Today’s News & Commentary — December 13, 2016

Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez will be running for chair of the Democratic National Committee, shaking up a race in which Rep. Keith Ellison was seen as the frontrunner. Mr. Perez would be an unusual choice in that he has limited experience holding elected office, serving just four years on the Montgomery County Council in Maryland, though he has spent much of his career in state and federal government. President Obama may not offer a formal endorsement of Mr. Perez’s campaign, though he is expected to push for his election behind the scenes.

The Huffington Post reports on the labor violations committed by CKE Restaurant Holdings while Andy Puzder, expected to be nominated as the next Secretary of Labor, presided as CEO. The report adds to concerns that Mr. Puzder, who is on record opposing a minimum wage increase and the Obama administration’s overtime rule, will not be an ally for low-wage workers. Politico offers more detail on what levers the incoming Secretary of Labor can pull.

Most Americans believe it is “important” or “very important” for the next administration to consider legislation for paid sick and family leave, the Wall Street Journal reports. A majority supports the creation of a “national paid family and medical leave fund” to offer all workers 12 weeks of time off to care for themselves or family members. American Express became the latest company to get ahead of the federal government: it announced an expansion of its paid parental leave policy to 20 weeks.