Joseph Markosek

Joseph F. Markosek (born January 27, 1950) is an American politician who served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 25th district from 1983 to 2021. In February 2018, Markosek announced his retirement and endorsed his son, Brandon, to replace him.^[1]

Joseph F. Markosek
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 25th district
In office January 4, 1983 – November 30, 2018
Preceded by	Lee Taddonio
Succeeded by	Brandon Markosek
Personal details
Born	(1950-01-27) January 27, 1950 (age 75) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Residence	Monroeville, Pennsylvania
Alma mater	University of Notre Dame
Occupation	Legislator
Website	www.hacd.net

Early life and education

Markosek was born in Pittsburgh. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1972.^{[citation needed]}

Career

Before taking office in 1983, Markosek worked with Westinghouse Electric Corporation 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.^{[citation needed]}

Pennsylvania House

House Appropriations Committee

Markosek served as the Democratic chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. 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]

House Transportation Committee

Previously, Markosek served as Democratic chairman of the House Transportation Committee.^{[citation needed]} 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.^[3] Markosek also advocated for the widening of the Route 22 corridor in the Murrysville region of his legislative district.^{[citation needed]}

Legislative initiatives

Throughout Markosek’s career, he worked to services 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.^[4]