$7.25 is the minimum wage for waitstaff. Most republican states, if not all, are at that rate while most democratic states are above it.
Let's say someone makes an average of $15 an hour after tips for 40 hours a week. That's $2400 a month BEFORE taxes. After taxes, let's say it's $2100. Rent for the smallest of closets is $1000 a month. Electricity well say averages $100 a month for that small "apartment." That person is now at $1000 for food, medical, internet, car, gas, entertainment, clothing, other utilities, etc. Tell me how someone is supposed to afford living making that?
www.dol.gov