Rick Pluta | MPRN
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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The Michigan Legislature has sent Governor Gretchen Whitmer pro-union bills that include repealing the state's decade-old right-to-work law. -
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has filled a vacancy on her cabinet to lead the department responsible for state agriculture policy.
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LGBTQ protections are now covered in Michigan’s civil rights law under a bill signed Thursday by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
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Hundreds of people rallied at the state Capitol Wednesday to demand tougher gun laws.
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Legislation to repeal Michigan’s right-to-work law could be on its way to the governor before the end of this week. It’s up for a committee hearing Tuesday.
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Representative Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills) presided over a budget hearing with campus security chiefs. She said colleges and universities are in a tough position — having to balance students’ education needs and the growing costs of ensuring their safety.
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The state House has approved gun safety bills that include requiring universal background checks for gun sales. The bills cleared the House Wednesday night on party-line votes.
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The state Senate adopted bills Wednesday to repeal Michigan’s dormant abortion ban. This clears the way for the bills to go to Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
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The state House has two hot-button issues on a fast track for Wednesday: restoring Michigan’s prevailing wage requirement and repealing the state's right-to-work law.
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill Tuesday to restore a tax break on retirement income and to boost the state earned income tax credit — the biggest state tax overhaul in a dozen years.
