Rick Pluta
MPRN Capitol Bureau ChiefRick 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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Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive Tuesday instructing state departments and agencies to accelerate their transition to zero-emission vehicles.
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Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson recently got to sign a voting rights law while Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist were both out of state.
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Michigan's new law sets a goal for the state to generate 100 percent of its energy from renewable resources by 2040, and gives the state more power in approving wind and solar projects.
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A petition campaign seeking to eliminate property taxes in Michigan was dealt a setback Monday by a state elections board.
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Michigan's Democratic governor says the bills help align state laws with the reproductive rights amendment adopted last year by voters.
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The software monitors surveillance video from cameras posted inside the Capitol for signs that someone slipped a gun past the metal detectors.
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Michigan Radio’s Rick Pluta sat down with Democratic House Speaker Joe Tate to talk about what got done over the past year and what’s waiting for lawmakers in 2024.
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Floor votes, debates and committee meetings will be officially done for the year as the gavel comes down at noon Tuesday.
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The Legislature is all but officially done for 2023. That’s as House Democrats are about to at least temporarily lose their majority.
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People convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence would be automatically barred from possessing firearms for eight years under bills that have cleared the Michigan House.