Greetings!
It is hard to believe it’s August and school is starting soon. It’s been a busy summer but unfortunately, not so busy legislatively. In fact, as of July 15, 2025, only six public acts have been signed into law by the governor. This is the lowest number of bills passed by this point in the year since 1940, which was the last year the Michigan Legislature didn’t meet at all. Historically, this is the most unproductive legislative session since then. This is in stark contrast to last term when House Democrats were in the majority. Over 100 bills had been signed into law by this time.
As of this newsletter, we do not have a budget for the state. Dems are committed to listening to what Michiganders need the most and taking steps to create thriving futures for everyone. To this end we have created a simple survey for residents to take to weigh in on what’s important to you. Details follow on the next page.
Thanks for listening,
Rep. Steph
September Community Conversation
Mark your calendars for my next Community Conversation on Monday, Sept. 8, from 10-11 a.m. at the Redford Township Community Center, 12121 Hemingway St., Redford Township, MI 48239. Join virtually on Zoom at tinyurl.com/4zvp93ju. Hope to see you there for good conversation and refreshments.
The Vision Project Update: The Town Hall and The NEW Survey!
Last month, I hosted a special Community Conversation focused on the Democratic Vision Project. We met at the James E. Tate Jr., Community Center (formerly called the 8th Precinct Annex) to hear from the community about YOUR priorities, to help inform my colleagues and I on what we should focus on in Lansing. My team and I appreciate your time and invaluable input about the Vision Project. At the town hall, so many of you spoke up about what was important to you, especially now in the face of uncertainty. I am making a special plea for community partners and constituents in the district to please take the short, 2-minute Vision Project survey on my website RepStephanieYoung.com to help shape the path forward for House Democrats.
To those who attended the special community conversation town hall about the Visions Project July 14 and have already taken the in-depth survey — thank you! Your survey responses and the conversations we had at the town hall will help me and my colleagues keep your priorities top-of-mind. My team and I are working behind the scenes on what we’ve learned about your priorities and how we can help everyone in our district thrive. Stay tuned!
Dems ARE Fighting For You!
Justice Needs No Mask!
I spoke alongside my colleagues during the Justice Needs No Mask press conference. We called for an end to the masked capture of people in Michigan and across the country. These masked captures are a throwback to dangerous and dark times in our history when people were scared of being snatched off the streets or out of their homes for no reason other than the color of their skin. White hoods have been replaced with black masks. We will not live in fear. Nor will we be silent about the terrorization of our neighbors, family members and friends.
Shout-out to the Youth in Our Community
Shout-Out to The Heroes Alliance Detroit.
This organization offers young people an opportunity to engage in STEAM – Science, Technology, Education, Arts and Mathematics through hands-on applications. Congratulations to the Heroes Alliance youth for their recent Solar Car Expedition, a historic 600+ mile convoy from Detroit to Houghton — powered by solar technology, teamwork and the ingenuity of young people preparing to lead our future. This remarkable expedition involved 11 high school student engineers and 7 adult mentors and coaches, all of whom played essential roles in designing, building, troubleshooting and operating a student-created solar vehicle.
Michigan Bottle Law – Know Your Rights!
One day while working in the district, I received a phone call from a resident who was livid. He said he had just witnessed someone being turned away and not being allowed to return his cans and bottles for cash at the local party store he purchased the items from. I asked him for the location of the party store and went there myself. I too immediately became angry. There was no shame in this establishment’s owner. I spoke with him and reminded him that his store policy was against the law. He could not just decide to keep his customers’ cash refund and force them to buy things from his store. He told me his system worked well and he was not changing a thing. I advised that I would be reporting him to the appropriate authorities, and I have. The Michigan Attorney General’s Office has a complaint form that residents can use to make complaints like this. If you see something, say something! File your complaint at www.michigan.gov/ag/complaints or call or email my office if this has happened at a store near you. We cannot and will not tolerate this type of disrespect.
Shout-Out to the S.O.N.G. Project!
I had an opportunity to see a group of talented young actors at the Music Hall Center for Performing Arts for a production of an all time coming of age 90’s classic movie — House Party! Not only were the actors phenomenal, but so were the dancers, singers and set designers. I was amazed at all they accomplished in two weeks! A special shout out to this young man who is on his way to my alumni school — Cass Technical High School! Prayers and blessings for a safe, productive and fun school year for all students.
Rep Steph in Community!
Being a state representative is more than the work that’s done in Lansing. It’s also about staying connected in community and to the folks who sent me to the Capitol to serve. Here are just a few snap shots of the people, places and things I’ve done recently: Education Vision Project Town Hall with Colleagues, Hour of Power Day of Peace and Prayer at the Spirit of Detroit, offered the opening prayer at the ribbon cutting for the Forever Faith Community Garden with state Rep. Tyrone Carter, presented a tribute in celebration of Sidewalk Detroit 10 anniversary, Eliza Howell planning meeting and a bipartisan, bicameral Amazon briefing.