Statement from Rep. Brandt Iden on regional event center legislation

Rep. Brandt Iden today issued the following statement after the Michigan House approved his legislation (House Bill 4816) related to regional event centers: “This is an important measure to help Kalamazoo County – and other locations in Michigan – continue to build on the state’s economic momentum. Conventions, concerts, and other special events are a…

Rep. Iden: Modern gaming, sports betting regulations signed into Michigan law

Rep. Brandt Iden’s work to protect Michigan consumers and modernize the state’s gaming regulations is now part of state law. Legislation to allow and regulate online casino-style gaming, along with sports wagering, was signed today by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “After four years of hard work, I’m happy to see Michigan enter the modern era of…

Rep. Iden leads Michigan Legislature’s approval of sports betting, online gaming protections for residents

Rep. Brandt Iden today led the state Legislature’s final votes to approve important consumer protections and modernize Michigan’s gaming laws to incorporate sports betting and evolving technology. The plan – headed to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her expected signature – would benefit Michigan’s economy, create important revenue streams for K-12 schools and local governments, and…

Michigan legislators introduce sweeping plan to allow college athletes to be compensated

A pair of former collegiate athletes now serving in the Michigan Legislature are spearheading a bipartisan plan to allow current and future student-athletes to receive fair compensation for their name, image and likeness. The legislation from state Reps. Brandt Iden (R-Oshtemo) and Joe Tate (D-Detroit) address the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) strict and archaic…

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…