Herbert Kohl (senator)

This article refers to Sen. Herbert Kohl (D-WI). For the article about Herbert Kohl, the educator and author, see Herbert Kohl (education).

Herbert H. Kohl (born February 7, 1935) is an American politician and the senior senator from the state of Wisconsin. He is a member of the Democratic Party.

Kohl earned his bachelor's degree from the UW-Madison in 1956 and a master's degree in business administration from Harvard University in 1958. He has served in the United States Senate since his election in 1988. He served as the chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party between 1975 and 1977.

Herb Kohl served in the United States Army Reserves between 1958 and 1964.

Before coming to the Senate, Kohl helped build his family-owned business, Kohl's grocery and department stores. He served as President from 1970 through the sale of the corporation in 1979. In 1985 he bought the Milwaukee Bucks NBA team to ensure the basketball team remained in Milwaukee and is recognized as an avid sportsman. Kohl is one of the nation's wealthiest politicians. Fairly conservative estimates put his wealth at $111 million, while he could be worth more than $250 million.

Senator Kohl remains active in Wisconsin charitable activities. In 1990 he established the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Achievement Award Program, which provides annual grants totaling $100,000 to 100 graduating seniors, 100 teachers and 100 schools throughout Wisconsin. In 1995, Kohl donated $25 million to UW-Madison for a new sports arena, the Kohl Center.

Committee assignments

• Appropriations Committee
• Special Committee on Aging
• Committee on the Judiciary

External link

• Herb Kohl for Senate 2006 site
• Senate home page
• VoteSmart profile
• Democratic Party of Wisconsin profile