Rep. Iden on State of the State: Michigan must invest in talent and workforce development to continue economic momentum
PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Brandt Iden, of Oshtemo Township, attends the Governor’s annual State of the State address with his guest, Portage Mayor Patricia Randall. State Rep. Brandt Iden – chair of the influential Michigan House Ways and Means Committee – tonight said workforce and talent development is the key to continued success for…
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 will lead influential new Michigan House committee in 2019-20 legislative session
State Rep. Brandt Iden of Oshtemo Township will chair the newly created House Ways and Means Committee for the 2019-20 legislative term. Iden will begin his third term representing the 61st House District, which includes part of Kalamazoo County, when the new Legislature convenes in January. The Ways and Means Committee, announced by Speaker-elect Lee…
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…
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…