Carlin, who represents the 66th District, was appointed to the House Committee on Appropriations.

"As a businesswoman and former mayor, Rep. Carlin will bring a wealth of experience to these issues,"House Minority Leader Dennis Mckinney said.

Carlin said she will be the first Manhattan legislator to sit on House Appropriations or Senate Ways and Means committees since 2002. She said she "is happy to serve and continue to help the kids of Kansas, and to support issues of growth at Fort Riley and the community." She said she also plans to tackle issues such as Kansas State University's deferred maintenance funds. - Manhattan Mercury