Newly elected Senator Kelly Kultala, D-Kansas City, has been named to five standing committees for the 2009 legislative session, Senate Democratic Leader Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka, has announced.

“Democratic leadership based committee appointments on the expertise and experience our members can offer to the people of Kansas. The legislature will be taking on very important issues in the upcoming months and I am confident that Kelly Kultala will work hard to protect the rights and improve the lives of all Kansans,” said Hensley.

When the legislature convenes in January, Kultala will be the Ranking Democrat on both the Senate Transportation Committee and the Senate Local Government Committee.

“With the current transportation plan set to expire in 2009, one of the most important issues facing the legislature next session will be creating a new 10-year plan that adequately funds necessary road and bridge improvements,” Hensley said. “As the ranking member of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senator-elect Kultala will help ensure that the state’s future infrastructure and transportation needs are met.”

Kultala will also join the Senate committees on Ways & Means; Ethics & Elections; and Special Claims Against the State.

“As a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, Senator Kultala will be responsible for recommending to the legislature an annual state budget that addresses the needs of public education, working families, and services for disabled and older Kansans,” Hensley continued. “In her role as 5th District Commissioner on the Wyandotte County/Kansas City Unified Government and as a Piper USD 203 School Board member, Kultala helped balance a tight budget without sacrificing essential programs. With the state facing a tight financial forecast, I am confident we have made the right decision in appointing her to this important committee.”

Senator-elect Kultala will be sworn into office on January 12th, 2009. The 5th Senate District includes Lansing, Leavenworth, northwest Bonner Springs, and Kansas City.