The minimum wage is just that, a minimum. It is NOT a "living wage" which is a concept straight out of the Communist Manifesto. In fact, "living wage" has appeared in the Russian constitution as has guaranteed. housing and job. We don't practice communism in America. As far as wages go, the requirements for the position, your ability to meet or exceed these requirements, your actual performance on the job, how your particular market is performing, your actual performance in your job, and the financial condition of your company all determine what your salary is. Having your salary dictated by the Federal government is nothing short of practicing hideous Communism here in the States. By the way, ObamaCare IS unconstitutional. All new taxes must start in the House;