Michigan Legislature to Return to Capitol with Goal of Adopting State Budgets
The Legislature is back in Lansing this week with the primary goal of wrapping up the state budget. That includes...
Rick Pluta 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-hosts 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.
Gov. Whitmer Turns to Persuasion Over COVID-19 Restrictions
Less stick. More carrot. That appears to be Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s approach now. Last Wednesday, the governor visited Ford Field...
Opinion Leaves Whitmer COVID-19 Orders Tangled Up In Court
A Michigan Supreme Court opinion has created confusion surrounding the state’s COVID-19 response. But Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she still...
Officials Urge Absentee Ballot Drop-Offs, Prepare for Days-Long Count
Don’t wait. Drop off your ballot in person. It’s too late to put it in the mail if you want...
Michigan’s Eviction Moratorium Expires Today, New Program Aims to Help Renters
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s moratorium on people being evicted from homes and apartments for non-payment of rent expired Thursday. It’s being...
Whitmer Ready With ‘Plan B’ for Road Money, Potential Affordable Care Act Repeal
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she’s ready to go-it-alone to come up with money to pay for road repairs. That’s if...
New State Rule Requires Water Systems To Eliminate Lead Service Lines
A new state rule requires local water systems to get rid of all their lead service lines over the next...
Michigan Now Leads Nation in Interpreting LGBTQ Discrimination Cases, Say Advocates
Equality Michigan The state Department of Civil Rights is now accepting complaints from people who say they’ve faced discrimination based...
Federal Judge: State Can’t Deny Good Conduct Points to Some Inmates
Jake Neher/WDET A federal judge says the Michigan Department of Corrections cannot deny good conduct credits to former juvenile lifers...
Snyder: It’s the Federal Government’s Turn to Raise Fuel Taxes
Marissa Gawel/WDET Gov. Rick Snyder has signed a budget bill that accelerates spending on road repairs in time to help...
State Superintendent Stepping Down to Focus on Cancer Battle
Photo Courtesy of Dearborn Public Schools State schools Superintendent Brian Whiston is stepping down to concentrate on his battle with...
Bills to Strengthen Sexual Assault Laws Clear State Senate
Jake Neher/WDET The state Senate passed legislation that sponsors say will increase the rights of victims of sexual assault. The...