Reich was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1946. His parents were both attorneys, and his father was also involved in local politics. Growing up, Reich was exposed to the worlds of law and politics, and developed an interest in both. He attended Dartmouth College, where he earned a degree in philosophy. After college, he attended Yale Law School, and then went on to earn a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University.
After completing his education, Reich worked as an attorney for several years, before turning his attention to academia. He was a professor of public policy at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, and later at Brandeis University. In 1993, he was appointed Secretary of Labor in the Clinton Administration, a post he held until 1997.
As Secretary of Labor, Reich was a vocal advocate for workers’ rights and social justice. He championed policies that would raise the minimum wage, provide universal healthcare, and strengthen unions. He also worked to increase funding for job training and apprenticeship programs, with the goal of helping workers adapt to the changing demands of the modern economy.
After leaving the Clinton Administration, Reich returned to academia, and continued to be an influential voice in public policy debates. He wrote several best-selling books, including “The Work of Nations”, “Locked in the Cabinet”, and “Saving Capitalism”. In these books, he argues that the American economy has become increasingly unequal, with the benefits of economic growth flowing disproportionately to the wealthy.
Reich has been a critic of deregulation, globalization, and the growing influence of money in politics. He argues that these trends have contributed to the growing economic and political divides in American society, and that they are a threat to democracy and human rights. He has also been a strong advocate for democracy reform, calling for measures such as campaign finance reform, voting rights protection, and the abolition of the electoral college.
In recent years, Reich has become a prominent voice in the progressive movement in the United States. He has been a critic of the Trump Administration’s policies, especially its efforts to dismantle environmental regulations, healthcare reform, and social safety net programs. He has also been a champion of progressive policies such as the Green New Deal, Medicare for All, and a living wage.
Robert Reich has dedicated his career to fighting for social and economic justice. From his early work as a labor lawyer, to his time as Secretary of Labor, to his influential writings, and his ongoing advocacy for progressive policies, Reich has been a consistent voice for workers and marginalized communities. He has challenged the status quo, and has offered bold visions for a more equitable and just society. Today, as the United States faces unprecedented challenges, Reich’s work remains as relevant and inspiring as ever.