Rep. Iden and Gov. Snyder welcome Portage FIRST Robotics team to state Capitol
State Representative Brandt Iden and Governor Rick Snyder welcomed the World Champion Stryke Force 2767 FIRST Robotics team to the state capitol today. Stryke Force 2767 competed in the FIRST Robotics World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, defeating more than 3,000 teams from around the world. The team had to build a robot able to…
State House approves Rep. Iden’s Michigan Tax Tribunal reforms
The state House today approved Rep. Brandt Iden’s bill to benefit residential and commercial taxpayers by improving the Michigan Tax Tribunal. Iden’s legislation would make the state’s administrative court handling property tax appeals more efficient and reliable. The reforms would speed up the resolution of cases and require comprehensive training for new tribunal appointees. “These…
Rep. Iden votes to fund trail development in Portage
Project part of Natural Resources Trust Fund bill State Rep. Brandt Iden today announced he voted on legislation to invest in natural resource projects across Michigan, including one that will develop a trail in Portage. Iden, of Oshtemo, said he appreciates the House approving the Natural Resources Trust Fund project in the community, which…
House passes Rep. Iden bill allowing cybersecurity volunteer work
The Michigan House of Representatives on Tuesday advanced a bill introduced by Rep. Brandt Iden of Oshtemo, which would allow volunteers to assist in defending against cybersecurity attacks in Michigan. Iden’s bill creates the Cyber Civilian Corps Act, which gives volunteers the opportunity to provide cyber-defense services to local governments, nonprofits, private businesses, educational organizations…
Rep. Iden encourages residents of Southwest Michigan to enjoy Free Fishing Weekend
State Rep. Brandt Iden encourages residents to kick off the summer by taking advantage of Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend, June 9 and 10. “We have some beautiful natural resources here in Southwest Michigan,” Iden said. “This is the perfect opportunity to visit one of our many lakes, rivers, or streams with friends and family to…
Rep. Iden welcomes local pastor to lead House invocation
State Rep. Brandt Iden of Oshtemo, right, welcomed Dennis Jokela, center, to the state Capitol to give today’s invocation for the Michigan House of Representatives. Jokela is a chaplin for the Kalamazoo County Sheriff Department and lead pastor at Dennis Jokela Ministries. They were joined at the rostrum by Speaker Pro Tempore Lee Chatfield.
Rep. Iden announces economic grant to create 45 jobs
State Rep. Brandt Iden today announced a $500,000 performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund has been awarded to Zoetis LLC, a global leader in animal health pharmaceuticals. The company is investing $64.5 million to renovate its global manufacturing and supply facilities and to add production capacity in the cities of Kalamazoo and Portage. The…
Rep. Iden introduces bill to enhance cyber-security
State Rep. Brandt Iden of Oshtemo today introduced legislation to allow the Michigan Cyber Civilian Corps, an all-volunteer force, to provide cybersecurity services and to respond to cyberattacks. This bill gives the Michigan Cyber Civilian Corps the legal protection it needs to assist schools, municipalities, nonprofits and private businesses. “Every day, the State of Michigan…
Rep. Iden encourages State Farm Insurance to reconsider branch closure
State Rep. Brandt Iden of Oshtemo issued the following statement in response to the announcement that State Farm Insurance plans to close its Kalamazoo branch: “State Farm Insurance’s decision to close its Kalamazoo branch, will affect over 600 individuals and families in Kalamazoo County. While I offer my sincere gratitude for State Farm’s contributions to…
Rep. Iden works to fight opioid abuse in Kalamazoo County
A research program to fight opioid abuse throughout Kalamazoo County is included in the latest version of Michigan House budget, due to a measure sponsored by Rep. Brandt Iden of Oshtemo. The House-approved budget plan includes an $850,000 program to combat the abuse of painkillers and other opioids among Kalamazoo County’s Medicaid recipients. The money…
Rep. Iden Announces Coffee Hours
State Rep. Brandt Iden announced his upcoming May and June coffee hour events in Kalamazoo County. “Connecting with my neighbors and answering their questions about our state government continues to be a top priority for me,” says Rep. Iden. “I invite all of my community residents to come speak with me about the issues most…
Rep. Iden, House committee take testimony on economic impact of Michigan’s 3-tier system
State Rep. Brandt Iden of Oshtemo is chair of the House Regulatory Reform Committee. One of the committee’s responsibilities is reviewing regulations related to alcohol sales, manufacturing and distribution. Today, the committee toured West Side Beer Distributing of Lansing to gain first-hand knowledge on how Michigan’s three-tier alcohol distribution system works. The committee also heard…