Topeka ? State Rep. Tom Sloan, R-Lawrence, on Tuesday was appointed chairman of the House Higher Education Committee.

“He is a natural fit to chair this important committee,” said House Speaker-elect Doug Mays, R-Topeka.

What follows is a look at other House committee chairmen named by Mays. All are Republicans. An “x” designates a holdover chairman from the 2001 and 2002 sessions:

• Agriculture: Dan Johnson, Hays (x).
• Appropriations: Melvin Neufeld, Ingalls.
• Commerce and Labor: Don Dahl, Hillsboro.
• Corrections and Juvenile Justice: Ward Loyd, Garden City.
• Economic Development: Kenny Wilk, Lansing.
• Education: Kathe Decker, Clay Center.
• Environment: Joann Freeborn, Concordia (x).
• Ethics and Elections: Don Myers, Derby.
• Federal and State Affairs: Bill Mason, El Dorado.
• Financial Institutions: Ray Cox, Bonner Springs (x).
• Health and Human Services: Jim Morrison, Colby.
• Insurance: Patricia Barbieri-Lightner, Overland Park.
• Judiciary: Mike O’Neal, Hutchinson (x).
• Local Government: Jene Vickrey, Louisburg.
• Parks and Tourism: Becky Hutchins, Holton.
• Rules and Journal: Tim Owens, Overland Park.
• Taxation: John Edmonds, Great Bend (x).
• Transportation: Gary Hayzlett, Lakin (x).
• Utilities: Carl Dean Holmes, Liberal (x).