Michigan Could Get a New State Flag
Do you think the Michigan flag needs a refresher? One freshman lawmaker believes it does. This lawmaker is making some noise and wants to start a commission to design a new Michigan state flag. State Rep. Phil Skaggs, D-East Grand Rapids, says he wants the Michigan flag to really give people a sense of community and pride in being a Michigander.
“(Places like) Chicago, Arizona, Colorado, the United States, Canada. These are really amazing flags that get used throughout the community and create a sense of pride and unity,” Skaggs told WOOD TV-8 (via the Holland Sentential). “This is something that we can have in Michigan, too. The current flag doesn’t give us that.”
The current Michigan flag dates back to 1911. It features an elk, moose, eagle and phrases on a dark blue background. Skaggs says they are keeping the state seal, even if it isn’t on the flag.
“We will still keep the seal, but seals are for governments,” he also told WOOD TV-8 (via the Holland Sentential). “They are for podiums with governors and official letterheads and stamps. Flags are for the people, and we want a flag that people will fly outside of their homes and will put on bumper stickers on their cars and will wear on hats and T-shirts.” As for how crucial this move is, he added, “This is not the most important thing we are going to do in Lansing. It’s not in the top ten of most important things. We are doing a lot here in Lansing. But we are still more than capable of walking and chewing multiple pieces of gum at the same time.”
Lawmakers have tried to pass legislation for a redesign of the state flag before. Former State Sen. Steve Bieda, D-Warren, proposed the legislation in 2016, as did the late State Rep. Andrea Schroeder, R-Clarkston, in 2021. In the end, Skaggs hopes both parties can get behind the idea.
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