Raise the national minimum wage to $12.50

With the rising costs of living (food, clothes, gas, school, etc) it is important that we the people earn decent wages that are consistent with the rise of inflation. With access to more money, people will be able to get out of poverty; to buy the necessities of life like FOOD without depending on food stamps and other government assistant programs (which helps with longevity of such programs). More parents could afford to send their children to college. People would also have more money to shop with which would help boost the economy. There are many families in need of financial help and families should not be forced into situations to choose between keeping the lights on or buying groceries. They should be able to do both and more. Raise the minimum wage please. Thank You!