One of the reasons for the national budget deficit is spending to provide medical care and other assistance to people who are working but earn low wages. Raising the minimum wage would help reduce the deficit. At the same time, the increase in wages would stimulate the economy without additional government spending.
Other countries have a minimum wage in excess of $15 per hour, and they have a higher standard or living and lower unemployment.
Raising the minimum wage gradually at a predictable rate would allow businesses to plan and give them time to adjust. (If the minimum wage is getting too high, Congress could act at any time to discontinue the annual raises, but only positive Congressional action would stop them.)
Everyone who works deserves a decent wage.