Several states / cities have increased the minimum wage. This is not enough. The federal government has not increased the minimum wage in three years and it is still not pegged to inflation. Current rates aren't enough for a worker to afford housing in any state in the union. A family of four earns $3000 less below the poverty level.
Families earning wages below poverty level require additional government support in the form of such things as housing subsidies, food stamps, heath care, school lunch programs.
In addition to reducing the federal costs, increasing the wage would increase the GDP and create new jobs.
It's time to respect the working poor and allow them the opportunity to make a livable wage without government assistance.