30 Facts About Robert Reich

Early Life and Education

Robert Reich's journey began long before he became a household name. His early life and education laid the foundation for his future accomplishments.

1. Born on June 24, 1946, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Robert Reich grew up in a middle-class family.
2. He attended Dartmouth College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968.
3. Reich was a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, earning a Master of Arts in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics.
4. He later attended Yale Law School, where he received his Juris Doctor degree in 1973.

Career Beginnings

Reich's career took off in various directions, showcasing his versatility and dedication to public service.

5. He started his career as a law clerk for Judge Frank M. Coffin of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
6. Reich also served as an assistant to U.S. Solicitor General Robert Bork.
7. He worked as a professor at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
8. In the late 1970s, he served as the Director of the Policy Planning Staff at the Federal Trade Commission.

Political Involvement

Reich's political career is marked by significant contributions and influential positions.

9. He served as the Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 1997.
10. During his tenure, he focused on initiatives to increase the minimum wage and improve workplace safety.
11. Reich was a key advocate for the Family and Medical Leave Act, which was signed into law in 1993.
12. He played a crucial role in the creation of the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994.

Academic Contributions

Reich's academic work has influenced countless students and scholars.

13. After leaving the Clinton administration, he became a professor at Brandeis University.
14. He later joined the faculty at the University of California, Berkeley, where he teaches public policy.
15. Reich has authored numerous books on economics, politics, and social issues.
16. His book "The Work of Nations" is considered a seminal work on globalization and labor markets.

Media Presence

Reich's influence extends beyond academia and politics into the media world.

17. He is a frequent commentator on economic and political issues for major news outlets.
18. Reich has appeared on television programs such as "The Daily Show" and "Real Time with Bill Maher."
19. He co-created the documentary "Inequality for All," which won a Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.
20. Reich's animated videos on economic topics have garnered millions of views on social media.

Awards and Honors

Reich's contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and honors.

21. He received the Vaclav Havel Vision Foundation Prize in 2003 for his work in promoting social justice.
22. Reich was awarded the Louis Brownlow Award by the National Academy of Public Administration.
23. He was named one of the 10 most successful cabinet secretaries of the 20th century by Time magazine.
24. Reich has received honorary degrees from several institutions, including Amherst College and the University of Michigan.

Personal Life

Reich's personal life offers a glimpse into the man behind the public figure.

25. He married Clare Dalton, a law professor, and they have two sons, Sam and Adam.
26. Reich has been open about his battle with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, a condition that affects bone growth.
27. Despite his physical challenges, he has remained active in hiking and other outdoor activities.
28. Reich is an avid reader and often shares book recommendations with his followers.

Advocacy and Activism

Reich continues to be a vocal advocate for economic and social justice.

29. He is a co-founder of the nonprofit organization Inequality Media, which aims to educate the public about economic inequality.
30. Reich frequently speaks at rallies and events, advocating for policies that support workers and reduce income inequality.

Final Thoughts on Robert Reich

Robert Reich's life and work offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of economics and public policy. From his time as Secretary of Labor to his role as a professor and author, Reich has consistently advocated for economic fairness and social justice. His insights into income inequality, labor rights, and economic policy have influenced countless individuals and policymakers. Whether you agree with his views or not, there's no denying his impact on the national conversation about economic issues. Reich's dedication to educating the public through his books, documentaries, and social media presence ensures that his ideas will continue to resonate. So, next time you hear a debate about the economy, remember some of these facts about Robert Reich. They might just give you a new perspective on the issues at hand.