
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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The Michigan Court of Appeals has struck down the state’s terroristic threats law. A unanimous three-judge panel agreed the law violates the First Amendment.The decision says the law violates the First Amendment because it focuses on how a communication might be perceived by the target of an alleged threat, instead of whether a perpetrator acted with intent or recklessness.
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The final legal briefs were filed this week in a lawsuit that pits state Senate Democrats against House Republicans for failing to send bills adopted by both chambers to Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Is this leading the state Capitol toward its own constitutional crisis?
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Arguments in a legal challenge to abortion restrictions that remain on the books in Michigan opened Thursday before a Michigan Court of Claims judge. The laws are currently blocked by a preliminary ruling from Judge Sima Patel.
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Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle said they hope a deal can be reached without waiting until July. “We have zero interest in an extension,” said a House Republican source. “A deal is on the table now.”
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer released her much-anticipated road funding plan this week. On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pulta are joined by Bridge Michigan’s Simon Shuster to dig into the $3 billion plan. Plus, John Truscott, former Communications Director for Governor John Engler, explains how to sell a roads plan.
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The final legal briefs were filed Tuesday in a lawsuit that pits state Senate Democrats against House Republicans for failing to send bills adopted by both chambers to Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The arguments will now be reviewed by a Michigan Court of Claims judge.
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a road-and-transportation funding proposal Monday that includes a new tax on marijuana products, more revenue from a business tax aimed at big tech companies, and unspecified budget cuts.
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Advocates of making the Michigan legislature and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's office more transparent saw success this week in Lansing. But, is this the year the state Capitol really becomes more open? Plus, new names in the 2026 race to be Michigan's next governor.
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s new budget proposal includes a big increase in the state surcharge on dumping waste in landfills.
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s administration rolled out its 83-point-five billion dollar proposed budget Wednesday for the coming fiscal year.