Greetings!

Last year, I joined my colleagues in hosting dozens of town halls across Michigan to hear directly from YOU about what you want to see from your state government. I also held a special town hall in our district to make sure I heard what was on the minds of my constituents as we began work crafting a new vision for Michiganders.

One thing was loud and clear across all the meetings we had around the state and in the district — residents need tangible solutions to rising costs, barriers to affordable housing, access to affordable healthcare and access to safe and affordable child care.

I am excited to start sharing Michigan House Democrats’ Vision for a Brighter Michigan. This is a people-driven plan — driven by the input we received directly from our communities. What we heard from Michiganders will serve as a roadmap for House Democrats to develop policies that tackle the challenges facing people across our great state.

If you have any questions or input about this people-driven plan, or would like to reach out about anything else, please do not hesitate to contact my office at [email protected] or 517-373-2676. Your voice makes a difference!

In Service,

Rep. Steph

Stephanie A. Young

State Representative

House District 16

Our Vision for Michigan: Inspired by YOU!

A graphic featuring an out-of-focus picture of the Mackinac Bridge at night with lights and text reading, "A vision for a vibrant Michigan. We're lowering costs to make it easier for families to get ahead." The Michigan House Democrats' logo is at the bottom.

Last year, we hit the ground running, working directly with residents across Michigan so residents could give direct input and be part of our vision in creating a path forward for Michigan.

We connected. We listened. We researched and we’re taking action.

We’re working to improve quality of life by investing in protections that keep neighborhoods safe by protecting workers and giving communities a voice in decisions that shape their future.

The Vision for a Brighter Michigan Key Policy Priorities:

  • Making Life More Affordable – removing the obstacles that make it harder for people to get ahead and instead allow working Michiganders to keep more of their hard-earned dollars.
  • Healthcare Without Barriers – ensuring every person can afford the quality primary, preventative and specialized care they need.
  • Quality Education and Workforce Development – ensuring every student gets a world-class education and has a clear path to success.
  • Building Better Communities and Local Economies – improving the quality of life for every neighborhood in every town by investing in responsible growth.

House Dems know how to get things done. During the historic trifecta, we delivered on increased investments in education, infrastructure, environmental protection and social services. Some of those wins included:

  • Record funding per pupil in schools at ~9,608, a 5% increase over the prior year.
  • Started free breakfast and lunch for all public school students and universal pre‑K for 4‑year‑olds.
  • Invested in community violence intervention (CVI) in communities across the state to improve public safety and neighborhoods.
  • Invested in smarter, safer energy strategies and environmental justice.
  • Invested nearly $600 million for water infrastructure, including lead pipe replacement.
  • Passed legislation to restore the prevailing wage.
  • Increased wages for direct care workers.

House Dems put people first in the budget at every turn and we are looking to do so again as we plan for the future. We will continue to fight for what’s right, building upon the feedback from residents with our Vision for Michigan and for policies and budget recommendations that help all Michiganders live better lives.

You can stay up to date and learn more about the specific action items we will be pursuing related to these key priorities at VisionForMi.com.

 

Upcoming Important Meeting: Know Your Rights!

Join me and special guests for an upcoming event to share important information to help you and your families understand our rights and the rights of our neighbors. The rule of law still matters, and the United States Constitution isn’t optional.

The Know Your Rights Virtual Town Hall will take place today, Wednesday, April 22, at noon.

If you’d like to attend and hear more, please register: State Rep. Stephanie A. Young Know Your Rights Virtual Town Hall.

 

Updates from Lansing: Legislation in the Works

The House of Representatives is just returning to Lansing after working in-district. We are still watching a few bills that will be in committee and/or on the floor that impact you. Here’s a partial list of those bills:

Exciting News!

House Bills 4696 and 4697, the bipartisan bill package that removes the requirement that relatives caring for foster youth in their families must be licensed foster parents in order to receive guardianship assistance, passed out of the House almost unanimously! This is a reintroduction from last term, where it died in the Senate. I am optimistic it will make it to the governor’s desk and become law this year.

HB 5774 – Early Intervention for Learning Strategies for Vulnerable Children

I introduced HB 5774 last month as part of a larger bill package that would require certain children to be referred to Michigan’s Early On program when specific health conditions are identified, like Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Children who receive early intervention services have far better outcomes. We are currently working to get a hearing on the bill package. Stay tuned and please share any testimonies you may have regarding this important legislation at [email protected].

SB 847

This bill would require seniors aged 75-84 to pass vision, written and driving tests every four years, and seniors 85 and older would be required to pass these same tests every year to renew their driver’s licenses. I brought this legislation up during a recent meeting with seniors in Redford Township and some were quite concerned, while a few others didn’t think it was such a bad idea. The American Association for Retired People (AARP) Michigan has come out opposing the legislation, arguing it targets drivers solely on the basis of age without consideration of an individual’s ability.

The bill is currently in the Senate’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee awaiting a hearing. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Please drop me an email at [email protected].

HB 4765

Michigan’s version of the SAVE ACT, was passed on the House floor after a robust floor debate on the issues it raises.

  • Status: the bill was voted out of the House on April 14 on a party line vote.
  • The bill, introduced by Republicans, is meant to mirror the federal SAVE Act.
  • Not only is this legislation unnecessary, as it is already illegal for noncitizens to vote, but it would implement obstacles to voter registration that contradict two different constitutional amendments voters themselves implemented, overwhelmingly, in the last decade.
  • On top of it likely being unconstitutional and a direct violation of the will of the people, it would cost Michigan taxpayers $150 million to implement, essentially amounting to a poll tax in my opinion.
  • Hundreds of audits and dozens of court cases since 2020 have affirmed repeatedly the safety and security of Michigan elections.
  • Noncitizen voting is extremely rare, and Michigan is a leading state in ensuring only eligible citizens are voting.

I believe this is a distraction and a complete waste of time and taxpayer dollars. The bill is now in the Senate for consideration, referred to the Senate Committee on Government Operations.

 

Black Maternal Health Week April 14-17, 2026

Graphic with text that reads Black Maternal Health Week April 11-17 on a purple background with a photo of a Black mother and child.

Last week was Black Maternal Health Week, which was an opportunity for advocacy. I had the pleasure of speaking at an event recently, hosted by the Detroit Medical Center.

Did you know the incidence of infant mortality in Michigan is still higher than the national average, according to data from the 2024 Division for Vital Records & Health Statistics in the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services?

The infant mortality rate continues to show a persistent racial disparity in which African American mothers experienced about three times the risk of an infant death compared to white mothers. Detroit’s rates, specifically for infant mortality, persist above the national average. We have made strides to bring awareness, educate and uplift healthy lives and birthing support for all women, and in particular for Black women because of the alarming statistics, but more work is needed.

Maternal mental health has become a priority in Michigan. Roughly one in five Michigan mothers reported distressed mental health including depression and anxiety before, during and after pregnancy. In 2024, I was proud to co-sponsor HB 5169, which was signed into law as Public Act 246 and requires a mental health screening for all postpartum mothers.