I would say it's time to adjust the minimum wage and using the inflation calculator it should be near $8 per hour.

As you can see from the chart below raising the minimum wage to $8 is basically in-line with past raises.

It's hard to climb a ladder with the first couple steps gone. That phrase gets used a lot by opponents of increasing the minimum wage and is directed at people getting their first job and I agree. Most everybody remembers their first job and we learn a lot from that first job experience. Not just the specific labor involved but personal responsibility and the whole system of employment becomes clearer. For that the minimum wage is fair to me.

Apparently only 5% of the work force is paid the minimum wage and that is good. Each state has their own minimum wage rate and a few are higher than the federal rate which is also good. What I don't think is good, is to determine the minimum wage rate based on meeting a living wage. That's not what the minimum wage is set out to accomplish. It's a stepping stone in employment and hopefully you desire more, learn from your experience, educate yourself or find someone who will teach you a trade and find a better paying job down the road.

I think the minimum wage should be increased according to inflation every year. If it doesn't meet your living wage requirements then you have to get ambitious and do something about it other than demand the governments give you more money.