Thomas Perez
Thomas Perez: A Life Dedicated to Public Service
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Thomas Edward Perez was born on October 7, 1963, in Buffalo, New York. He is also known as Tom Perez.
Birth and Death Dates
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Birth Date: October 7, 1963
Death Date: (still alive)
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Perez holds American nationality and has served as a public servant, politician, and civil rights activist. His professional career spans over four decades, with notable positions including:
U.S. Secretary of Labor from 2013 to 2017
Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) from 2017 to 2021
Member of the U.S. Senate from Delaware in 2009Early Life and Background
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Perez grew up in Buffalo, New York, to Puerto Rican immigrant parents. His family's experiences with poverty and racism instilled in him a strong commitment to social justice and equality. He attended Canisius High School before pursuing higher education at Brown University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1985. Perez later obtained his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Harvard Law School in 1990.
Major Accomplishments
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Throughout his career, Thomas Perez has achieved significant milestones:
As the U.S. Secretary of Labor, he implemented policies to promote worker safety, equality, and fair labor practices.
During his tenure as Chair of the DNC, Perez played a crucial role in shaping the party's platform on issues such as healthcare, education, and economic growth.
His work on the Fair Housing Act led to the passage of the 2013 amendments, which expanded protections for LGBTQ individuals.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some notable works and actions attributed to Perez include:
Leading the Charge: As a key player in the Obama administration's efforts to address racial disparities, Perez played a pivotal role in shaping policies aimed at promoting equality.
Protecting Workers' Rights: Throughout his career, Perez has been an unwavering advocate for worker rights and fair labor practices. His commitment to this cause has led to numerous legislative victories.
Impact and Legacy
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Thomas Perez's contributions have left a lasting impact on the lives of millions:
As U.S. Secretary of Labor, he oversaw reforms that improved working conditions, protected workers' benefits, and expanded access to education.
His work as Chair of the DNC helped shape the party's platform and energized voters across the country.
Why He Is Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Perez is widely quoted and remembered for his unwavering commitment to social justice, equality, and workers' rights. His dedication to these causes has inspired countless individuals and sparked meaningful conversations about the importance of public service:
A Champion of Equality: Perez's tireless efforts to address systemic inequalities have earned him recognition as a champion of equality.
Inspiring Future Leaders: Through his work and legacy, Perez continues to inspire future generations of leaders to prioritize social justice and equality.
Thomas Perez's life is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and compassion. His unwavering commitment to public service has made a lasting impact on American society, and his legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come.
Quotes by Thomas Perez
I believe we’re making a mistake if we regard job creation and job safety as mutually exclusive or inherently in conflict; they can and they must go hand-in-hand.
The typical minimum wage earner is a provider and a breadwinner – most likely a woman – responsible for paying bills, running a household and raising children.
I believe we're making a mistake if we regard job creation and job safety as mutually exclusive or inherently in conflict; they can and they must go hand-in-hand.
People believe mistakenly, that with death comes atonement, when in reality, life is for atonement and Death is for Judgment.
In the wealthiest nation on Earth, no one who works a full time job should have to live in poverty. That's a fundamental value proposition, an article of faith in our country that I know an overwhelming majority of Americans agree on.
I've had jobs that allow me the flexibility to achieve work-life balance, to be there when one of the kids sinks a jump shot or for the parent-teacher meetings. I can move tasks around. If I don't get something done at the office at 4:30 in the afternoon, I can go back to it at 10:00 in the evening.
I've heard the argument that unemployment benefits somehow act as a disincentive to the long-term unemployed when it comes to looking for work, but the opposite is true. Unemployment Insurance serves as a powerful incentive for people to keep searching for jobs, rather than drop out of the labor force altogether.
It was a privilege to serve as the assistant attorney general for civil rights, a role that allowed me to enforce the Civil Rights Act and help make its promise a reality.
For many people, and particularly in communities of color, the basic bargain of America - that if you work hard and play by the rules, you can share in the nation's prosperity - has become a raw deal. That's what President Obama's opportunity agenda is all about - making good on our country's half of the basic bargain.
Raising the minimum wage to $10.10 will benefit about 28 million workers across the country. And it will help businesses, too - raising the wage will put more money in people's pockets, which they will pump back into the economy by spending it on goods and services in their communities.