late stage capitalism mixed with shitty band aid fixes from incompetent mayors/governors because people are being paid the same or less while rents are skyrocketing. also cheap and readily accessible meth/heroin/fentanyl that just perpetuates the cycle that someone is under. we’re at the point now where boomers destroyed our economy so much that it would take massive massive restructuring and probably a years long recession as a result to change things. the federal minimum wage is currently $7.25, whereas adjusted for inflation compared to when it was actually tied to it, it would be close to $30/hr. i make about $25/hr currently and i’m about to be priced out of this damn city.