It is an entry-level wage. It's not a wage you're expected to raise a family on. It is not one that you should be expected to remain on for a long time.

Whether it is a business tax or a wage increase, the consumer ultimately pays for it.

It's simple economics. When someone is going to increase your costs, it's going to have an adverse affect on your business. It will either make (businesses) cut jobs or not hire new ones.