Why not give them the money?

It's going to happen eventually. Had we tied minimum wage to inflation long long ago they'd be making close to that regardless.

The only reason $15 an hour sounds like a lot is because most our jobs went overseas. So you're stuck with $8 an hour while trying to pay rent and utilities, and have nothing left at the end of the day to pursue a higher education.

Of course that depends a bit on the cost of living in your area, but there's no way you're going to be independent on $8 an hour here. You might survive a studio apartment, but you're stuck right where you are unless you land a big break.