If the motivation is to help the working poor or those at the bottom (and I doubt that it is the motivation for at least some advocates) the minimum wage is a blunt and counterproductive tool.  Better targeted, and with far less moral hazard, are EITC and negative income tax mechanisms, which can select for cases where a living wage really is needed to support dependents.  This can also be a way to make sure that youth/entry level opportunities do not simply disappear.  Does anyone really think minimum wage increases will reduce underrepresented minority unemployment rates?