Rep. Iden: Occupational licensing reform will alleviate burdensome restrictions

The Michigan House of Representatives today overwhelmingly approved multiple, bipartisan plans spearheaded by state Rep. Brandt Iden, of Oshtemo, giving those with criminal records a better chance in finding employment. Iden’s legislation, House Bill 6110, which is the lead bill in the package, makes it easier for an individual applying for a state occupational license…

Rep. Iden: Local drivers get relief from driver responsibility fee elimination

State Rep. Brandt Iden today said the new law eliminating punitive driver responsibility fees in Michigan took effect this week, bringing relief to hundreds of thousands of motorists. Iden, of Oshtemo Township, voted for the plan, which was signed into law in March as part of a multi-bill package ending the fees and offering full…

Rep. Iden: Occupational licensing reform will help move Michigan forward

State Rep. Brandt Iden, chair of the House Regulatory Reform Committee, Wednesday testified before the committee in support of a bipartisan bill package that would give those with criminal records a better chance in finding employment. Iden’s plan, House Bill 6110, which is the lead bill in the package, would make it more difficult for…

Michigan State Police official joins Rep. Iden for Sept. 11 ceremony

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Brandt Iden (left), of Oshtemo Township, is joined by Inspector Dale Hinz, Assistant Commander of Michigan State Police’s 5th District, on Thursday during a Michigan House session commemorating the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The ceremony remembers first responders and members of the military from Michigan who died in the line of…

COLUMN: Eliminating red tape for rehabilitated individuals

By state Rep. Brandt Iden of Oshtemo Township For far too long, our definition of ‘rehabilitation’ regarding criminal justice has been the bare minimum. People are released from incarceration every day in Southwest Michigan and around the nation, but are they prepared to succeed in society? Shouldn’t our justice system ensure that those released get…

Rep. Iden statement on trace PFAS detection in Portage water

State Rep. Brandt Iden of Oshtemo Township today issued the following statement in regard to traces of PFAS contamination identified in the Portage water system: “I am closely monitoring the situation in Portage and keeping up-to-date on continued efforts to address the trace PFAS contamination found in our community. “The levels of contamination detected in…

Rep. Iden: Think local during Buy Michigan Week

State Rep. Brandt Iden, of Oshtemo Township, today encouraged residents in Kalamazoo County to consider buying locally made products and local services during Buy Michigan Week, which runs through Aug. 5. Purchasing goods and services from local companies has a positive ripple effect on the region, encouraging small business growth and more job opportunities while…

Rep. Iden helps present local food pantry with generous check

State Rep. Brandt Iden recently joined the Oshtemo Meijer team in presenting Friday Groceries, a local food pantry, with a check for $59,800 after a spring fundraiser. The Simply Give campaign, which all Midwest Meijer stores partner with, teams up with communities and local food pantries to raise millions of dollars to help ensure each…

Rep. Brandt Iden issues statement supporting state awards for Pfizer

State Rep. Brandt Iden of Oshtemo Township issued the following statement after Pfizer was awarded state grants to support a new facility planned for Portage, including a $1 million performance-based grant and a tax capture valued at $10.5 million through the Good Jobs for Michigan program. The awards were approved today by the Michigan Strategic…

COLUMN: Educating the next generation and keeping them safe

By state Rep. Brandt Iden of Oshtemo Township Our children are our future leaders. It is our responsibility to invest in them, ensuring they have every opportunity to achieve their goals and contribute back to our great state. I am proud of the recently signed budget proposal that my colleagues and I have worked on….

Iden plan to expand internship opportunities becomes law

Bill secures school funding while high school students get on-the-job training State Rep. Brandt Iden’s legislation to help increase professional skills opportunities for high school students in now law. Rep. Iden’s bill and its partner legislation allows students to participate in an off-campus internship or a work experience program for school credit. “Work and internship…