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Democratic

John “Jack” Reed

Jack Reed is a champion for middle-class families and a strong believer that all Americans should have the opportunity to build a better life.

Jack was born and raised in Cranston and grew up on Pontiac Avenue.  His father, Joe, was a World War II veteran and Cranston school janitor who worked his way up to become custodial supervisor of the city's school system.  His mother, Mary, was a homemaker who was unable to go to college herself, but made sure her three children studied hard and had the opportunity to pursue a higher education.  The Reed family benefited from the GI Bill – a program that helped countless veterans further their education and put a roof over their heads – and Jack’s parents instilled in him the importance of serving his country and giving back to his community.

CIVIL RIGHTS

The March for True Equality and an End to Discrimination

Senator Reed is a longtime champion for social justice who is dedicated to protecting people’s rights, promoting fairness, and ensuring everyone has access to opportunity and equal treatment under the law.

Senator Reed continues to work to end the existence of racism in education, employment, housing, voting, and our society as a whole.  He also remains steadfastly supportive of the equal treatment of LGBTQ+ Americans, including in housing, employment, and other areas where significant barriers persist.  And he believes that it is long past time for women in America to be guaranteed equal pay for the same work as men.

No American should be discriminated against on account of race, gender, religion, identity, or sexual orientation.  And the best way to move our country forward and ensure lasting change is through a comprehensive and inclusive process that upholds our nation’s highest values and principles, and addresses the root causes of poverty and inequality across society.

KEY PRIORITIES & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • Senator Reed believes that there is no place for racism or bigotry.  Black Lives Matter, and it is more important than ever to reaffirm our commitment to Black Americans’ health, prosperity, and equal treatment.  
  • Senator Reed stands with Asian Americans and all Rhode Islanders in condemning discrimination, bigotry, and senseless attacks against people of Asian descent, and he supports legislation to ensure perpetrators of hate crimes against Asian Americans are held to account.
  • In order to dramatically expand voting rights and end voter suppression, Senator Reed has cosponsored the For the People Act, which would seek to put democratic power back into the hands of the American people.
  • Senator Reed has also cosponsored the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act to designate Juneteenth as a permanent holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States and encourage ceremonies and activities in celebration of the holiday throughout the nation.
  • To clarify that federal civil rights protections also apply to LGBTQ+ Americans, Senator Reed has cosponsored the Equality Act.
  • Senator Reed believes that women and men performing the same job should earn the same salary.  He helped pass the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and strongly supports the Paycheck Fairness Act.
  • Senator Reed has cosponsored the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, which would grant voting rights to over 700,000 Americans who lack equal representation in Congress.