Rick Pluta
Senior Capitol Correspondent - 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 reports appear regularly from the Capitol on public radio stations across the state and NPR.
He also hosts the weekly political program It’s Just Politics with Michigan Public's Political Director Zoe Clark.
Pluta's journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR.
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.
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.
He is a lifelong public radio listener.
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A bipartisan group of lawmakers wants a sweeping overhaul of how the board members of the three largest state universities are selected, as well as Michigan's attorney general and secretary of state. -
Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan ended his independent campaign this week for Michigan governor after concluding there was no viable path to victory in November. -
A coal-fired power plant in west Michigan that was scheduled for shutdown almost a year ago continues to operate under a series of Trump administration emergency orders. -
A state Senate committee voted to create a Michigan Voting Rights Act, largely in response to the U.S. Supreme Court stricking down key portions of the federal Voting Rights Act. -
As Michigan’s race for governor heats up, candidates are finally taking part in forums, scheduling debates, and sharpening their campaign messages. -
“This settlement directly supports our efforts to hold corporations accountable for the pollution caused by their products," says Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. -
The consensus on Michigan's revenue forecast is a bit better than earlier this year, but the state is still projected to be short of a balanced budget by about $1 billion. -
Starting next year, Michigan 11th graders will no longer face the essay portion of the Michigan Merit Exam, and SAT scores will no longer have to be part of high school transcripts. -
In a letter to the governor, Planned Parenthood of Michigan says cuts to Title X funding and the loss of Medicaid coverage for many of its patient services have left it in a precarious position. -
The week in Michigan politics: Criminal charges tied to a controversial $20 million state grant and renewed battles over petition signatures in Michigan’s governor’s race.
