Why don't you switch job and apply through ACA?

Im at 16.52 as a barista but thats in CA where everything is super expensive

That is... extremely low. I don't have any advice or anything but damn. That fucking sucks dude.

That’s criminally low what the hell. What part of the country if you don’t mind me asking? In October everyone will be at 12 minimum but you should absolutely have a conversation about getting a raise in addition to that because of your tenure and all that. Don’t be scared to ask for things like that… what is their incentive to offer you more?

Talk to your manager about it, then your district manager, then your regional manager, then HR, then right a influencle letter with references studies about paying loyal workers higher wages increases work productivity... then threaten a protest, after that, wait till they find a loop whole to give you a wage increase!