MEDIA CONTACT: Wendy Leopold at 847-491-4890 or w-leopold@northwestern.edu

October 12, 2004

Reich to Speak on Unemployment

EVANSTON, Ill. --- As U.S. Secretary of Labor under President Clinton, Robert Reich presided over the longest economic expansion in history. On Tuesday, Oct. 19, Reich -- who oversaw the creation of 22 million jobs nationwide from 1992 to 1997 -- will deliver a free and public speech on today's economy at Northwestern University.

Reich will discuss "America's Real Job Problem" from noon to 1:15 p.m. at the McCormick Tribune Center Forum, 1870 Campus Drive, on the Evanston campus. Sponsored by the University's Institute for Policy Research (IPR), his 2004-2005 Distinguished Public Policy Lecture is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

“As a scholar and former labor secretary, Reich offers a unique perspective on the current and future employment prospects of American workers,” said Jeff Manza, acting director of IPR and associate professor of sociology. “Coming two weeks before the election, his speech promises to be especially relevant in the debate on the economy and job creation.”

Under Clinton, Reich worked to implement the Family and Medical Leave Act, increased the minimum wage for the first time since 1989 and ensured that companies fully funded their pension plans. He is the author of 10 books including “The Work of Nations,” “The Future of Success,” and most recently “Reason: Why Liberals Will Win the Battle for America.”

Reich is a regular commentator on National Public Radio and co-founder of “The American Prospect,” a progressive magazine. He is University Professor and Maurice B. Hexter Professor of Social and Economic Policy at Brandeis University.

The Institute for Policy Research (IPR) is an interdisciplinary public policy research institute that works to stimulate and support excellent social science research on significant public policy issues.

For further information about Reich's Distinguished Public Policy Lecture or IPR generally, contact Patricia Reese at (847) 491-8712 or p-reese@northwestern.edu, or visit the IPR Web site at www.northwestern.edu/ipr.