Greetings!
It’s been a busy week in the Legislature. I had the opportunity to testify about some pretty important legislation that protects our youth; I also stood up for better gun safety across the state.
It was also Sunshine Week (March 15-21). This special week is set aside to acknowledge the importance of open government and transparency. Public trust is absolutely essential for a healthy democracy. The BRITE Act championed by House Dems would close loopholes in Michigan’s transparency and oversight laws. The BRITE Act is a critical step to strengthen ethics laws and hold public officials accountable. Michiganders deserve more from their leaders this Sunshine Week and beyond. We’re ready for sunshine in Lansing and in all public government.
Thank you for your continued interest and engagement with my office. I look forward to seeing you soon in the District.
Blessings,
Rep. Steph
Stephanie A. Young
State Representative
House District 16
Love Is The Work!
Join us to welcome special guests from the North American Indian Association of Detroit (NAIA). The organization, founded in 1940, has helped Native people maintain cultural ties while navigating life in an urban environment, especially during periods of large migration from reservations to cities. NAIA is widely recognized for revitalizing the Native cultural presence in Detroit and Southeast Michigan. Plan to join us in person on Monday, April 13, at 10 a.m. at the NAIA headquarters, 22720 Plymouth Road, Detroit, MI 48239, or join us on Facebook live.
GunSafety — Always on the Table
On gun safety issues, we continue to get the work done. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting with members of End Gun Violence Michigan to discuss the importance of improving our policies around gun violence. Gun violence continues to plague far too many neighborhoods and families.
House Democrats recently announced a gun violence prevention bill package that will keep our schools, communities and homes safe by bringing forth simple and commonsense legislation that has overwhelming support. That’s why House Democrats have introduced these straightforward bills to hold gun manufacturers accountable, lower the lethality of these weapons and strengthen rules on training and how easy it is to buy a gun. This package is not about control; it’s about freedom from gun violence.
In this gun violence prevention package my bill, HB 5746, increases penalties for anyone who harms or kills a child while intentionally shooting at a house or otherwise occupied building. It helps to address the increasing occurrences of and future prevention of drive-by shootings.
The House Dems package has overwhelming support and is a common-sense approach to firearm safety. We aren’t placing needless burdens or restrictions on lawful gun owners. We’re taking meaningful steps to make a safer Michigan for gun-owners and non-gun owners alike.
Project Lighthouse Initiative: BAD ENERGY Policies
Energy prices are higher than ever partly because of the presidential administration removing billions in grants for clean energy projects — some of which were going to bring millions of dollars and thousands of jobs to Michigan. The cheapest energy to provide is the energy that is free to capture — that’s why clean energy is so economically smart. The more wind and solar farms in the state, the lower costs will be likely for everyday Michiganders. Utility costs have skyrocketed, in part, due to the President’s tariffs, which have made grid maintenance and upgrades pricier, and his administration pulling back more than $540 million in promised energy grant funding to Michigan.
In my opinion, House Republican attempts to repeal clean energy policy could not come at a worse time — their legislation will make it even harder for utilities to invest in the clean energy projects that have already been planned. House Democrats continue working to relieve financial burdens that weigh so heavily on Michiganders.
High School Seniors! FREE MONEY for College
APPS DUE MARCH 31
The HYPE Athletics Scholarship
This announcement is important: Know a High School Senior? They could earn a $1,000 scholarship — apply by March 31! HYPE Athletics is proud to offer two $1,000 scholarships to support one male and one female High School Senior with tuition, books and fees!
Eligibility: High School Senior with a GPA greater than 3.0. Complete the application and the required essay. The essay topic is: “How will you use your degree to give back to and help the community?”
Hype Athletics, since 2001, has focused on providing communities with drug-free, violent-free and diverse athletic events and programs for kids and adults.
Winners will be announced at the HYPE Annual Dinner on April 16. Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your education and make a difference! For more information, email: [email protected] or call (734) 721-7400.
The Chime Scholars Foundation recently announced the opening of applications for the 2026–27 academic year, offering scholarships of up to $20,000 to students of all backgrounds pursuing college degrees, apprenticeships, trade schools and technical or workforce certifications. Applications are open through March 31. Click here to read more. You can use the money to further your education, whether it’s trade school, community college or adult learners reskilling, CSF provides up to $20,000 through renewable scholarships to students at every stage in life. CSF provides career panels, coaching sessions, resume reviews and informational interviews with Chime staff.
Photo Gallery:
Thank you to my colleagues and the community for showing up for the Detroit Caucus 313 Day of Service with the Detroit Animal Care and Control Unit. We had a FUN day despite the weather, taking care of and playing with the dogs and cats, feeding the animals and making treats for the four-legged VIPs with DACCU!
Read Together in the District!
Thank you to each of the schools who invited me for March is Reading Month to read and share the beauty of literacy with so many students. So far this year, I have read to over 100 students, with more to go! I truly enjoy being in the classrooms, public libraries, churches — wherever reading is happening with our young people. Reading is FUNdamental!
I encourage parents to make the most of this month by reading with your children and inviting them to read aloud to you. Reading out loud helps strengthen memory, deepens understanding and sharpens concentration by involving both listening and visual skills.
