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…
Rep. Iden secures funding to create opportunities for students with foster care backgrounds at WMU
State Rep. Brandt Iden this week secured final legislative approval for $500,000 to support the Seita Scholars Program at Western Michigan University – an initiative allowing more foster care youth to attend college. The program provides scholarships for students with foster care backgrounds to attend WMU. The $500,000 in state aid would cover costs for…
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…