About Former Senator Jeffrey D. Klein's

Jeff Klein is a born and raised Bronx resident, who has dedicated his life to serving his community and all of New York State.  Jeff is a proven leader with three decades of experience in politics, law and public service. He presently serves as the New York State Senator, representing the 34th Senate District, and is Deputy Democratic Leader for the Senate Democratic Conference.

First elected to the State Senate in 2004, Jeff Klein has built a reputation as a committed, effective and trusted public servant, who has championed and passed landmark legislation for the health, welfare and economic prosperity of residents in the 34thDistrict, and all New Yorkers.

Jeff Klein has led the State in passing the most progressive, life changing legislation seen by New Yorkers in nearly a century. Marriage Equality, the SAFE ACT, the $15 Minimum Wage, Universal Pre-Kindergarten, 12-Week Paid Family Leave, and the historic Foreclosure Prevention and Protection laws to offset the 2008 economic crisis, are among Jeff Klein’s most significant achievements.

This year alone, Senator Klein fought bad tax policy coming from Washington, preventing New Yorkers from suffering a $1.5 billion tax hike. He secured the continuation of the historic middle-class tax cut, and delivered Rider Relief for commuters through the allocation of $836 million to the MTA, to make crucial repairs and upgrades.

Senator Klein has also delivered an unprecedented $1 billion increase to education funding totaling $26.7 billion, so that our teachers and schools will have the resources they need to set students on paths to success.

Notably, Senator Klein fought for NYCHA residents by exposing dangerous mold and lead paint negligence, and delivering $250 million for immediate repairs and an Independent Monitor, to ensure the work gets done quickly and efficiently.

Through Jeff’s leadership, New York expanded the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) to protect vulnerable rent regulated tenants, and increased the Senior Citizen Homeowner Exemption (SCHE) and the Disabled Homeowner Exemption (DHE), which offer a 50% deduction on property taxes.

As many in the 34th Senate District know all too well, Jeff Klein and his District staff work tirelessly to resolve hundreds of constituent cases every year, and have fought over-development, HMOs, utility companies, big banks, shoddy contractors, noisy nightclubs and unscrupulous landlords.

Jeff has delivered on his promises to bring millions of dollars in funding to the 34th District for schools, as well as programs for youth, seniors and families. He has also provided funding for libraries, parks and community organizations to make necessary infrastructure improvements, and has delivered myriad economic development programs and quality of life improvements including street crime prevention, beautification projects, and street cleaning initiatives.

Jeff Klein began his career as Chief of Staff to Congressman James Scheuer, and served as a Democratic State Committeeman and District Leader, before being elected to the New York State Assembly in 1994, where he served for a decade before his election to the State Senate.

 Jeff was educated in Bronx public schools and went on to receive 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.

Jeff Klein has lived in the Bronx all of his life, and currently lives in Morris Park.