Recognizing Javier M. Perez, Jr. on His Retirement From the Amalgamated Transit Union

Floor Speech

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Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with gratitude to recognize a great Missourian, Javier M. Perez, Jr., for his accomplishments with the Amalgamated Transit Union as he heads towards retirement. An experienced leader, dedicated professional, and advocate, Javier serves as a prime example of a true public servant and most importantly, a kind human being.

Javier began his illustrious career when he began driving a bus for the Kansas City Area Transit Authority in 1974. He became a member of Local 1287 and served as steward, Executive Board member, Vice President and was elected President in 1987. Furthermore, Javier earned a bachelor's degree in labor studies at Antioch University through the George Meany Center, now known as the National Labor College. He also attended and completed the Trade Union Program at Harvard University in 2009.

As a dedicated advocate, Javier has continuously been involved in advancing the rights of Latinos. He has been an active community service volunteer heading voter registration drives and assisting with summer Mural projects as a member of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA). Javier also served as a liaison for Cesar Chavez on two occasions during Chavez's trips to Kansas City in 2002.

Javier continues to be a force for positive change within Kansas City. Javier was appointed by Missouri Governor Bob Holden to serve on the Kansas City Missouri Police Board as a commissioner and later was elected President of the Board. Javier was elected an International Vice President in September 1995 and has worked with many locals large and small. On August 29, 2013, Javier was unanimously elected to be the International Executive Vice President of the Amalgamated Transit Union, becoming the first Latino to reach this milestone.

Beyond his extraordinary career achievements, Javier's tight-knit family continues to serve as an important pillar of his life. Javier spent over 40 exciting years with his lovely wife Lee Ann Perez until she passed into Glory in 2020. He continues to reside in Kansas City, Missouri, where he has three grown children and three grandchildren. Mr. Perez announced his retirement from the Amalgamated Transit Union, holding the second highest office in the international union.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and Missouri's Fifth Congressional District in congratulating Javier M. Perez, Jr. as he retires from his successful and impactful career representing Amalgamated Transit Union Members on the local, state, and national levels. Mr. Perez will continue to impact communities across Missouri and in his beloved Kansas City. On behalf of my colleagues and a grateful Nation, we thank him for his dedication and commitment to transportation improvements across the country.

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