Raise the minimum wage to an acceptable level in order to stimulate the economy and reduce welfare dependency.

With the minimum wage as low as it is, along with the cost-of-living being as high as it is, it's nearly impossible for the average minimum wage worker to support themselves, much less a family, and forces them to have 2 or 3 full time jobs just to keep food on the table. Those that don't take extra jobs (and even some that do) have to apply for welfare to make up for the difference of their income and their cost-of-living. The welfare program is a great program that helps families in need; however, if we raise the minimum wage to a more acceptable level, it will decrease the amount of people who need welfare, which will mean less money that the government spends on welfare and similar programs, which could then be used to help cut taxes after the deficit is paid off.