Topeka ? House Speaker Melvin Neufeld didn’t have to look far to name a new member of the Kansas Bioscience Authority board of directors.

Neufeld, who will no longer be House speaker in less than a month, appointed himself to the 11-member board which disperses millions of tax dollars for bioscience development.

In a news release Wednesday, Neufeld said he was encouraged by other legislators to name himself to the KBA.

One of those was state Rep. Kenny Wilk, R-Lansing, who authored the 2004 legislation that established the board.

Wilk said Neufeld was instrumental in helping the state secure the proposed National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility, and he has a deep knowledge of state finances.

“I believe he will be a tremendous asset to the KBA board,” Wilk said.

According to the KBA Web site, the board is appointed by the governor, Senate president, Senate minority leader, House speaker, House minority leader and the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corp. Two non-voting members are appointed by the Kansas Board of Regents.

Neufeld was defeated by state Rep. Mike O’Neal, R-Hutchinson, in his bid to continue as speaker. O’Neal will assume the speaker’s position next month when the 2009 legislative session starts.

The Bioscience Authority is funded from state income-tax withholdings generated by bioscience-related companies. The KBA is expected to allocate approximately $580 million.