If paired with robust social safety nets, we can absolutely require jobs to pay a living wage.

It'd be a decent start. Yes, America's destitute have enough food, and yes, the "enough-to live" line is arbitrary: if you're poor in France, the government will provide you with a computer and an internet connection. I'd be happy to have a debate about whether we as a society want to pay for something like that.

But providing all citizens with basic shelter and healthcare should be non-negotiable in the richest nation on earth.