Can't Reach the Ladder

She says I'm fine, I'm ok
Cover up your trembling hands
There's indecision when you know
You ain't got nothing left
--Toad the Wet Sprocket

Nice depiction of what minimum wage laws do. They knock the rungs off the bottom of the ladder that low productivity workers must initially climb toward higher standards of living.

Those whose skills do not yet generate productivity that equates to the legal minimum will not get hired.

Minimum wage laws prohibit marginal workers can't reach the first rung. They are prohibited--by law--from climbing the ladder.