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Greetings Neighbor! Welcome to March – it’s Women’s History Month as well as March is Reading Month around the country and in our district. Every year I get super excited about visiting elementary schools in the district and reading to enthusiastic young minds. As a child I loved reading and fondly remember my big sister buying me books I selected from the Scholastic book form. Does this even exist anymore? I realized at a young age that reading ignites the imagination and helps the reader know that the world is bigger than the block they live on. I later learned as a mother that reading helps children have success in their academic lives and plays a role in growing their dreams and aspirations. Please be intentional this March is Reading Month and find a young person to read to and allow them to read to you. It’s a reward you won’t soon forget! It’s also Women’s History Month. I encourage you to think about ways you can uplift and celebrate the accomplishments of women in our communities and beyond. In 2019 Maureen Brosnan was the first woman ever elected as Mayor in the City of Livonia and in 2025, Mary Sheffield became the first woman elected Mayor in the City of Detroit! I just happen to be the first African American woman to represent any part of Livonia in the State legislature. I also just happen to be the only woman, or person in general, to have been elected by my peers to serve as both the Democratic Caucus Chair and the Detroit Caucus Chair during the same legislative term. Clearly our district is full of history making women doing the work for residents just like you! Blessings, |
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Rep. Steph
Stephanie A. Young State Representative House District 16 Love Is The Work! |
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March Community Conversation
“Celebrating Amazing Moms in the Workplace” In recognition of Women’s History Month, I want to uplift working moms. I will be joined by special guests, three remarkable women: LaTrice McClendon from Detroit, Brittany Harris from Redford Township and Madeline Acosta from Livonia. All three are doing the hard work of working in the community and raising school-aged children. They will share their stories of perseverance and leadership in their daily lives while balancing motherhood. Please plan to join us Monday, March 9, at 10 a.m. for our first in-person meeting of the year at the Redford Township Community Center, 12121 Hemingway St., Redford, MI 48239, or you can watch virtually at: Facebook.com/RepStephanieYoung |
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| The 2026 theme for National Women’s History Month, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” celebrates the contributions of women who are leading sustainability efforts across environmental, economic, educational and social justice movements.
National Equal Pay Day is during Women’s History Month. It symbolizes how far into the year women must work to earn what men did the previous year. It highlights the gender wage gap, with women working full-time earning around 81% of what men are paid. It’s an even wider gap for Black women who earn around 65 cents on every dollar a man makes. Equal Pay Day for all women will be held on March 26. Michigan Democrats continue to work on balancing the scales between all people. Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the efforts made by and for women and reaffirm our commitment to keep the progress going. The fight for equality continues! State of the State: Big Gretch Out! |
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| Recently, the governor gave her final State of the State address. I had the pleasure of having the new City of Detroit Council President, James E. Tate, Jr. as my guest on the floor.
The following are a few key takeaways from the State of the State address focused on literacy efforts, affordable housing policies and addressing health care and medical debt. Literacy: Michigan ranks 44th nationally in fourth‑grade reading. Unfortunately, the literacy gaps persist in Detroit. According to data analyzed last year from Michigan’s standardized tests, Detroit public school students are largely making steady incremental improvements in math and English. Detroit’s third‑graders are reading at their best level in over a decade. Unfortunately, DPSCD third graders haven’t reached the statewide reading proficiency which has much to be desired. We will not stop investing in our children because they deserve a quality education that sets them up for success and an ability to compete in this challenging world. Affordable Housing: The governor mentioned a housing bill package designed to help address the shortage of affordable housing, which included:
The debate around these solutions has just started. Municipalities have expressed some concerns. Stay tuned. Health Care and Medical Debit: During the State of the State address, there was good news proposed to help families and individuals who fall into serious debt due to medical issues. The ideas proposed included:
I encourage you to listen to the full address. State of the State 2026 Photo Gallery |
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 This year marks the 50th year of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus. I am proud to serve as Chaplain for the MLBC this term alongside my colleagues in the Caucus.
The MLBC is the oldest Black Caucus in the nation. We’re proud to bring the voices of Black Michiganders to the table during #BHM and beyond. In 1976, the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus formed after a meeting at the Detroit home of Rep. Morris Hood, Jr., who became the first caucus chairman. This year we celebrate 50 years of the MLBC’s mission of “legislative power with purpose.” We are proud to be a multi-generational group that focuses on serving ordinary people who have ordinary problems. Join us in celebrating our 50th year of uplifting Black voices. MLBC has now been at the forefront of the fight for social and economic justice for all Michigan citizens for 50 years! |
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Photo Gallery: 4th Annual Rosedale Reads Black History Month Flashback |
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