Rep. Iden supports increased school funding with budget vote

Rep. Brandt Iden this week demonstrated his continued support for increased K-12 education funding by voting in favor of the Michigan Legislature’s school aid budget. Iden supported a budget investing a record $15.2 billion in Michigan schools. The measure was approved by the House in an overwhelming bipartisan vote and is headed to Gov. Whitmer…

Rep. Iden: Michigan should alleviate burdensome occupational restrictions

In a continued effort to give those with a criminal record a better chance at finding steady employment, state Rep. Brandt Iden today testified before the House Regulatory Reform Committee in support of a bipartisan plan he is spearheading. In Michigan, when an individual applies for an occupational license, he or she must undergo an…

Rep. Iden: Online gaming reforms must focus on protections, benefits for Michigan residents

State Rep. Brandt Iden today emphasized Michigan must focus on consumer protections while modernizing gaming regulations to reflect current online technology. Iden focused on protecting and benefiting Michigan residents during Ways and Means Committee testimony today, while noting some stakeholders are more interested in monopolizing gaming revenue for the state and counterproductive tax rates that…

Rep. Iden: Michigan should be forward-thinking, move gaming online

House panel approves proposals prioritizing consumer protections, increasing state revenue In a continued effort to update the way gaming is conducted and regulated statewide, the House Regulatory Reform Committee today overwhelmingly approved wide-ranging, bipartisan legislation spearheaded by state Rep. Brandt Iden.  The sweeping plan establishes and updates Michigan gaming regulations, and reflects modern technology. Under…

House plan offers additional protections for first responders

State Reps. Ryan Berman, Brandt Iden and Jeff Yaroch have introduced a plan to stiffen penalties for criminals who threaten or carry out targeted attacks on first responders and corrections officers in Michigan. Berman, who serves as a reserve police officer, said attacks on law enforcement officers and other first responders have increased over the…

Rep. Iden takes ceremonial oath of office on House floor

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Samantha Zandee (Legislative Director), Supreme Court Chief Justice Stephen Markman, Bonnie Iden (mother), Georgia Crabtree (aunt), Rep. Brandt Iden and Ashlyn Iden (sister). PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Brandt Iden, of Oshtemo Township, was joined by family as he was sworn in at the state Capitol today for his third term as…

Rep. Iden’s gaming plans head to the governor

Proposals prioritize consumer protections, increase state revenue The Michigan House today approved a variety of measures introduced by state Rep. Brandt Iden updating the way gaming is conducted and regulated statewide. House Bills 4926-4928 legalize and regulate internet gaming in Michigan by creating a division of internet gaming within the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The…

Michigan Legislature approves Rep. Iden’s plan making schools safer, OK2SAY permanent

  The state Legislature today gave final approval to Rep. Brandt Iden’s proposal making the OK2SAY program a permanent part of Michigan’s strategy to improve school safety. 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…

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…