This is one of the best comments I've seen on this website about an economic topic.

I agree with you completely; minimum wage is almost a political stunt. Rents will follow the increase, and the gov't gets to collect more payroll taxes. Win win for the ruling class.

The tax structure will have to change for real income to rise. The people who own capitol will have to be tax incentivized to put it to productive uses and have real, long term growth for everyone (capitol owners, workers, society, etc.).