Here is what I honestly think would remove 90% of the struggles of people just starting out. A federal law or by state law that would require the minimum wage in the state to be the poverty line for a family of 4. Divide by 2000 working hours in a year. So, the national average for a minimum wage would be $26,500/2000 hours or $13.25 an hour. Every year the minimum would be adjust Jan 1 to reflect this year poverty line.
It would vary from state to state but would fair in the given state. I think Self-harm rates would drop, crime and divorce. All are strongly linked to not having enough money to live off of. I see this as real option for helping build a better tomorrow.
Thoughts?