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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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer discusses her final-year agenda focusing on housing, health care, and literacy; plus her legacy as Michigan’s 49th governor. -
Republicans are proposing a very different tax plan than the governor when it comes to dealing with federal funding cuts and a dip in state revenue. -
What’s in the proof-of-citizenship and voter ID ballot proposal, and what is the state of the state budget as Governor Whitmer prepares for her final State of the State address. -
Governor Gretchen Whitmer wants the legacy of her final year in office to include affordable housing relief. -
An order issued earlier this week is the fourth time the U.S. Energy Department has extended operations of Consumers Energy's J.H. Campbell power plant in Ottawa County. -
Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall hints at a sweeping property tax overhaul, echoing Proposal A and setting up a consequential fight ahead of the 2026 elections. -
Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall says he will soon roll out plans soon to reduce real estate and property taxes without cutting funds for schools and local governments. -
An inside look at the proposals aiming for Michigan’s November ballot - from property taxes and school funding to voter ID and minimum wage - and where the campaigns stand now. -
Former Chicago Mayor, Obama Administration White House Chief of Staff, member of Congress, U.S. ambassador to Japan and possible Democratic presidential candidate Rahm Emanuel slipped into Michigan for a day, to test the waters for a presidential run — including an address Tuesday to the Detroit Economic Club. -
The Michigan Court of Appeals says a state civil rights investigation into police misconduct in Grand Rapids can continue for as long is at needs to because it is an administrative inquiry, not a criminal matter.
