Thus ensuring all HS and College students that want to work part-time (or during the summer) can't because there are no jobs available that pay the requisite wa

Thus ensuring all HS and College students that want to work part-time (or during the summer) can't because there are no jobs available that pay the requisite wage. The earned income tax credit phases out a over 40k/yr for a married couple with one child. which is ~$20/hr working 255 days/yr. Other benefits and subsidies might phase out at higher amounts so the wage in question would be higher still.