Topeka ? State Rep. Melvin Neufeld, R-Ingalls, has become president-elect of the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Neufeld will serve one year in the position and then become president during the 2011-2012 conference year.

“The relationship between the states and the federal government is at a critical juncture,” said Neufeld. “Congress’ inability to address the nation’s most pressing problems leaves it up to state legislators.”

Neufeld, a former Kansas House speaker, has served in the Legislature from 1985 to 1988 and then from 1990 to the present.