Phil Skaggs, Running for Michigan State House of Representatives, District 80
2024 Election Pride Source Candidate Survey Response
The 2024 Pride Source Media Voters Guide Candidate Survey sought the responses from Michigan candidates running for office in the Nov. 5 election. We asked candidates to respond to key issues impacting the Michigan LGBTQ+ community and about their visions for the future. Visit vote411.org to learn more about the candidates and issues on your ballot.
Candidate: Phil Skaggs
Running for Michigan State House of Representatives, District 80
Incumbent? Yes (Skaggs has also served as Kent County Commissioner (2017-2022) and East Grand Rapids City Commissioner (2012-2016)
Campaign Contact Info
(616) 446-2280
philskaggs.com
Twitter/X: philipskaggs
Facebook: philskaggs
Instagram: philskaggs
Candidate background
Education:
University of Michigan, BA, MA
Professional experience:
History Professor, 1998-2010; West Michigan Director, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, 2011-2012; Political Consultant, 2010-2015; Legislative Director, 2015-2022; State Representative, 2023-Present
What is your affiliation with the LGBTQ+ community?
Ally
Tell us about your top priorities and how you plan to achieve those goals.
Paid Family Leave, College Tuition Reimbursement, Mental Health Insurance Parity
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
I’m running for reelection to continue and expand upon the progress the Democratic legislature and Governor Whitmer have made over the last two years.
We made historic progress by investing in k-12 education, ensuring the right to reproductive freedom, passing transformational gun-violence prevention legislation, generating renewable energy, defending our LGBTQ+ neighbors, protecting workers' rights, targeting tax cuts to those most in need, and more. But there is still more to do. I will work to implement paid family and medical leave, establish universal pre-k, guarantee free community college, hold polluters accountable, invest in affordable housing, and more.
How do you plan to represent and advocate for the needs of LGBTQ+ community members?
I have a long history as an active ally of the LGBTQ+ community. As an East Grand Rapids City Commissioner, in collaboration with our state LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, I led the successful effort to pass a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance in 2015. As a State Legislator, I voted to expand our state civil rights law (Elliot-Larsen). outlaw conversion therapy, and eliminate the former law allowing for a "gay panic" defense. For my actions, I've earned the endorsement of Equality Michigan Action in all my campaigns.
State your position on transgender rights and how your office would work to protect this vulnerable population — particularly Black trans women, who are overrepresented in stats related to violence, the judicial system, homelessness, substance abuse and other serious issues.
All of the above actions on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community were crafted to make sure that the transgender community was clearly and explicitly included.
Homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth and young adults is a persistent issue in Michigan. How would your office make a positive impact for young LGBTQ+ people facing housing insecurity?
As a County Commissioner and State Representative, we've targeted funding to organizations and initiatives that support vulnerable, young LGBTQ+ people. In Michigan , we're putting $50 million/year into housing and we need to make sure that we're continuing to deal with our most marginalized communities.
State your position on abortion and other issues related to women’s reproductive health.
I support reproductive freedom and in the State House voted to eliminate the old 1931 ban on abortions in Michigan and voted for the Reproductive Health Act, which eliminated barriers to abortion. I'm endorsed by Planned Parenthood Advocates and Reproductive Freedom for All.
How do you feel about drag queens?
I support people living their authentic lives.
On Marriage Equality: After the overturning of Roe v Wade, many question if the U.S. Supreme Court will revisit their 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision. Would you support any legislation that undermines the rights of same-sex couples to marry? (Yes or No — feel free to elaborate)
No. I'm an ally: I'm a straight, white, middle-aged white male. In my heart and soul, I firmly believe that adults should be free to love who they want, without anyone else, especially government, getting in the way or being judgmental. I don't really even understand the desire among some, including my Republican opponent, to want to deny basic rights and freedoms to other Americans.
On K-12 School Curriculum: States such as Florida have passed legislation preventing teachers, counselors and coaches from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity with their students, dubbed "Don't Say Gay" bills. Other states have passed legislation requiring LGBTQ+ inclusion in K-12 curricula, often determined by the local school district to determine how to effectively integrate learning materials throughout.
Michigan currently has neither a ban nor a requirement. Would you support legislation requiring Michigan schools to teach about LGBTQ+ people and identities in history and social sciences? (Yes or No — feel free to elaborate)
Yes. I believe that students should be able to learn about sexuality and develop skills to make healthy decisions about their bodies and relationships. Students deserve comprehensive sexual health education that is age-appropriate, medically accurate, culturally responsive, and inclusive.
How would your office help people struggling financially?
Every American deserves a fair deal, a real shot at their American dream. I will continue to be a fierce advocate for the working families tax credit, childcare supports, public education, aid to public transit authorities, funding Medicaid and the ACA, and all the initiatives at the local, state and federal level that bring opportunity to everyone.
Visit vote411.org and michiganvoting.org to learn about the candidates and issues on your ballot and to make a voting plan.
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