Stephanie Young

Stephanie Young was born in Detroit, Michigan. Young graduated from Cass Technical High School. She earned a bachelor's degree in international relations and affairs from James Madison College at Michigan State University in 1990.[1][2][3][4]

Young's career experience includes working as a legislator, the executive director of the Community Education Commission, the district one manager with the Mayor's Office Department of Neighborhoods, the outreach manager of the Detroit Area Agency on Aging, and the chief of staff and legislative liaison for three state representatives. She has been affiliated with the Rosedale Park Improvement Association, the Wellspring Board, the Brightmoor Alliance, United Precinct Delegates, Grandmont Rosedale Supports Justice, and 12 Congressional District Democratic Party Organization.[1][2][3][5]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am serving in my second term as state representative of Michigan’s newly created 16th House District, serving northwest Detroit, including the, Brightmoor, Castle Rouge, West Outer Drive Civic Association (WODCA) and Grandmont-Rosedale communities, as well as the southern portions the City of Livonia and Redford Charter Township.

After graduating from Cass Technical High School and Michigan State University’s James Madison College, I landed my first job as a legislative staffer. I have gained policy and community relations experience with my work on 4 Detroit Mayoral administrations, Detroit Area Agency on Aging and serving as the Exe Director of the Community Education Commission, where I worked diligently to help improve educational outcomes for Detroit students by eliminating barriers to success and improving access to transportation, quality afterschool programs and information for parents.

I am the proud mother of two sons, both graduates of the legendary Cass Technical High School. Her oldest received his Bachelor’s in Animation from the University of St. Francis and my youngest received his Bachelor's in Finance from the Broad College of Business at Michigan State University. She is also Mom to her two-legged son Spirit, who has been a part of their family since 2010.

I am also a licensed and ordained minister in the Christian faith, serving at the Historic Pure Word Missionary Church in House District 16 - Detroit.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Healthy Families - during my time in the legislature I have worked to improve health outcomes through legislation like the Safe Patient Care Act - to improve working conditions of our nurses which improves health outcomes for patients; or my legislation to test for Fentanyl when presenting with an overdose at the ER to ensure the best treatment and choices of care; or my legislation to address PTSD/PTPD in returning citizens to help with their mental wellness and reducing/preventing recidivism.Vibrant communities - Voted and secured millions of dollars to invest in community centers, parks, and roads improving residents' quality of life.Quality public education - All students deserve a public education that prepares them for a successful future.

I introduced legislation to support foster youth that was recently signed into law to improve their educational outcomes before aging out of the system; voted for and secured funding for free breakfast and lunch for all students in public schools; helped secure the $94 million for Detroit Public Schools Community District

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Child welfare, criminal justice reform, economic development

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Rev. Larry Simmons, Executive Director of the Brightmoor Alliance. His faith and passion for uplifting the marginalized is an inspiration and roadmap to service I work to emulate daily.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Our Time Is Now - Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America by Stacey Abrams

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Elected officials are public servants. It is incumbent up these servants to stay connected to the people they have sworn to serve. There is a saying, 'Nothing about us without us'. Unless public servants continue to spend time with those who elected them, they won't know what issues are important to them. Regular coffee hours and other community functions held on a regular basis is critical to establishing a good rapport. Additionally It is important to be honest and responsive to residents' inquiries. Every problem will not be resolved to everyone's satisfaction, but being honest about the process and options and possible solutions is key to building trust.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Honesty, compassion, tenacity, longsuffering and hopefullness

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

*Have good attendance. The work can't be done if we don't show up prepared to represent our constituents. *Do your homework. It is important to know the issues as well as your community's position. Establish relationships with subject experts and stakeholders.

Stay connected. Elected should make every effort to connect with the people who sent them. In-person meetings and events, mailings, newsletters, virtual meetings, etc. - there is not reason not to connect.

Have a genuine concern for people, especially those who can't afford expensive lobbyists. We are their voice.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I fought for what was right and beneficial to everyday citizens in an effort to improve the quality of life of those who elected me and others across the state.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

September 11, 2001/911. I was 36 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job babysitting. I did that through high school. My first professional job after college graduation was in the House of Representatives as a legislative aide. I did this for a year, but came back a few years later and served for several more years before working in my first mayoral administration in Detroit.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible. It has everything, mystery, intrigue, romance, skills for living and most of all instills a sense of empathy and hard work rooted in love for all people.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

A female Perry Mason. As a defense attorney, he always fought for those wrongfully accused. I look at my work as a legislator to fight for what the Bible calls the 'least of these', those who don't have lobbyists or know that they don't need them to have their voices heard. He never gives up on those who have entrusted their fates to him and I never give up on my neighbors and fighting for what's best for our community.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

I did a community clean-up and we were preparing to walk as a group in a June Day Parade and we needed a song or chant to march by, when the song my sons sang in pre-k and kindergarten got stuck in my head all day: "Clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere. Clean up, clean up, everybody do your share!" Seriously stuck in my head all day!

