Whitmer asks for bipartisan cooperation, positivity in State of the State speech
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says divided government in Lansing should not stop Democrats and Republicans from finding ways to get things...
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.
Curtis Hertel Jr. elected Michigan Dem chair
Michigan Democrats have selected veteran political figure Curtis Hertel Jr. to serve as their new party chair headed into a...
Prosecutor asks Michigan Supreme Court to uphold terroristic threats law
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy’s office is asking the Michigan Supreme Court to reverse a ruling that struck down the...
Whitmer: Legislature should strike wage and leave deal this week or extend status quo
Governor Gretchen Whitmer called on the Michigan Legislature to reach a bipartisan deal this week on new state minimum wage...
Final briefs filed on whether House must send bills to Whitmer
The final legal briefs were filed Tuesday in a lawsuit that pits state Senate Democrats against House Republicans for failing...
Whitmer road plan includes marijuana tax
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released a road-and-transportation funding proposal Monday that includes a new tax on marijuana products, more revenue from...
Experts: Effect of tariffs on Michigan economy will depend on details
Business leaders and economists are on the lookout for how President Donald Trump’s plans will affect the state, especially the...
Whitmer says she wants to work with Trump ‘to solve problems’
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer congratulated President Donald Trump on his inauguration Monday, saying that she wants to work on “shared priorities”...
Whitmer to deliver her second-to-last State of the State on February 26
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Friday that her second-to-last State of the State address to the public and a joint session...
House committee opens hearings on minimum wage, sick leave initiatives
A Republican-led committee opened hearings Tuesday on bills that would scale back parts of initiatives to increase the state minimum...
State faces rosier revenue, budget picture with new projections
Michigan’s employment and earnings numbers are coming in better than expected, which also means a likely windfall to help pay...
Court of Appeals says MDHHS acted too quickly to sever parent’s rights
The Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled the due process rights of a woman who lost parental rights to her...