Herb Klein (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Herb Klein
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Klein in 1993
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Jersey's 8th district |
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| In office January 3, 1993 – January 3, 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Robert A. Roe |
| Succeeded by | Bill Martini |
| Member of the New Jersey General Assembly | |
| In office January 9, 1972 – January 9, 1976 |
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| Preceded by | Alfred Fontanella James White |
| Succeeded by | Emil Olszowy |
| Constituency | District 14A (1972–1974) 34th District (1974–1976) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 24, 1930 Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | November 24, 2023 (aged 93) |
| Resting place | King Solomon Memorial Park in Clifton, New Jersey |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Jaqueline Krieger
(m. 1952; died 2017) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Rutgers University (BA) Harvard University (JD) New York University (LLM) |
| Profession | Businessman, attorney, politician |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1954–1956 |
| Rank |  First Lieutenant |
Herbert C. Klein (born June 24, 1930 – died November 24, 2023) was an American businessman, lawyer, and politician. He served as a representative for New Jersey in the United States House of Representatives from 1993 to 1995.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Herb Klein was born in Newark, New Jersey, on June 24, 1930. His parents were Fae and Alfred Klein. His family came from Hungary and Russia.
He went to Rutgers University and earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1950. He then studied law at Harvard Law School, getting his Juris Doctor (JD) degree in 1952. Later, he earned another law degree, a Master of Laws (LLM), from New York University in 1958.
Klein served in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1956. He was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. After his military service, he started practicing law in Passaic, New Jersey, in 1953. In 1961, he also started a company called the First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey.
Political Career
In 1971, Herb Klein won an election against Joseph Scancarella. This allowed him to become a member of the New Jersey General Assembly. He served in this role from 1972 to 1976.
While in the Assembly, he helped create a law that set up the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. This group helps New Jersey's economy grow. He also worked on a plan to introduce a state income tax in New Jersey. From 1977 to 1981, he was the Executive Director for the Democratic Party in Passaic County, New Jersey.
In 1992, Klein was elected to the 103rd United States Congress. He was a Democrat and took over the seat from Robert Roe, who had served for many years.
Time in Congress
During his time in the United States House of Representatives, Herb Klein was an important leader on the House Banking Committee. He helped write laws that allowed banks to have branches in different states. He also played a key role in passing laws that fixed problems in the savings and loan industry.
Klein was also a member of the House Science Committee. Here, he helped write the National Competitiveness Act. This act aimed to make American industries stronger and more competitive.
In the 1994 Congressional Elections, Klein lost his bid for re-election to Bill Martini. He was one of many Democrats who lost their seats that year.
Business and Legal Work
Beyond his political career, Herb Klein had a successful career in business and law. He won one of the largest civil court cases for a person in New Jersey.
He was a Trustee of the First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey from 1961 onwards. He was also the President of this Trust from 1991 to 1993.
Community Involvement
Herb Klein was very involved in his community. He served on the Board of Trustees for Rutgers University. He was also the President of the Board of Trustees for Beth Israel Hospital.
He was a member of many other important groups. These included the Governor's Committee for the New Jersey Development Council and the Board of Overseers of the Rutgers University Foundation. He also served on the board of directors for several groups that help others.
Personal Life and Passing
Herb Klein married Jacqueline Krieger in 1952. They had two children, a son and a daughter. His wife passed away in 2017.
Herb Klein died on November 24, 2023, when he was 93 years old. He was buried in King Solomon Memorial Park in Clifton, New Jersey. Many people, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, spoke at his funeral.
On November 28, 2023, the United States House of Representatives held a moment of silence to honor him.
See also
- List of Jewish members of the United States Congress
