Shuster hires legislative director

WASHINGTON D.C. - Congressman Bill Shuster hired Stephen Martinko to serve as his legislative director, a position in his Washington, D.C. office. Martinko, who started with Congressman Shuster's office last week, previously served as the director of floor debate for the House Republican Conference and Chairman Deborah Pryce (R-OH).

As legislative director, Martinko manages all federal policy issues, as well as appropriations for central and western Pennsylvania. His legislative responsibilities focus on budget, appropriations, border security, taxes, and issues related to the subcommittee Congressman Shuster chairs - the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.

At the Republican Conference, Martinko worked on a wide-range of legislative issues and managed the Office of Committee

Relations. A native of Ohio, he is a graduate of Brown University where he was also a member of their 1999 Ivy League Championship football team.

"Steve is a great addition to our team because he has a solid understanding of the inner-workings of the House of Representatives and an extensive background on a wide-range of policies," said Shuster. "His experience combined with his tremendous work ethic will serve him well working for the Ninth Congressional District."

Prior to his work at the Republican Conference, Martinko worked as a legislative aide for Rep. Jon Porter (R-NV) and served on the staff of Rep. Jim Gibbons (R-NV). His wife, Erin, has family in Williamsport, Pa. Martinko replaces Congressman Shuster's previous legislative director, Michele Hennessey, who relocated to Georgia to work in public health.