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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Michigan’s latest economic forecast points to a “short-term pause.” But, University of Michigan economists expect a rebound in 2027, potentially giving the next governor a well-timed boost. -
In a court filing, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is pushing back against Michigan Republican allegations that she is refusing to cooperate with legislative election oversight efforts. -
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed laws this week that put new rules in place over how, and when, lawmakers can request earmarks - otherwise known as pork-barrel spending. But, will it really add transparency to Lansing’s budget process? -
Michigan lawmakers are debating a bill that would require school board candidates to run with party labels, ending the state’s long nonpartisan tradition. Education groups warn the proposal could inject politics into local districts and limit who can serve. -
Michigan Republican lawmakers have asked the DOJ to oversee the state’s 2026 elections, claiming a conflict of interest as Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson runs for governor. The move heightens tensions over election management ahead of a high-stakes election year. -
The GOP lawmakers say federal oversight is needed because Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has a conflict of interest since she is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor. One of the letter’s signers is Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, who is seeking his party’s nomination. -
The Michigan Senate approved bills to outlaw per-signature payments to professional circulators gathering signatures for political candidates and ballot campaigns. -
Democrats across the state — and around the country — are asking why eight Senators who caucus with Democrats sided with Republicans to reopen the government. Former Michigan Democratic Congressman Dan Kildee breaks down the surprising vote. Plus, Trump preemptively pardons Michigan’s “fake electors” and more legal filings in the case against the state’s new marijuana tax. -
A new 24% wholesale tax on marijuana in Michigan has sparked a heated debate, with the state defending its constitutionality in court filings and arguing it does not conflict with a voter-approved law that legalized recreational cannabis. -
With his sweeping pardons, Trump has effectively shielded those who challenged the 2020 election results from federal prosecution, however state charges and potential appeals loom on the horizon.
