William “Bill” Marx Lehman was born on October 6, 1913, in Selma, Alabama, and had a privileged childhood, but realized early on that the world was filled with those less fortunate than himself and saw first-hand the good things that government could facilitate in their lives.

In the 1930’s Bill Lehman graduated from the University of Alabama, moved to Miami, Florida, married Joan Feibelman in 1939, and spent 30 years selling used cars, then spent a short time as a school teacher, and first became involved in politics when he ran and was elected to the Dade County School Board in 1966, became chairman of the board in 1971, and was first elected to Congress in 1972.

Congressman Lehman represented Dade County for 20 years in the United States House of Representatives and was a member of the very influential Florida delegation that brought to South Florida billions of dollars in federal aid, especially in the area of transportation.

The highlights of Congressman Lehman’s political career included serving as the Chairman of the powerful Subcommittee on Transportation Appropriations, advocating on behalf of Haitian refugees, and smuggling a synthetic heart valve to a young patient in the Soviet Union.

Congressman Lehman became a role model for countless young people, including Florida Senator Dave Aronberg, who served as his Congressional Page as a teenager in the 100th Congress and always strove to “make him proud.”

The Florida Senate recognizes not only the exemplary life that Congressman Bill Lehman led, but also recognizes the unforgettable legacy that he leaves behind.

Extracted from:
Florida Senate – 2005
SR 2786 By Senator Aronberg
27-2379-05 1
www.leg.state.fl.us/data/session/2005/Senate/bills/billtext/pdf/s2786.pdf