The important point is that people need income to cover their living expenses.  People are better off if their after tax income is higher, but they are just as well off if their costs, or their taxes are lower.  Higher wages lead to fewer workers being hired.  A better solution would be to find ways to lower the cost of living (like the cost of electricity and public transit) and to reduce taxes - like the sales taxes that people pay on essential items like inexpensive clothing, soap, low cost restaurant meals, etc.