Rep. Iden plays key role to increase school safety funding in state House budget plan
Rep. Brandt Iden of Oshtemo Township today played a key role in advancing efforts to significantly boost funding for school safety in Michigan as part of the state House budget plan. Iden’s change added $3 million in funding for panic button technology in Michigan’s K-12 schools. Iden also supported $2.3 million in additional funding for…
Rep. Iden proposes making Michigan’s OK2SAY school safety program permanent
State Rep. Brandt Iden today proposed making Michigan’s 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 law enforcement, mental health service…
Children will be protected from child porn under Rep. Iden bill
Measure is part of House plan in response to Larry Nassar scandal State Rep. Brandt Iden this week testified to the House Law and Justice Committee on how children under the age of 12 will get increased protections from child pornography under his legislation. The bill is part of a bipartisan reform plan developed following…
Lawmakers submit reform plan following MSU inquiry
House legislation calls for better protection from sexual misconduct A bipartisan group of House legislators today submitted a plan to better protect Michigan’s children in the wake of the Larry Nassar sex abuse scandal. The reforms build on previously introduced legislation and include enhanced penalties for distribution, production and financing of child pornography, as well…
Rep. Iden’s proposal cracks down on ransomware use
A bill sponsored by state Rep. Brandt Iden prohibiting the possession of computer ransomware with intent to use was recently signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder. Ransomware is malicious software designed to block access to a computer or freeze essential files until a “ransom” payment is made to restore access. “This type of technology…
Rep. Iden announces coffee hours
State Rep. Brandt Iden today announced plans to meet with residents of Southwest Michigan during local coffee hours in April. “Getting feedback from my community is a crucial aspect of being a representative,” Iden said. “I look forward to hearing what is on people’s minds, and am grateful for those who take the time to…
House approves Iden bill to expand internship opportunities to high school students
The state House today gave bipartisan support to state Rep. Brandt Iden’s legislation to increase professional skills opportunities for high school students. As part of a two-bill plan, Iden’s legislation safeguards funding for school districts, while allowing students participating in an internship or a work experience program off campus to continue to qualify as a…
Rep. Iden takes Polar Plunge for Special Olympics
PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Brandt Iden took part in the annual Legislative Polar Plunge on the Capitol lawn to benefit Special Olympics Michigan. Each year, lawmakers raise funds for Special Olympics Michigan by promising to plunge into the icy cold water.
Rep. Iden’s resolution raises awareness of problem gambling
Legislator says treatment is readily available The Michigan House today approved a resolution introduced by state Rep. Brandt Iden declaring March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Iden, of Oshtemo, said he introduced the legislation to raise public awareness of the issue and stress that effective treatment is available. “There are many legalized recreational gambling…
Rep. Iden joins Michigan House in approving more money for road repairs
Rep. Brandt Iden of Oshtemo today voted to approve legislation that pumps an additional $175 million into road repairs across Michigan as early as this summer. “We have experienced multiple thaws and freezes this winter and because of that, the roads have taken a toll,” Iden said. “We have the opportunity to immediately increase our…
Rep. Iden votes to end driver responsibility fees, forgive debt
Bills head to the governor for consideration State Rep. Brandt Iden today voted for bipartisan legislation which will eliminate burdensome driver responsibility fees on Oct. 1 and forgives all outstanding debt. Iden, of Oshtemo Township, said hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents were impacted by the fees, which were contrived during the Granholm administration…
House bills to improve crime reporting for victims
Nassar case results in legislation to eliminate barriers for reporting sexual offenses A three-bill package has been introduced to better protect victims of criminal sexual conduct-based offenses in response to the recent Larry Nassar scandal at Michigan State University. State Reps. Klint Kesto, Kim LaSata and Brandt Iden are sponsors of the legislation. “After the…