Topeka ? Several local House members will serve in committee leadership positions in the legislative session that starts Jan. 8.

On the Republican side, Kenny Wilk of Lansing will be chairman of the tax committee, Lee Tafanelli of Ozawkie will serve as vice chairman of appropriations and Anthony Brown of Eudora will be vice chairman of insurance and financial institutions.

Tafanelli also will serve as chairman of the transportation and public safety subcommittee to the appropriations panel.

On the Democratic side, Tom Holland of Baldwin City will serve as the ranking Democrat on the tax committee. Candy Ruff of Leavenworth is ranking Democrat on the veterans, military and homeland security committee.