Latest news with #Kassin
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
South Dakota lawmakers talk 2025 legislative session
NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. (KCAU) — Though South Dakota's legislative session isn't officially over, most of the agenda is complete and no new bills will be considered in the last few days. South Dakota started its legislative session on Jan. 14. A change of leadership in the middle of the session made it an interesting time at the state capitol. 'It was the 100th legislative session, which is kind of interesting,' said Representative Chris Kassin (R) from the 17th district. 'I thought it went well.' 'It was a battle, honestly,' said Representative William Shorma (R) from the 17th district. Noem says she plans to 'eliminate FEMA' There were a few bills that took focus for lawmakers and residents this year. 'School choice voucher kind of program, it was reduction in property taxes, and it was really killing the (Carbon) pipeline,' Shorma said. The school voucher program failed alongside two property tax bills, while a ban on eminent domain for the carbon pipeline and a five-year cap on resident property taxes was passed. However, there was one bill a handful of legislators was hoping to get passed this session. 'There was a couple of hearings on the McCook Lake bill, and what it was, was a contingency fund to ensure that dollars are being available if what Game, Fish, and Parks is going to do, which is a cleanup effort for McCook lake, maybe wasn't substantial enough to clean up the lake and kind of restore it to where it was pre-flood,' Kassin said. 'Suppose a million and a half dollars isn't enough to go far enough on the lake reclamation,' Shorma said. 'We want to be able to expand the scope of that with this additional $2 million.' The bill was killed in a 7-2 vote by the House Appropriations Committee. 'There are 105 legislators, 70 of them in the House,' Shorma said. 'So out of 70, Chris Kassin [and I] are two of us out of the 70. In the House, it was a fairly close vote.' 'So McCook Lake is a priority for me as a legislator in district 17, along with Representative Sharma and Senator Sidney Davis,' Kassin said. 'This is a mainstay within this entire district and within this community. You know, I think maybe other legislators didn't feel that it was a priority, maybe in east, eastern, you know, in the western part of the state or the northern part of the state, the northwestern part of the state.' On top of this year being the 100th legislative session, former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem resigned to join President Trump's cabinet, making former lieutenant governor Larry Rhoden the 34th Governor of South Dakota. North Sioux City holds candidate town hall for new governing body 'It's the first time it's ever happened that a governor has taken over during the legislative session,' Kassin said. 'The interesting part was trying to understand if his priorities were different than the previous governors. Obviously, he's, you know, he's a different person.' 'Governor Noem picked him to be lieutenant governor because they agreed on 90% of the issues,' Shorma said. 'He has his own opinion about a couple of issues that may be different, may not go as deep into the conservative mode as Governor Noem did, but he's still conservative on those same issues. So we'll have to see how that all works out.' South Dakota legislators will return to the capitol on March 31 as lawmakers address bills vetoed by Governor Rhoden. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
ArabGT
03-03-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Isuzu Unveils the All-New 2025 D-Max GT in Riyadh
Isuzu International Thailand has officially introduced its latest pickup, the Isuzu D-Max GT 2025, at an exclusive launch event held in the King Khalid Royal Reserve in Riyadh. The ceremony paid homage to Saudi heritage, creating a unique setting for the debut of the rugged new model. Bold and Sporty Exterior Design According to Isuzu, the D-Max GT 2025 embodies a design philosophy that merges power and boldness with a contemporary sporty edge, making it equally capable for urban commutes and off-road adventures. The exterior styling is enhanced by high-tech headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED turn signals, while the rear lighting setup features a fresh design that gives the D-Max a wide and commanding presence, reinforcing its tough and premium look. The brand highlights that the updated model boasts a modern, sophisticated aesthetic, featuring an innovative design that conveys a sense of strength and spaciousness from every angle. To improve aerodynamic efficiency, Isuzu has incorporated engineering refinements that help reduce air resistance, noise, and vibrations, resulting in a smoother, more stable ride across different terrains. A Refined and Sporty Interior Inside, the Isuzu D-Max GT 2025 is designed to blend sporty character with luxurious comfort. The dashboard now features a 7-inch digital information display, replacing the previous 4.2-inch screen, offering drivers a clearer, more detailed view of essential data. The pickup is also equipped with an advanced infotainment system, boasting an 8-inch touchscreen finished in a Piano Black accent, delivering a premium feel. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity via USB or Wi-Fi, making for a more user-friendly experience. Adding to its dynamic cabin atmosphere, the steering wheel adopts a sporty design, while red interior accents highlight the vehicle's premium character. The seats feature striking red embroidery, complementing the driver information display, which provides real-time updates on audio settings, tire pressure monitoring, four-wheel-drive engagement, and vehicle tilt angle, ensuring a comprehensive and convenient driving experience. Unmatched Off-Road Capability Speaking at the launch, Mr. Kassin, Deputy General Manager of Isuzu International, emphasized the D-Max GT 2025's robust off-road capabilities, stating that the model is engineered to excel in challenging terrains, delivering a true four-wheel-drive experience that meets the demands of performance enthusiasts. He also highlighted Isuzu's commitment to celebrating local culture, with the launch event set in a desert-inspired camp reflecting Saudi Arabia's heritage. Attendees, including leading automotive journalists and representatives from Isuzu dealers in Saudi Arabia, such as Alissa International Motors Company and Al-Yemeni Motors Company, as well as executives from Isuzu's parent company, had the chance to experience the D-Max GT 2025 firsthand. The event concluded with an interactive media session, allowing participants to test drive the pickup and explore its standout features, reaffirming Isuzu's dedication to delivering innovative solutions tailored for all road conditions.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
House panel says no to McCook Lake fund
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The South Dakota Legislature will not set aside any additional dollars for clean-up of McCook Lake. McCook Lake flood: Did the mitigation plan make things worse? House Bill 1108 would have created the McCook Lake contingency fund and to transfer moneys to the fund. On Monday, HB1108 was sent to the 41st Day by the House Appropriations Committee which effectively kills the bill in a 7-2 vote. HB1108 sponsor Republican Rep. Chris Kassin said the set aside money would be to cover needed gaps in the clean-up of McCook Lake. 'This is to help restore the lake, which is a state-owned lake,' Kassin said. Kassin and other bill supporters have said in prior legislative testimony the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department plans to clean-up the lake which was damaged in the June flood. The lake has cars, trees, lawn chairs, portions of structure and other debris. The concern is that there may not be enough money to thoroughly clean the lake. Kassin's original version had asked for up to $2 million but the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee changed that to $1 to allow House Appropriations to discuss the bill. 'I appreciate Representative Kassin bringing this bill forward,' said committee member Republican Rep. Liz May. 'My frustration is Game, Fish and Parks has not made this a priority.' With the recent attention to the needed clean-up of the lake, May said she expects the GFP to make it a priority. Committee member Republican Rep. Scott Moore moved to send it to the 41st Day. There was no discussion after that motion. Although she appreciated the bill, May voted to send it to the 41st Day. Kassin and Democrat Rep. Eric Muckey voted against the move to kill the bill, while Moore and fellow Republican Representatives Mike Derby, Terri Jorgenson, Jack Kolbeck, Al Novstrup and John Sjaarda voted in favor of the 41st Day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
