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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The state House voted Tuesday to outlaw hooking up voting machines up to the internet while ballots are being tabulated. The vote showed the stark...
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer offered some broad outlines Monday of plans to improve public safety. That’s as crime rates have increased in Michigan and...
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The state’s workplace safety agency is urging businesses to adopt the CDC’s new mask recommendations to help stave off the spread of new COVID-19...
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A bipartisan infrastructure bill cleared the U.S. Senate Tuesday with the support of both of Michigan’s senators. “There is so much in this...
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700,000 Michigan households will continue to receive additional federal food assistance payments this month. The payments will show up in Bridge card...
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The Michigan Court of Appeals says the state law that punishes intimidation based on gender protects transgender people from threatening behavior. The...
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The petition campaign to add LGBTQ protections to Michigan’s civil rights law has asked the Michigan Supreme Court to hear its case. Fair and Equal...
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A Democrat in the state Legislature is asking Attorney General Dana Nessel to issue a formal opinion on whether electronic signatures can be counted on...
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The campaign to add LGBTQ protections to Michigan’s civil rights law has appealed a court decision that stalled the petition drive. The Fair and Equal...
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer has toured much of the state this week to build support for using American Rescue Plan funds for affordable housing. Whitmer’s...