that's why it was so damaging to all concerned to eliminate the cost of living increases for the minimum wage long ago, now it's pathetically the small timers who don't deserve to take massive hits who suffer the worst in order to needfully correct the gross misdeeds of others. a minimum wage of under $15 is untenable and archaic, the status quo needs to go, and along with it will be millions of vital businesses and owners, which may well have been part of the plan all along.