Greetings,
It’s that time of year when the age-old debate surfaces again: Fall or Autumn. Which one do you prefer? Changing and falling leaves makes ‘fall’ a natural choice for me — lol. That being said, check out my fall newsletter! As always, my goal is to deliver for the residents of the 16th District, which means working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get things done for you.
Our monthly community conversations are engaging, filled with informative and enlightening information. In September, we highlighted National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and the importance of protecting our mental health and wellness. Special thank you to our guest, Kevin Fisher, Executive Director for NAMI Michigan, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is up to us to end the stigma around mental illness and getting help acceptable by all.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I have been a strong advocate for ending this type of violence as one who has been directly impacted by it. I am currently working on legislation to tighten laws to help others impacted by this and will have a special guest to discuss the importance of this legislation during my October community conversation. October is also Fire Prevention Month and “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home!” is the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5–11, 2025.
As always, feel free to reach out with your thoughts about policies, community resources and compliments by email at: [email protected] or by phone at (517) 373-2576. I appreciate hearing from you!
Blessings,
Kevin Fisher, NAMI
Stephanie A. Young
State Representative
House District 16
Love Is The Work!
Updates from Lansing: What IF The State Shuts Down?
All eyes are on Lansing right now as the conversation about budget negotiations and an impending government shutdown looms.
Let me be clear, I am in favor of passing a budget that allows Michiganders to thrive. I will support a budget that uplifts seniors, children and those most vulnerable in our state. I’m all in for a budget that keeps Medicaid and SNAP benefits and keeps our children fed in schools for breakfast and lunch every day — we’ve done it before, and we can continue doing it.
We know from the past that a state shutdown is devastating for everyone, affecting everything. Here are some examples of things affected by a shut down:
- Of the nearly 50,000 state employees, 30,000 of them could be furloughed;
- Some government operations and services may slow or be halted altogether;
- Road construction sites may be left unattended;
- The state’s credit rating may be harmed;
- Local governments and schools that depend on state payments may not receive funds, prompting pink slips and layoffs;
- Road construction, welcome centers and rest areas could close;
- Secretary of State branch offices, state parks and campgrounds, state harbors and historical sites — could all close during the shut down;
- State lottery games cannot be played during a shut down.
Policy Watch: Why I Voted NO! to Stand up for Foster Youth
I stood up for Michigan’s foster youth by voting ‘no’ and removing my name from co-sponsorship on a Substitute for House Bill 4750. The original goal for the bill was to ensure that the State did not take any portion of benefits awarded to foster youth for a reimbursement towards their care. The original bill I co-sponsored did that and added reasonable language around financial literacy expectations. The substitute added burdensome language to the financial literacy requirement and did not take into account foster youth with developmental disabilities who would never be able to meet the requirements outlined in the substitute. Additionally, the substitute didn’t pass the muster of foster care advocates. I remain fully committed to ending the practice of the State taking any benefits intended for foster youth and look forward to working with the Senate and the bill sponsor on amending the language and getting it passed and signed into law.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH ANNUAL MARCH
Join Me Saturday, Oct. 11
During the month of October across the country, we take time to acknowledge those who have survived or are still working through domestic or intimate partner violence.
The 2025 theme for Domestic Violence Awareness month, “With Survivors, Always,” is a call for community togetherness and for healing.
Please plan to join me and other advocate organizations for our annual community domestic violence awareness walk on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the big vacant lot, 20700 Fenkell Ave., Detroit, 48223, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with pre-registration for the walk starting on-site at 10 a.m.
This community-focused event will feature fun and engaging experiences like live music, guest speakers and survivor testimonies, health screenings, FOOD and MORE!
As a survivor of domestic violence, I will continue to champion survivors’ rights and advocate for the safety of children in homes where domestic violence is present. One of the bills I’ve been working on for a while now is Kayden’s Law, legislation that creates policies to keep children safe when there is a custody arrangement with court-ordered visitation and a history of domestic violence in the home. We’re working with stakeholders now to introduce this legislation this term.
Community Conversation: Monday, Oct. 13, 2025
Join me for my regular community conversation on Monday, Oct. 13, at 10 a.m. at Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation 19800 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48227.
The topic this month is a double-header: Domestic Violence Awareness and Fire Safety in the Home. Please join us in person or you can also join the community conversation virtually at: Facebook.com/Repstephanieyoung/.
Fire Prevention Week Oct. 5-11: Let’s Talk About Lithium-Ion Batteries
The National Fire Protection Association theme this year is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home”. Many of the devices in our homes are powered by lithium-ion batteries. Items like smart phones, computers, power tools and even electric vehicles — are all powered by lithium-ion.
Some of the dangers include:
- Damaged batteries can short internally or externally, causing sparks or fires.
- Using the wrong charger or charging in unsafe conditions can lead to overheating or electrical failure.
- If a battery leaks or is punctured, it can release harmful substances like lithium salts, electrolyte solvents and heavy metals.
- Leaking chemicals from lithium-ion batteries can irritate skin, eyes and lungs and are dangerous to anyone if ingested.
Here’s what you can do to stay safe with lithium-ion batteries in your home:
It is important for your safety to BUY, CHARGE and RECYCLE safely when it comes to lithium-ion batteries.
- Batteries should be taken to certified recycling centers to prevent environmental damage and recover valuable materials.
- Avoid storing batteries in hot, humid or flammable environments; these environments increase the risk of degradation and fire.
- Use manufacturer-approved chargers.
- Don’t puncture, crush or disassemble batteries.
- Store batteries in fire-resistant battery cases or metal boxes lined with non-conductive material.
- Avoid storing batteries in flammable containers like cardboard or plastic bags.
Detroit’s NEW Area Code and Dialing Instructions –
Coming Oct. 7
The Michigan Public Service Commission announced that phone customers in the Detroit area’s 313 area code will have to dial 10 digits — including an area code — with all local calls starting Oct. 7. This requirement is part of the final phase of implementation of a new 679 overlay area code to serve new customers as the 313 area code runs out of available numbers. This is a sad day in my opinion… but nothing can ever replace the 313!
Michigan House of Representatives 911 Memorial Ceremony
I had the pleasure to host Police Chief Jennifer Mansfield, Redford Charter Township’s first female Chief of Police, at the Capitol for the 2025 9/11 Memorial Ceremony.
As a law enforcement professional, Chief Mansfield has 25 years of experience, beginning her career with the Detroit Police Department in 1999. Chief Mansfield now proudly serves in her hometown of Redford Township, after returning and accepting a position as a police officer with the Redford Township Police Department in 2006. As she rose through the ranks, Chief Mansfield spent the majority of her time in a road patrol capacity, spending 10 years with K-9 Officer Maverick as her partner and as Sergeant and Lieutenant of a road patrol platoon, until her promotion to Captain of the Administrative Bureau.
Protecting Kids & Seniors From the Cold
I was proud to co-sponsor and stand with my colleagues and stakeholders at a press conference to introduce legislation that helps protect kids and seniors from the cold. The Protect Kids and Seniors from the Cold Act, if passed, would protect our most vulnerable citizens who cannot go without heat, especially during the brutal cold Michigan winters.
The Livonia Corn Roast… always fun and good to see community friends!
Meeting neighbors at their doors… so cool!
Redford Twp. Expo Fair
Haus of Revive New Business
