State Representative Phil Skaggs

2 days ago

POSTPONED: Due to unforeseen circumstances, we will be rescheduling this coffee hour to a later date

Stop by our coffee hour this Friday, April 18th at 11am at Moka Roots Coffee House in Kentwood! Join me to discuss what's happening in the Michigan Legislature and share your thoughts on how we can best serve you! ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

4 weeks ago

Hello everyone! Here’s a quick recap of what happened during a busy week in the state Legislature and in House District 80:

Pink Poll Tax:

This Women’s History Month, Michigan House Republicans passed House Joint Resolution B, through committee, which would require Michiganders to show documented proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, in order to vote. But more than 2.2 million women in Michigan don’t have birth certificates that match their legal names, meaning this could arbitrarily force millions of women jump through bureaucratic hoops to prove their citizenship, making it harder for women to vote.

This will make it harder for people to vote, plain and simple. I will keep fighting Republicans as they try to infringe on your personal right to vote. Meanwhile, House Democrats are continuing to speak out in opposition to this Republican resolution.

March is Reading Month Visits:

Last Monday, I kicked off March is Reading Month by visiting Breton Downs Elementary School! I had a blast reading with three classrooms of students and explaining to the kids a little bit about what a state representative does for our community. I cannot wait to continue visiting classrooms throughout the rest of the month. If you’re an educator in the district and would like me to visit your classroom to read with students, please reach out! While I can’t guarantee every request due to scheduling, I’ll do my best to make it happen. If you are interested, complete this form to request a visit: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaPP0PJzbrKczaN0EpnhFWi5mA6F88nwMexz9wjGz632VZIw/viewform?usp=s...

House Bill 4153:

Last week, I voted NO on HB 4153 because I believe every child deserves a highly qualified teacher in their classroom. While addressing teacher shortages is critical, lowering standards for who can teach in our classrooms isn’t the solution. This bill risks putting unqualified individuals in front of our students — compromising their education and future. We need real investments in public education, not shortcuts that undermine our teachers and schools. ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

1 month ago

Hello everyone! Here’s a quick recap of what you may have missed in the state Legislature and in House District 80 last week. I’m looking forward to another great week working for our community!

School Budget:

I voted NO on a Republican-led budget that cuts education funding by 25% and ends state investments to universities. These unprecedented, drastic cuts would mean teacher layoffs, ending free lunch and breakfast programs, cuts to special education and fewer resources for children in need. It was an easy decision to oppose taking money away from our schools and kids.

Press Conference on Tariffs:

The President continues to threaten tariffs on everything from gas, to food, to lumber and more. This policy, if enacted, could raise prices on everyday needs and pass costs onto working families who are already struggling to afford groceries and gas. The chaos caused by supply chain disruptions may also endanger our economy and jobs. On Thursday, I joined my Democratic House colleagues at a press conference to speak out against this trade war with Canada and other allies. I will continue to fight for affordability for all Michiganders and against attempts to raise taxes.

March is Reading Month Visits:

We’ve kicked off March is Reading Month. I cannot wait to read to students and answer questions about my work as a state representative throughout the rest of the month. If you’re an educator in the district and would like me to visit your classroom to read with students, please reach out! While I can’t guarantee every request due to scheduling, I’ll do my best to make it happen. If you are interested, complete this form to request a visit: bit.ly/3QABR2K

Women's History Month:

March 1 marked the beginning of Women’s History Month. This month is a time to honor the resilience, power and contributions of women past and present. It’s important to ensure diverse women’s voices and contributions are recognized and celebrated. I have supported women throughout my time in the legislature by supporting reproductive freedoms, IVF access, women’s health, child care, paid sick leave and more. I remain committed to education, empowerment, equality and inclusion because the fight for justice is far from over. ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

1 month ago

We've got a job opening! I'm looking for a new Legislative Director (aka "Back Desker"). Applications are being accepted now and I'm hoping to make a decision within a week or two. It's a fast-paced job, but we get a lot of good stuff done. If you’re interested -- or know someone who is -- apply at the link.

www.house.mi.gov/OpenPositions ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

1 month ago

Happy Paczki Day! I celebrated this morning with a Paczki from Schnitz Bakery in Grand Rapids! ... See MoreSee Less

State Representative Phil Skaggs

1 month ago

Women’s History Month is a time to honor the resilience, power, and contributions of women past and present. I remain committed to education, empowerment, equality and inclusion because the fight for justice is far from over. #WHM25 ... See MoreSee Less