Assembly member John A. Pérez was elected to represent the 46th District in Los Angeles in 2008.

Assembly member Pérez grew up in the working class communities of El Sereno and Highland Park. Prior to being elected to the state Assembly, Mr. Pérez worked for many years with California labor unions. Having worked both in housing projects and with immigrants on job sites to improve wages, healthcare and benefits, Mr. Pérez believes he has a deep understanding of the daily struggles that so many working families endure.

As a freshman member he has focused primarily on healthcare and local government issues. In the past his focus on local government has resulted in working on efforts such as requiring 30 percent of all major construction jobs to be dedicated to local residents and those in need, providing those individuals with valuable experience and training in skilled professions. He has also been involved with advocating increasing California’s minimum wage.

Assembly member Pérez has many legislative opportunities as he moves forward including being rumored as a possible candidate for Assembly Speaker once Assemblywoman Karen Bass is termed out. In addition, there has been talk about the possibility of him running for Senator Gil Cedillo’s seat when he is termed out in 2010. If Mr. Pérez takes that opportunity and is successful in winning the seat, once he is finished serving his Senate term he would still be eligible to return to the Assembly for two more years.

Assembly member Pérez’s work on behalf of the community has been recognized by various elected officials and organizations. Three mayors, including Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, have appointed Mr. Pérez to major Los Angeles City Commissions. Former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg appointed Mr. Pérez to serve on a Blue Ribbon panel studying state initiative reform. Assembly member Pérez also received a Presidential appointment to serve on the President’s Advisory Council on HIV and AIDS.

In addition to his work in the labor movement, Mr. Pérez serves as an elected member of the Democratic National Committee and has served as a board member for the California League of Conservation Voters, AIDS Project Los Angeles, the Latino Coalition against AIDS, the California Center for Regional Leadership, and the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation.