If the minimum wage is a universal solution works for everybody, why are there so many exemptions and carveouts? Family-owned businesses like restaurants are exempt, self-employed individuals are exempt, piecemeal farm labor is exempt, babysitters and other "occasional" labor have their own exemption, tipped workers have a carveout.

There's a special rate for minors because apparently nobody thinks high school kids will produce $15 of value per hour yet they still need to learn the ropes of the business and personal responsibility somehow.