Rick Pluta
Reporter / Producer - Michigan Public Radio NetworkRick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
Rick was one of the first Michigan political reporters to write about “pay-to-play” fundraising, and the controversies surrounding recognition of same-sex relationships. He broke the news that Gov. John Engler was planning a huge juvenile justice overhaul that included adult-time-for-adult-crime sentencing, and has continued to report since then on the effects of that policy decision.
He co-hosted the weekly segment “It’s Just Politics” on Michigan Radio with Zoe Clark.
Rick is fascinated by the game of politics, and the grand plans and human foibles that go into policy-making. You will never find him ice-fishing.
Follow him on Twitter at @rickpluta
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Jocelyn Benson announces her run for governor, the state House passes legislation to change the state’s tipped wage and sick time leave laws and state Senate Dems authorize a lawsuit to release bills from last year’s chaotic lame-duck legislative session. -
The state House adopted bills Thursday to scale back paid sick leave and minimum wage laws before they take effect in less than a month. -
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced Wednesday that she's seeking the Democratic nomination to run for governor. The primary will take place next August. -
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has become the first Democrat to announce in the race for governor. On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by Benson to discuss her campaign for the state’s highest office. Plus, Matt Friedman joins the pod to discuss a growing trend in campaign announcements. -
Business leaders and economists are on the lookout for how President Donald Trump’s plans will affect the state, especially the manufacturing sector. -
Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement Monday congratulating President Donald Trump on his inauguration and saying she wants to work on “shared priorities.” -
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer will deliver her seventh State of the State address to a Republican-controlled House and a Democratic-controlled Senate on February 26. -
In this week’s It’s Just Politics newsletter, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta explore what Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in her big speech this week at the Detroit Auto Show (and why she said it now). Plus, Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt throws his hat in the ring for Michigan governor in 2026, and the latest changes to Michigan’s tipped wage and sick time leave laws. -
A state House committee approved legislation Thursday to scale back minimum wage and earned sick time laws set to take effect in a few weeks. -
Governor Gretchen Whitmer toured the Detroit Auto Show Wednesday and delivered an address to industry leaders about her economic plans for 2025.
