Rick Pluta
Rick 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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It’s no secret these budget bills are moving with unusual speed. What is a secret is what’s in the deal.
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State Representative Jewell Jones has lost his committee assignments. House Speaker Jason Wentworth made that decision as Jones battles multiple legal problems.
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Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig formally announced today that he is running as a Republican for governor of Michigan.
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer has called on the GOP-controlled Legislature to repeal the state’s decades-old ban on almost all abortions, even though the...
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A respected University of Michigan economic forecast says the state is on track for an almost full recovery of the jobs lost during the COVID-19...
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A Michigan lawmaker says an old marijuana conviction should not stop people from participating in the state’s growing recreational cannabis industry....
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A petition drive took an initial step Thursday toward enacting new voter restrictions. The Republican-backed signature campaign says it has filed its...
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State employees are being told they once again have to mask up at the office as a COVID-19 health precaution. The policy applies to 47,000 state...
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer said Friday that Michigan will welcome Afghans fleeing their country following the collapse of the U.S.-backed government and...
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Businesses could not require employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and also could not require unvaccinated people to wear protective masks under...