(AP) — A veteran Kansas House member has given up his seat to take a top staff position at the state court that reviews tax disputes.

Former Rep. Arlen Siegfreid began work Tuesday as the chief hearing officer for the Kansas Court of Tax Appeals, the same day the Olathe Republican’s resignation from the Legislature was effective.

He was appointed to the job by Gov. Sam Brownback, and a Senate committee approved his appointment Monday. Siegfreid still must be confirmed by the full Senate next year.

The 66-year-old Siegfreid was first elected to the House in 2002, and he was majority leader in 2011 and 2012.

He ran unsuccessfully for House speaker and was serving as chairman of the House Federal and State Affairs Committee when he gave up his seat.