Democratic assemblyman and educator Marlin D. Schneider was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin on November 16, 1942. He attended local public schools and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and immediately after graduation in 1965 began a career as a social studies teacher. Professional associations in which he was active included the Wisconsin Rapids Education Association and the Lomira Education Association.
In 1970 Schneider was elected to the Assembly as a representative from Wood County's Second District (later the 59th and 93rd District). In 1984 he served his seventh consecutive term. Although Schneider has been regarded by the press as one of his party's mavericks, he was also one of the most prominent members of the party. From 1973 to 1981 Schneider was vice chairman of the majority caucus. Other committee leadership posts which he has held include chairmanships (1977-1981) of the Revenue Committee and the Joint Audit Committee (1983); co-chairmanship (1977) of the Joint Survey Committee on Tax Exemptions; and vice-chairmanships of the finance (1983), debt management (1983), veterans and military affairs (1981), joint audit (1977), and engrossed bills (1973) committees. He also served on the Legislative Council, the council's Mining Committee, and the State Claims Board. Other committee assignments are listed in biennual volumes of the Blue Book.
In 1976 Schneider earned an M.S.T. at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He has also undertaken work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison toward a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, receiving a M.S. in 1979 as an interim degree. He received a certificate from Madison Area Technical College Police Academy in 1982.
Representative Schneider is active in the National Conference of State Legislators and its committees on rural development and transportation and communications; the American Civil Liberties Union; the American Federation of Musicians; and Big Brothers of Central Wisconsin.
He is married to the former Georgia Johansen and the couple have two children, Jeanine and Molly.
