Rick Pluta
Rick 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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The state-appointed emergency manager of the Detroit public schools system is calling it quits. Darnell Earley was a big target because of his job before this one — as emergency manager of Flint.
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Gov. Rick Snyder delivered his State of the State address, and apologized for the drinking water disaster in Flint. He said he will release his emails on the lead-contaminated tap water in Flint.
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Gov. Rick Snyder is to deliver his sixth state of the state address Tuesday. It comes at a time of crisis for the state and the governor. He's criticized for his handling of Flint's water problems.
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Despite a requirement that states balance their budgets each year, it's not unusual for a few to miss the deadline. This year, deficits caused by the recession made eight states late. Two states — Michigan and Pennsylvania — still don't have budgets, and Arizona only has funding for part of the year. Rick Pluta reports for Michigan Public Radio, Susan Phillips weighs in from Philadelphia, and NPR's Ted Robbins reports from Tucson.