Topeka ? Kansas House committees handling budget legislation and social issues are getting new chairmen.

The changes follow House vacancies created by this year’s elections.

House Speaker Mike O’Neal says Newton Republican Marc Rhoades will serve as Appropriations Committee chairman when the Legislature convenes Jan. 10.

Rhoades will replace Overland Park Republican Kevin Yoder, who was elected to Congress. Rhoades is a 49-year-old college instructor who’s served in the House since 2007.

O’Neal says Bel Aire Republican Steve Brunk will chair the Federal and State Affairs Committee, which handles bills on abortion, gambling and liquor laws.

Brunk will replace Ingalls Republican Melvin Neufeld, who lost his seat in the Republican primary in August. Brunk, a 59-year-old real estate broker, has served in the House since 2003.