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Imposter syndrome. I have excelled in academics and on my various jobs. I am an excellent public speaker and encourager and yet there are times when I look at my accomplishments and ask the question, 'Did I do that I?' People who experience the imposter syndrome usually feel like someone could have or should have done what they did, but as the foster youth I worked with told me, I was the only one who listened and acted on their behalf, making me the real deal afterall.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

It should be a partnership that includes regular communication.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Housing, childcare, clean energy

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Beneficial, but not necessary.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes. One vote doesn't pass any piece of legislation. Building relationships and learning about the interests of my colleagues actually helps build a solid base of co-sponsorships, which can help legitimize legislation.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Former/Deceased Rep. Alma G. Stallworth. She looked at the problem of residents who couldn't afford high heating bills in the winter having their gas shut off and came up with the solution to spread the payments out over the year. Practical solutions for everyday problems.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Perhaps a local office.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

The story of foster youth who were placed in child caring institutions where they took classes, but those classes didn't count towards them earning their diplomas and so right when they were about to age out of the system, they were told they didn't have enough credits to graduate. This is what prompted me to do my research and draft legislation to correct this problem. The bills were signed into law In April 2024.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I don't have a favorite joke, but the other day I saw a Facebook reel that had me laughing non-stop all day, here goes: There was a young man standing outside looking thoughtfully up at the sky. The caption read .... I am never doing edibles again. I just watched a two hour movie on mute, and started crying because I thought I was deaf." I'm still laughing!

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

The legislature should be working in partnership with the executive branch to ensure the best course of action during any emergency.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

Child welfare issues are top of mind for me. During my freshman year, I was appointed to the Adoption and Foster Care Task Force. One of my first bills was to provide support and stability for foster parents and the children they care for.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

UAW Region 1A, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 876, AFSCME Michigan 925, Mayor Mike Duggan, Mayor Maureen Brosnan, Supervisor Pat McRae, Wayne County Sheriff Washington, Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell, partial listing

What committees interest you?

Those that I currently sit on are of great interest to me: Chair of the Families, Children and Seniors Standing Committee, Criminal Justice, Insurance and Financial Services, Regulatory Reform and Agriculture

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe in a a fair and transparent government. I voted for financial disclosure legislation and completed my first personal financial disclosure. I believe that financial transparency and governmental accountability are necessary to prevent misuse and abuses of power.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

Petition circulators may need additional training and any person running a business that offers this services should be vetted with potential accreditation process.

Stephanie Young did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Proud Detroiter. DPS educated. Grad of Cass Tech and MSU. 30 year career public servant. Worked for 4 Mayors, 3 State Reps, DAAA. Mom of 22 y/o college grad, 21 y/o MSU senior -sons

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Healthy Families: Advocating for affordable universal healthcare, mental health resources, safe affordable water, clean airThriving Communities: Advocating for good paying jobs with benefits, affordable housing, public safety reform, criminal justice reform, senior resources, small business supportsQuality Public Education: Advocating for increased spending in underserved districts, certified full-time teachers, early learning, affordable, quality childcare, special needs resources   Featured local question

Michigan’s budget has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 virus shutdown. How would you address the deficit? Do you prefer spending cuts or tax hikes?

COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on federal, state and local budgets. Estimates has Michigan looking at a $6.2 billion shortfall for the rest of this year and next year combined. Tough decisions are going to have to be made. I believe it's going to take more than cuts and tax increases. Tapping into Michigan's rainy day fund and Federal assistance also need to be in play to reduce the negative impact balancing our budget will have on residents.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am most passionate about quality public education, which includes trade schools. This policy issue effects every area of life. A solid education is the front door to good paying jobs with benefits, affordable housing, entrepreneurship, etc. Additionally, students who receive a quality education are less apt to participate in criminal activity and have more hope for a better future.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Telling one's own story can be challenging at times. I live to help people have a better quality of life. From the age of 4 when my friends down the street from me said they didn't have any food, I simply marched to my Mom's kitchen, got some Farmer Jack's grocery bags and started getting stuff from her cabinets. No body told me to do that, I just knew we had enough to share, so I did. This is the life I have lived every since. During this campaign, many of my supporters have reminded me of things I've done to improve their quality of life, that I hadn't remembered. Consistently across the board they would all say the same thing: they could trust me. Trust isn't given, it is earned and I'd like my legacy to continue to be that of a person who can be trusted to do what she promises and mean what she says.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Growing up I heard stories from my parents about where they were when Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. I remember thinking that I hadn't experienced anything like that, that is until 911 terror attacks. I was out campaigning for Kwame Kilpatrick for the mayoral primary. I was the chief of staff to State Representative Triette Lipsey Reeves. She and I were together when her husband called us and asked if we had heard the news about a plane flying into the World Trade Center. Known to be a practical joker, we almost dismissed him - that was until we stopped for lunch and the restaurant had coverage on the television. We didn't know if the election was going to be stopped as government buildings were shutting down. I will never forget. I was 36 years old.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I have a few favorites, but this book helped encourage me to pursue elective office this time around: Don't Settle For Safe - Embracing the Uncomfortable to Become Unstoppable. It encourages the reader to use one's past as building blocks for one's future and not letting anything, no matter how uncomfortable, prevent you from your reaching your destiny. Author: Sarah Jakes Roberts

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Relationship building is the key to success as a legislator. Drafting impactful policy is one part of the job. Being able to get one's colleagues to sign-on is another. This starts with relationship. I have a proven 30 year track record of building relationships to get things done for the residents of the City of Detroit and will do the same as State Representative in District 8.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Appropriations

Education

Family, Children and Seniors