Greetings!
The holiday season is upon us. As I look to close out my first term, I am truly thankful for the opportunity to have served the great residents of District 8. Unfortunately, due to redistricting, not all of you will be joining me for my second term in the new District 16. Redistricting had a negative impact on Detroit’s representation but did prove effective in leveling the playing field by giving both major political parties an equal opportunity to win, which Democrats did! Even as a freshman in the minority, I was able to have two bills signed into law by Gov. Whitmer, and I’m excited about how much more can be done in the upcoming 102nd Legislature.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions, including who your new state representative will be. I’m glad to help. Happy holidays!
Rep. Steph
‘Community Conversations’ Embrace the Holidays
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Our Fire Prevention Month conversation with my special guest, Detroit Fire Department Chief James C. Harris, was very informative, as usual. My biggest takeaway was don’t make the basement a living quarter if there are no doors to exit from in case of an emergency. We gave away free smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. If you are in need of either or both, contact the Detroit Fire Department Community Relations Division at (313) 596-2959 or communityrelations@detroitmi.gov. As always, you can watch the entire presentation on my Facebook.
Our December Community Conversation will be the last one of 2022 in the 8th House District. We will be discussing the very important topic of holiday festivities and substance abuse. We will present timely information to help keep us safe during this time of year.
Join us on Zoom on Monday, Dec. 5, at 10 a.m.
Meeting ID: 851 0005 8148
Passcode: 149353
Call in: (312) 626-6799
Speaker-Elect State Rep. Joe Tate Makes History
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Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) made history as the first African-American speaker of the House of Representatives after Democrats took the majority for the first time since 2010. He will be the first Detroiter to serve as speaker and preside over the House since Rep. Curtis Hertel Sr. did during the 1997-98 legislative session.
The Democratic Caucus also made history by electing state Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) to serve as majority floor leader. Mr. Aiyash will become the highest-ranking Muslim in Michigan legislative history. The majority floor leader is responsible for scheduling and managing the day-to-day business of the House.
Young Named to Committee on Committees
I was named by House Speaker-elect Joe Tate to serve on the Committee on Committees that helps determine which legislative committees will operate during the next legislative term, as well as member assignments.
Rep. Angela Witwer (Delta Township) will serve as chair of the committee. I will be joined by current members Rep. Carol Glanville (D-Walker) and Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint). Also serving are Reps.-elect Natalie Price of Berkley, Will Snyder of Muskegon and Mike McFall of Hazel Park.
With Democrats taking control of the House, we are tasked with deciding what the actual committees will be, as well as who will serve on them, including Republican members. Typically, the speaker announces committee assignments in mid-to-late January.
Consumer Protection Bills Introduced
I introduced a three-bill consumer protection package on the last day of session in November. Consumers across the country have been complaining about large smoking fees being charged to their credit cards days, and sometimes weeks, after returning rental vehicles and checking out of hotel rooms, even though they don’t smoke. House Bill 6506 will give consumers the right to have the rental vehicle inspected to ensure there are no smoking fee charges when they return the vehicle and House Bill 6507 gives the consumer the right to have their room inspected to ensure there are no smoking charges at checkout. If you or someone you know has ever experienced these types of smoking charges, please have them contact my office, as I prepare to re-introduce this package in the upcoming legislative session.
Have you ever wondered exactly who benefits from those ‘round-up’ purchase programs? House Bill 6505 would require a retailer who asks you to round up your purchase to the nearest dollar to post which organization the money will be donated to. This package is designed to protect unsuspecting consumers and arm them with valuable knowledge to save them money and prevent headaches in the future.
Lowering the Cost of College Just Got Easier for the Class of 2023 A new internet resource for the graduating class of 2023 is active. The webpage helps graduating students apply for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship to help lower the cost of college by thousands. Students should talk with their parents or guardians to gather the necessary documents to apply and fill out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The website can be accessed here. Starting with the class of 2023, graduates are eligible for annual scholarships up to:
The scholarships are renewable for up to three years at a community college and up to five years at a private college or public university, totaling up to:
Tribute Requests We all know there are individuals and organizations that deserve special recognition for the tremendous work they do to serve the people of our communities and our state. If you know an individual or organization that has truly gone above and beyond for their neighbors, fill out the form on this page to request an official state tribute so we can show our full appreciation for their efforts.
If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to call me at (517) 373-3815 or email me at stephanieyoung@house.mi.gov.
In service, Rep. Steph STEPHANIE A. YOUNG State Representative 8th District
Useful Links
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