The minimum wage should be raised because poverty is a major issue in America. The federal minimum wage is $7.25/hr. Thankfully, many states have raised their individual minimum wages. However, there are still 21 states that have kept that minimum wage, New Hampshire being one of them. This is an unlivable salary that many people are suffering from. The federal minimum wage only brings in $15,000/yr when a livable salary by America's standards is $58,000/yr.