Michigan House approves Rep. Iden’s internet gaming bill

Measure will make it safer to play casino games online   The Michigan House today approved a plan introduced by state Rep. Brandt Iden to regulate internet gaming in Michigan. Rep. Iden, of Oshtemo Township, said his measure will allow online gaming only through currently existing land-based casinos, including any tribal casino that reworks its…

Rep. Iden, Sen. O’Brien secure more road funding to boost Kalamazoo County economy

One of the improvements will assist planned Stryker expansion Rep. Brandt Iden and Sen. Margaret O’Brien today announced they successfully secured funding for several key Kalamazoo County road projects, including one that will assist the expansion of a key employer. The state will provide $1.8 million to improve Zylman Avenue as part of its new…

Rep. Iden welcomes Olympian to state Capitol

                                    PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Brandt Iden welcomed U.S Olympic Soccer star Lindsay Tarpley to the floor of the Michigan House of Representatives.  Tarpley is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, winning gold at the 2004 Athens and 2008…

COLUMN: Putting mental health at the forefront in Michigan

By state Rep. Brandt Iden of Oshtemo Township Real reforms and results for our citizens, not just unrealized rhetoric and more red tape. That was our goal in the Michigan House when we set out to improve the state’s mental health system, and I have been pleased to help lead the effort in advancing meaningful…

Senate approves Iden plan to expand internship opportunities

Legislation allows credit for high school students’ on-the-job training The state Senate today unanimously agreed with state Rep. Brandt Iden’s legislation to increase professional skills opportunities for high school students, approving the plan on a unanimous vote. “We can better prepare our children for life after high school by allowing for opportunities to learn outside…

House approves Rep. Iden bill to protect children from porn

Measure is part of bipartisan plan in response to Larry Nassar scandal The state House today approved Rep. Brandt Iden’s measure increasing protections for children under 12 from child pornography. “Child pornography victimizes innocent children in every way possible,” said Iden, of Oshtemo Township. “Michigan must continue to take bold action in the fight against…

Rep. Iden’s ‘spring cleaning’ proposal passes House

The Michigan House Wednesday voted overwhelmingly to approve a plan sponsored by state Rep. Brandt Iden removing an unnecessary law from the books. Iden’s plan repeals a duplicative reporting requirement regarding the Veteran Right to Employment Services Act. Under the current 1994 law, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is required to report employment…

Rep. Iden joins colleagues in legislative ‘spring cleaning’

The House Oversight Committee today heard testimony and voted to approve a plan sponsored by state Rep. Brandt Iden removing an unnecessary law from the books. Iden’s plan repeals a duplicative reporting requirement regarding the Veteran Right to Employment Services Act. Under the current 1994 law, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is required…

Local representatives celebrate Older Michiganians Day

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Reps. Brandt Iden and Beth Griffin meet with members of the Kalamazoo Area Agency on Aging group on the Capitol lawn.  Older Michiganians Day is an annual rally that takes place on the lawn of the Capitol.  The event brings together hundreds of seniors, aging service providers, and senior advocates to meet…

House approves Rep. Iden’s plan to make OK2SAY permanent, improving school safety

The Michigan House today approved state Rep. Brandt Iden’s proposal to make the OK2SAY school safety program a permanent part of the state’s strategy to protect children. OK2SAY allows the confidential reporting of tips on potentially harmful or criminal activity directed at students, school employees or school buildings. The system helps distribute important information to…

COLUMN: Stepping up the fight against opioids

By state Rep. Brandt Iden of Oshtemo Township A growing problem generally calls for a larger response – especially when the lives of Michigan residents hang in the balance. The number of heroin and prescription opioid overdose deaths in Michigan has doubled during the past five years. In Kalamazoo County, 24 residents were treated each…