wage growth isn't universal or even, in some industries it exploded, in others it has gone negative. if you want a livable wage... you don't go into teaching for example. i wanted to teach but i saw that that job would stagnate so I didn't pursue it.
if you want higher wages you have to move jobs or locations. that's always been true of american life. the government isn't going to jack wages to 30/hr ever. esp not the feds, but some states have made big improvements. not to mention you are not suppose to stay in a minimum wage job.