Rep. Kenny Wilk, R-Lansing, will serve as vice chairman of the 2007 Assessment and Taxation Interim Committee.

“Rep. Wilk has been a strong leader as the chairman of the House Taxation Committee. He is well-versed in tax policy. His knowledge and leadership will serve the House and all Kansans well as the interim committee considers the many important tax issues facing our state,” said House Speaker Melvin Neufeld, R-Ingalls, who tapped Wilk for the post.

The 13-member committee (eight House members and five Senate members) will meet this summer and fall to make recommendations on issues such as corporate income tax shelters, sales tax exemptions, property tax payment dates, property tax deferrals, income tax withholding, local sales tax authority, tax relief for storm-damaged property, corporation income tax credits and property taxes on newly constructed residential property

Sen. Mark Gilstrap, D-Kansas City, whose district reaches into Leavenworth County, will serve as ranking minority member on the Transportation Interim Committee. The committee is composed of 11 members from the Kansas Senate and House and will examine a number of topics relating to the state’s transportation laws, including possible expansion of national and short line railroads, graduated driver’s licensing, and state highway maintenance, among others.

“Sen. Gilstrap’s current positions on the Senate Transportation Committee and the Interstate Cooperation Committee will help him provide sound advice as the interim committee reviews driver’s education requirements and other possible restrictions for teen drivers,” said Sen. Anthony Hensley, the Senate Democratic leader.