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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A Michigan Court of Claims judge has ruled the Republican-controlled Michigan House should send nine bills being held in the clerk’s office to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for her to sign or veto. But the judge stopped short of issuing a court order to comply with the decision. -
Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her seventh State of the State address this week and tacked to the political center; plus, a judge rules in the state Legislature’s nine bills case, and Michigan U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin will deliver the Democratic response to President Donald Trump’s address to the nation next week. -
Governor Gretchen Whitmer is calling for streamlining the state’s environmental permitting process — including a reduction in the types of projects that require regulatory approval.It was one of the proposals Whitmer outlined Wednesday in her State of the State address. -
Governor Gretchen Whitmer said divided government in Lansing should not stop Democrats and Republicans from finding ways to get things done. The governor delivered her seventh State of the State address on Wednesday. -
A Republican state Representative says Michigan lawmakers aren’t working nearly enough and that Lansing is corrupt. He’s introduced a resolution to make the state Legislature part-time. Representative Jim DeSana joins Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta on this week’s It’s Just Politics. -
A group of seven conservative GOP legislators put their names on a non-binding resolution Tuesday calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse the landmark decision that struck down same-sex marriage bans —including Michigan’s dormant amendment. -
A dispute between the state Senate Democratic majority and Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp.) landed Monday before a Michigan Court of Claims judge who spent more than an hour listening to arguments regarding nine bills being held in legislative limbo. -
Curtis Hertel, Jr. replaces Lavora Barnes, who led the party since 2019 and chose not to seek another term. Hertel is a former county official, state senator and advisor to Governor Gretchen Whitmer. -
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed bills that change minimum wage and requires most employers institute paid sick days. -
Republicans and Democrats come to an agreement on new minimum and tipped wages for some Michigan workers, plus changes to the state’s paid sick leave law. And, Michigan Republicans and Democrats meet separately this weekend in Detroit to choose new state party chairs.
