Topeka ? State Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, has been appointed by Gov. Mark Parkinson to the Kansas Commission on Rural Policy.

“Our rural communities are part of what makes Kansas great,” Parkinson said. “The Commission on Rural Policy helps to make sure that our rural communities endure for future generations. I thank the members of this commission for their commitment to our rural heritage,” he said.

Francisco’s district includes Lawrence and Lecompton, and she serves as ranking Democrat on the Senate agriculture and natural resources committees.

Parkinson also appointed Patty Clark of Wichita and Richard Veach of Ulysses to the commission.