Jeffrey D. Klein's Biography

State Senator Jeff Klein is a proven leader with more than two decades of experience in politics, law and public service.

First elected to the New York State Senate in 2004 - appointed as Deputy Majority Leader in 2009 - Klein has built a reputation as an effective and trusted public servant who protects the vulnerable, fights injustice, promotes equality and defends individual rights.

Called "smart and hard-working" by the New York Times and "an active, independent voice" by the Journal News, Klein has authored numerous laws that directly impact the health, welfare and prosperity of the citizens of his district and the residents of New York State .

During his three terms in the Senate, Klein has conducted dozens of investigations exposing government waste, sneaky practices by HMOs, consumer fraud and hidden threats to public health and safety. Klein led the fight for a current NYS law that offers residents tougher protections against sex offenders, by alerting them with an e-mail notification when a sex offender moves into their neighborhood or in the same zip code as their children's school. His annual lists of the top 12 filthiest or "dirty dozen" restaurants and supermarkets across New York City have been the catalyst for legislation that calls for stricter inspections and enforcement of establishments that are threats to public health.

In December 2009, numerous foreclosure prevention proposals and protections, which Klein sponsored and championed in the Senate, were signed into law by Governor Paterson saving thousands across the state from losing their homes and hundreds of neighborhoods from further economic decline. The laws require banks to maintain foreclosed properties and notify tenants in a timely manner when a home goes into foreclosure. The laws also expand the scope of mandatory settlement conferences - offering all distressed homeowners the opportunity to sit down with a bank representative - and allow for shared appreciation mortgages.

Putting more money back in the pockets of taxpayers is a top priority for Klein. During the 2008 legislative session he fought to reduce property taxes and for circuit breaker relief for the thousands of homeowners struggling with crushing, local property tax burdens. In an effort to avoid cuts to healthcare, education or public transportation while balancing the state budget - Klein has proposed innovative ways to generate more revenue for the state, including cutting down on extraordinary overtime costs at state agencies and offering new video lottery terminals at raceways as a way to generate millions more dollars in school funding.

Klein has also introduced legislation that would free those wrongly convicted of a crime and capture the worst criminals quicker. His "DNA upon arrest" bill, requires DNA collection upon arrest instead of, as current law mandates, requiring DNA collection upon conviction. If passed and signed into law, the bill would help put more repeat criminals in jail and solve thousands of crimes at a faster rate.

Prior to his role in the Senate, Klein served in the New York State Assembly, representing the 80th Assembly District for ten years. As Chair of the Assembly Committee on Oversight, Analysis and Investigation, Klein focused national attention on security conditions at New York City water facilities and passed tough legislation requiring water supply facilities to update their emergency plans to address the threat of terrorism.

Klein has garnered national media attention as a public servant whose commitment to righting injustice and finding common sense solutions has helped strengthen communities and enhance the quality of life for thousands of New Yorkers. Klein's work has been highlighted by numerous national media outlets including: The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, The New York Times, CNN, MSNBC, FOX NEWS, NBC and ABC.

A lifelong resident of the northeast Bronx, educated in Bronx public schools, Klein holds a B.A. from Queens College, an M.P.A. from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs and a J.D. from the City University of New York Law School where he was also a member of the law review.

Klein is a member of the New York regional board of the Anti-Defamation League and a partner at the law firm of Klein , Calderoni & Santucci. He lives in Morris Park.

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Standing Committee Assignments 2009: Banks; Codes; Finance; Health; Investigations; Judiciary; Labor; Rules; Ex officio all Committees