Joe Markosek is serving a 15th term as the representative for the 25th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He was elected in November 2010 by his peers in the Democratic Caucus to serve as Democratic chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

Throughout Joe's career, he has been a leader on many issues that have an impact on people’s lives. Joe has spearheaded efforts to provide improved and comprehensive services for Pennsylvania’s citizens with developmental disabilities, particularly those with autism spectrum disorders. He later led special committees to investigate issues such as auto theft and problems faced by older drivers.

He also demonstrated his leadership skills as majority chairman of the House Transportation Committee during a period of major challenges. His leadership led to the passage of Act 44, Pennsylvania’s major transportation funding mechanism, which has provided more than $2 billion in additional transportation funding for Pennsylvania. He was the catalyst for the widening of the Route 22 corridor in the Murrysville region of his legislative district.

Joe is also active back home, where he has championed libraries, youth facilities, local governments, EMS providers, transportation improvements, health-care organizations, and local access for senior citizens and people with disabilities. He is an active member of the Monroeville Area and Plum chambers of commerce, as well as the Murrysville Library Foundation Board.

He is a 1972 graduate of the University of Notre Dame and has a son, Brandon.

Prior to taking office in 1983, Joe 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.