Preceded by Lee Taddonio Website www.hacd.net Political party Democratic Name Joseph Markosek | Occupation Legislator Religion Catholic Party Democratic Party | |
Born January 27, 1950 (age 74)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ( 1950-01-27 ) Alma mater University of Notre Dame Residence Monroeville, Pennsylvania, United States | ||
Education University of Notre Dame | ||
Joseph F. Markosek (born January 27, 1950) is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 25th District representing Allegheny County and was elected in 1982. During his 30-plus years in office, Markosek has never missed a day when the House was in session.
Contents
- Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee
- Chairman of the House Transportation Committee
- Legislative Initiatives
- In the District
- Background
- References
Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee
Currently, Markosek serves as the Democratic chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, as elected by his peers. The committee is composed of 37 members, currently 15 Democrats and 22 Republicans. The committee conducts budget hearings each spring to review and evaluate the governor’s executive budget proposal. It also meets regularly while the House is in session to evaluate legislative proposals for fiscal implications prior to moving a bill forward in the legislative process.
Chairman of the House Transportation Committee
Previously, Markosek served as Democratic chairman of the House Transportation Committee during a period of major challenges. His leadership led to the passage of Act 44 of 2007, Pennsylvania’s major transportation funding mechanism, which has provided more than $2 billion in additional transportation funding for Pennsylvania. Markosek was the catalyst for the widening of the Route 22 corridor in the Murrysville region of his legislative district.
Legislative Initiatives
Throughout Markosek’s career, he has worked to provide improved and comprehensive services for Pennsylvania’s citizens with developmental disabilities, particularly those with autism spectrum disorders. He also led special committees to investigate issues such as auto theft and problems faced by older drivers. While Markosek is pleased the legislature enacted a texting ban to help make our roads safer, he continues to work to enact comprehensive distracted driving legislation.
In the District
Markosek is also active at home, championing funding for libraries, youth facilities, local governments, EMS providers, transportation improvements, health-care organizations, and local access for senior citizens and people with disabilities. Markosek is an active member of the Monroeville Area and Plum chambers of commerce, as well as the Murrysville Library Foundation Board. Markosek also sits on the Pennsylvania School Employees Retirement System Board and the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center Advisory Committee.
Background
Markosek is a 1972 graduate of the University of Notre Dame. His son Brandon is a student at Duquesne University. He is a lifelong resident of Allegheny County and avid Pittsburgh sports fan. He is also active in his church, St. Bernadette Parish in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. Before taking office in 1983, Markosek worked with Westinghouse Water Reactor Division as a buyer of nuclear components. He was sent to Three Mile Island immediately following the nuclear accident in 1979 as part of the repair/recovery team.