State Representative Phil Skaggs

6 days ago

This week, I sponsored the Michigan Voting Rights Act bills to fight back against the horrible decision by the United States Supreme Court to gut the federal Voting Rights Act.

Just days after the Supreme Court ruling, states across the south our openly gerrymandering to eliminate Black representation from their states in Washington.

As hard-won voting rights protections erode at the federal level, states must step up to protect the right to vote. That’s what we’re doing here in Michigan! ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

2 weeks ago

Last week, I introduced a resolution to remember the more than 1.5 million Armenians lost in the Armenian Genocide. We honor their lives, uplift their stories and stand for truth and justice.

By adopting this resolution, we affirm that truth matters.

We affirm that remembrance matters. And we affirm that the people of Michigan will not be silent in the face of injustice.

We honor the victims.

We stand with their descendants.

And we recommit ourselves to a future where history is not denied and where atrocities are not repeated. ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

3 weeks ago

Michiganders are feeling the pressure of rising costs-at the pump and on their utility bills. As energy prices continue to rise, we should be focused on solutions that lower costs and make our energy more reliable.

House Democrats have been working to move Michigan toward energy independence by investing in clean, homegrown energy. These investments help reduce reliance on foreign sources, create jobs here at home, and keep costs more stable for families.

However, House Republicans want roll back Michigan’s clean energy progress. Despite claims about affordability, moving away from renewable energy would make our energy supply less diverse and more dependent on volatile fossil fuels-ultimately leading to higher costs for Michiganders.

This comes down to a simple choice: continue building a more affordable, reliable energy future here in Michigan, or move backwards.

I remain committed to supporting policies that protect Michigan families, lower energy costs, and strengthen our state’s long-term energy independence. ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

3 weeks ago

House Democrats offered over 70 amendments to restore funding and protect essential services, but none were adopted because House Republicans voted against them. Budgets are a reflection of values, and our state budget should focus on lowering costs, supporting families, and investing in our communities. However, House Republicans are moving us in the wrong direction. I will continue working with my colleagues to push for a final budget that puts Michigan families first—one that invests in education, health care, and strong local communities. ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

4 weeks ago

Hello Neighbors!

This past week, the House focused on advancing budget proposals as we continue through the legislative calendar. Here’s what’s been happening:

Budget Updates in the House
House Republicans advanced their budget proposals, and the contrast in priorities could not be more clear. Budgets are a reflection of values, and our state budget should focus on lowering costs, supporting families, and investing in our communities.
However, the current proposals move us in the wrong direction. They include cuts to important programs like slashing $20 million from Rx Kids, reducing support for veterans by 11.6%, and cutting millions of dollars in funding for our public universities and schools. These decisions risk raising costs for students and families while weakening services that many Michiganders rely on.
House Democrats offered over 70 amendments to restore funding and protect essential services, but none were adopted. I will continue working with my colleagues to push for a final budget that puts Michigan families first—one that invests in education, health care, and strong local communities.

Protecting Michigan’s Water from PFAS
I joined my Democratic colleagues to introduce new legislation to regulate toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” and better protect the health of Michiganders.
Scientific studies have shown clear links between PFAS exposure and serious health conditions, including certain cancers, thyroid disease, and other long-term health issues. That’s why it’s critical that we take action to protect our drinking water, lakes, rivers, soil, and food from contamination.
I’ve heard directly from residents in Kentwood and Cascade Township who want to know that the water coming into their homes is safe. This legislation addresses those concerns by requiring the state to notify nearby residents when PFAS contamination is found in well water and by helping families access water filtration to stay safe.
This is about public health, transparency, and trust. I’m calling on Speaker Hall to move this commonsense legislation forward so we can protect Michigan families and keep our drinking water safe.

Community Highlights
I want to give a huge congratulations to the East Kentwood High School We the People team for placing 9th in the nation at the We the People National Championship in Washington, D.C. This is an incredible achievement that reflects the hard work, dedication, and talent of these students, their teachers, and coaches.
We are proud to have such outstanding young leaders representing our community on the national stage.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns or are looking for assistance:� [email protected] | (517) 373-0836 ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

4 weeks ago

Earth Day is a reminder that the work we do locally matters. That’s why it’s exciting to see electric buses hitting the road in Grand Rapids Public Schools, supported by $1.5 million in state funding.

This is about more than transportation—it’s about cleaner air, healthier students, and making smart investments that benefit our entire community. 🌎 ... See MoreSee Less