prevent local governments from imposing new taxes on sugary drinks… Read More