Howard Marklein

Howard Marklein is an American politician affiliated with the Republican Party, currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, representing the 17th Senate district. Born on October 3, 1954, Marklein has had a diverse career as an accountant and fraud examiner prior to his political endeavors. He has been an influential figure in the Wisconsin Legislature, holding significant leadership roles, including president pro tempore of the Senate and co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee.

Early life and career

Howard Marklein was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and raised on a dairy farm in the rural community of Spring Green. This upbringing in a farming environment has shaped his connection to the local community. He completed his secondary education at River Valley High School, graduating in 1972. Following high school, he pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a focus on accounting in 1976.

After completing his degree, Marklein began his professional career at First Wisconsin National Bank of Milwaukee, which is now known as U.S. Bancorp. His skills and expertise in accounting led to his recruitment by Virchow, Krause, & Company, LLP, a firm that later became part of Baker Tilly US, LLP. He began working in their Dodgeville office and quickly advanced in his career. In 1979, he achieved the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, which further solidified his credentials in the field.

Marklein's career progressed as he was promoted and transferred to the Whitewater and Fort Atkinson offices of Virchow, Krause, & Company, LLP. By 1984, he had attained the position of Partner within the firm. His professional focus shifted towards forensic accounting and investigations related to white-collar crime, which led him to become a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). After a successful career in accounting and fraud examination, Marklein has since retired from this profession.

Legislative service

Marklein's entry into politics began with his election to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2010, where he represented the 51st Assembly district. He was re-elected in 2012, marking the start of his legislative career. His political aspirations grew, and in 2013, he announced his intention to challenge the incumbent state senator, Dale Schultz, for the 17th Senate district. Schultz, known for his moderate Republican stance and occasional bipartisan votes, opted not to seek re-election, allowing Marklein to secure the Republican nomination without opposition. He subsequently won the general election against Democrat Pat Bomhack.

Since taking office in the Wisconsin Senate in 2015, Marklein has held several key leadership positions. He was elected by his Republican colleagues as president pro tempore of the Senate for the 2017 and 2019 sessions, a role that involves presiding over the Senate in the absence of the Senate president and performing various administrative duties. In 2021, he was appointed as the co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee, a critical committee responsible for shaping the state budget and financial policies. Marklein has retained this influential position into the 2023–2024 legislative session, underscoring his continued significance in Wisconsin's legislative process.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, Marklein represents the 17th Senate district, which encompasses a diverse range of communities and interests. His policy focus reflects the needs and priorities of his constituents, which include issues related to agriculture, education, and fiscal responsibility. Given his background in accounting and finance, he has been particularly involved in budgetary matters, advocating for responsible fiscal policies that aim to balance the needs of various sectors while ensuring the state's financial health.

Marklein's experience as an accountant and fraud examiner informs his approach to governance, emphasizing transparency and accountability in state financial practices. His leadership role on the Joint Finance Committee allows him to play a pivotal role in determining budget allocations and funding priorities for various state programs and services. This position also places him at the center of discussions regarding economic development, education funding, and infrastructure investments, which are critical to the growth and sustainability of Wisconsin's economy.

In addition to his work on financial matters, Marklein is likely to engage with issues pertinent to his rural constituents, including agricultural policies, rural healthcare access, and local economic development initiatives. His background and personal experiences as a lifelong resident of rural Wisconsin contribute to his understanding of the challenges faced by residents in these areas.

Marklein's legislative service is characterized by his commitment to representing the interests of his district while navigating the complexities of state governance. His roles in leadership positions within the Senate and on the Joint Finance Committee highlight his influence in shaping Wisconsin's legislative agenda and addressing the needs of his constituents.

In his personal life, Howard Marklein is married to Peggy McNeil, a registered nurse. Together, they have two adult children, three stepchildren, and six grandchildren. His family life reflects a commitment to community and public service, values that are often mirrored in his political career. As he continues to serve in the Wisconsin State Senate, Marklein remains an active participant in the legislative process, working to address the concerns of his constituents and contribute to the governance of the state.