State Representative Phil Skaggs

22 hours ago

Here’s a great way to find a safe place for your money.The Michigan Open Account Coalition members offer accounts that are certified and no- or low-cost. Learn why it’s important to protect your money and form a relationship with a financial institution by checking out this recent press release:
go.mi.gov/08g0e2243 ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

5 days ago

Congratulations to the East Kentwood Boys Track & Field team for winning the MHSAA Division 1 State Championship.

I join with the school board, parents and the entire Kentwood community: we are proud to celebrate this team, their achievement and the hard work of our student-athletes and coaches throughout an incredible season! ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

6 days ago

Michigan must be able to defend itself against unconstitutional federal overreach, regardless of who occupies the White House.

Representative Natalie Price and I have introduced two bills to give Michigan a concrete, court-triggered mechanism to respond when the federal executive branch unlawfully withholds funds Congress has already appropriated to our state.

When Washington illegally blocks resources Michigan is entitled to receive, our state needs a lawful way to respond and hold any and all presidents accountable. These bills will help protect taxpayer dollars, safeguard essential services, and ensure the federal executive has more incentives to follow the law. ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

6 days ago

Gas prices are too damn high. It’s gotten all the way up to $5 a gallon this spring. While it has come back down, with everything going on in the world, this relief may not last long. Even at $4, hard-working Michigan families are hurting. People have to choose between groceries, rent, utilities, and gas.

It’s not fair. Enough is enough.

So, here’s my plan: When gas hits $5, we roll back the state gas tax entirely.

That’s $0.52 per gallon, of your hard-earned money back in your pocket.

I'll be introducing the bill in the next few weeks. ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

6 days ago

I’m in the capitol supporting working Michiganders!

Life is too expensive: grocery bills cause sticker shock, gas prices are too darn high, childcare costs seem like college tuition, and healthcare is out of reach for too many Michiganders. So, lowering costs for all of us is a top priority for me.

I’m fighting to support working families by bringing down the costs of everyday things like energy, food, healthcare, housing and childcare.

🤰 Expanding RxKids across the state to give moms and babies the support they deserve
🏥 Protecting funding for Medicaid, SNAP nutrition and Double Up Food Bucks
💵 Increasing the Working Families Tax Credit to get more money in the pockets of people who need it the most
👧 Investing in workplace childcare programs like MI Tri-Share and Care-Share that work for families
🥪 Defending universal free school breakfasts and lunches to keep kids fed and save families money
💉 Capping insulin copays at $35 per month to help people get the lifesaving medication they need
📈 Cracking down on corporations who use unfair AI “surveillance pricing” to gouge your money
🏡 Targeting property tax relief to encourage empty nesters to downsize and free up housing for young families

The affordability crisis is top of mind for many Michiganders. That’s why I’m working to find real solutions. ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

7 days ago

I’m dedicated to creating a Michigan where every pet is happy, healthy and safe.

Michigan’s pets are at risk: Inhumane high-volume dog breeding facilities – puppy mills – churn out puppies for profit, ignoring the health of pups and their mothers.

Puppy mills overbreed, force dogs to live in cramped cages in unsanitary conditions, offer little to no veterinary care, and provide inadequate food and water. Puppies can suffer serious health issues, creating heartbreaking challenges for families who should be experiencing the joy of adopting a new family member.

The pets we share our lives with are our friends. We form deep connections with them. They need us to speak up and act. I believe our furry friends deserve to live safe from cruelty and abuse.

That’s why I am introducing the Safe and Healthy Pets Act to:
🐕 Set basic animal welfare standards to ensure animals are treated humanely.
🐈 Require licenses for dog breeders, animal shelters and pet shops.
🐇 Require animal facilities pass regular inspections, meet care standards, and maintain safe and healthy conditions.

It’s common sense legislation and will help ensure hundreds of thousands of dogs, cats, rabbits, and hamsters will be happy, healthy, and safe with their families. ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

7 days ago

I’m committed to policies that help Michiganders grow, work, raise families, and age with dignity.

My promise to you is simple: to listen, to lead with compassion, and to fight for policies that help everyone thrive, especially those on a fixed income. We need to work to lower the costs of gas at the pump, food at the grocery store, prescription medicines at the pharmacy, and bills for utilities that keep piling up on kitchen tables around Michigan. Everyone should have real opportunities to succeed, feel secure in their home, confident in their healthcare, and supported as they age.

Here’s a little bit about how I’ve helped seniors and my plans moving forward:

🏘️ Affordable Housing: I’m committed to making housing affordable for seniors so our neighbors can age in dignity and security. That means making it possible to stay in the comfort of your home, downsize, or move into a retirement community. I’m working on property tax relief so folks can move (and open up new bedrooms for young families in the process) without seeing their taxes skyrocket.

🥗 Meals on Wheels: Affordability is about more than just making ends meet - it’s about having the support people need to live safely and independently. Senior nutrition programs, like Meals on Wheels, provide home-delivered, nutritious meals for older adults who need a little help. I support Meals on Wheels because it delivers more than just food – it brings care, safety, and connection to older adults and those with disabilities. I’m fighting to continue critical services like this so more people can live independently.

💳 Preventing Financial Exploitation: I take protecting older Michiganders very seriously. Financial exploitation costs victims nearly $3 billion every year. That’s why I supported House Bill 4599 to protect folks from gift card fraud and worked to strengthen Michigan’s financial exploitation laws. Once fully implemented, trusted financial advisors can step in and delay suspicious transactions if they believe an older resident is being deceived – giving you more peace of mind and helping keep you safe.

In 2023, I voted to phase out taxes on retirement income. I promise to keep fighting for children, families and seniors! ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

7 days ago

I’m fighting to enshrine our right to a healthy environment into the State Constitution’s Bill of Rights!

I’m supporting a Green Amendment to the Michigan Constitution to forever protect the rights of all Michiganders to pure water, clean air, healthy environments, and a stable climate.

The Michigan Green Amendment will:
🏞️ Ensure rights to a clean and healthy environment legally on par with our most treasured freedoms, meaning we can invoke the courts in defense of the environment and public health before pollution happens.
🌳 Guarantee that every level of government in the state will work to advance environmental protections by moving them from acting only has a “regulator” to being a full trustee of our natural resources.
🚰 Strengthen environmental justice by ensuring all communities – regardless of race, ethnicity, wealth, or identity – have the same rights to safe drinking water, clean air and a healthy environment.

To make it to into the Constitution, House Joint Resolution S requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the legislature, followed by a majority approval from Michigan voters in a general election. Let's bring it up for a vote!

As Michiganders, we love our great outdoors and take pride in our environment. I’m fighting to protect our home – Michigan! ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

1 week ago

Every eligible Michigander deserves an equal voice in our democracy.

That’s why I proudly support the Michigan Voting Rights Act, legislation that strengthens protections against voter discrimination, increases transparency in our elections, and helps ensure every voter can participate freely and fairly in the democratic process.

For generations, Americans have worked to expand access to the ballot box and protect the fundamental right to vote. The Michigan Voting Rights Act builds on that legacy by establishing strong state-level safeguards to protect and ensure equal access to our elections.

Democracy works only when every eligible voter can make their voice heard without unnecessary barriers. No matter where you live, what language you speak, or what you look like, your voice matters.

I stand with advocates, community leaders, and my legislative colleagues working to strengthen voting rights here in Michigan.

Voting is the foundation of our democracy, protecting voting rights requires constant vigilance - especially right now.

#MIVRA #VotingRights #democracy #Michigan ... See MoreSee Less