State Representative Phil Skaggs

6 days ago

81 years ago today, courageous Allies stormed the beaches of Normandy to help liberate Europe from the Nazis.

These heroes risked all and some gave all to defeat fascist dictators, defend democracy, and protect the rule of law. Thank you! 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇨🇦🇫🇷🇬🇷🇷🇸🇭🇷🇷🇺🇺🇦🇧🇾🇰🇿

We remember the brave and honor them by following their example. ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

1 week ago

This week I had the honor of meeting with members of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union. The firefighters in my district are some of the bravest men and women I know. We have made some significant strides in supporting our firefighters recently, including the construction of two new fire stations in Grand Rapids, delivering a second set of protective equipment to our fire departments, and the construction of a new regional training center. I look forward to every opportunity I can partner with our firefighter to support them and the critical work they do for our community. ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

1 week ago

I recently met with members of the Michigan Fertility Alliance to discuss the need to protect Michiganders’ constitutional right to reproductive freedom by ensuring that fertility treatments are covered by health insurers. Tens of thousands of Michigan families rely on sexual and reproductive health care - including fertility treatment - to start or grow their families. Yet, Michigan currently does not require any health insurers to cover fertility treatments. Thank you for your advocacy on the critical issue of reproductive justice! ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

1 week ago

This #PrideMonth, and every month, I am standing up for LGBTQ+ rights — because equality is not negotiable. Every Michigander deserves safety, dignity, and equal rights no matter who they love or how they identify. We're not going backward. We won't stand by while House Republicans try to roll back civil rights. ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

3 weeks ago

Special Weekend Hours: The Michigan Capitol will be open for guided tours on Saturday, June 7! 👋

Tours begin on the hour from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM—please enter at 100 N. Capitol Avenue.

If you cannot make it on Saturday, the Capitol is open Monday through Friday as well!

For more info, visit www.capitol.michigan.gov ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

3 weeks ago

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a great week. Here are some updates from a busy week in Lansing:

Denouncing Hate:

Last week, Republican House Leadership refused to allow a vote on a resolution censuring Rep. Josh Schriver for the racist comments he recently made on the House floor. His words didn’t come from nowhere — they reflect a tendency that has chosen division over inclusivity. His statements on the House floor were a disgrace to American values and a betrayal of the people we serve. I urge all my colleagues to unequivocally condemn the hateful rhetoric he voiced.

Threats to Medicaid:

Everyone deserves access to quality, affordable health care, but Republicans from Lansing to D.C. are looking to cut funding for health care. A new Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) report shows that proposed federal cuts to Medicaid would kick hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Michiganders off their health insurance and reduce access to providers for all state residents.

This federal action should sound familiar: Michigan Republicans have already been operating from that playbook by including no funding for MDHHS in their supplemental budget, which would take away health care from one in four Michiganders. While Republicans endanger health coverage and raise costs for all, Democrats are fighting to lower costs and ensure all Michiganders can get the care they need.

Budget Delays:

A few months ago, House Republicans passed House Bill 4161, which would be disastrous for our state. It would reduce the school aid budget by 25%, cut transportation funding by 95% and eliminate nearly 92% of state investments in the rest of the general budget.

Now, it appears House leadership will choose to ignore the July 1 deadline to pass a final budget. The July 1 deadline is a law the Legislature set for ourselves to ensure school districts and local governments know their budget when they begin their fiscal year. Republican inaction comes at the expense of Michigan families. True leadership means bringing people together to serve the public good, not leaving school districts and city councils who need to set their budgets hanging. The Republican-led approach risks taking away health care from 1 in 4 Michiganders and eliminating free school meals. I will do all I can to prevent Draconian cuts to programs Michiganders rely on to stay healthy, safe, and prosperous. ... See MoreSee Less