Joseph Markosek

Markosek served as the Democratic chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, as elected by his peers. The committee was composed of 37 members. 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.[2]

Previously, Markosek served as Democratic chairman of the House Transportation Committee during a period of major challenges.[3] 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.[4] Markosek was the catalyst for the widening of the Route 22 corridor in the Murrysville region of his legislative district.[5]

Throughout Markosek’s career, he 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 was pleased the legislature enacted a texting ban to help make our roads safer, he continued to work to enact comprehensive distracted driving legislation.[6]

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[7] and the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center Advisory Committee.[8]