Rick Pluta
Capitol Bureau Chief and ReporterRick Pluta is the Capitol Bureau Chief for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He is heard daily on WCMU's Morning Edition and All Things Considered.
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive directive on Monday that instructs state departments and agencies to develop plans to use federal recovery funds to improve broadband internet service in Michigan. -
A state lawmaker has proposed changing Michigan’s high school graduation requirements to include instruction in financial literacy.
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A petition drive to add LGBTQ rights to the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act hit a dead end Tuesday. That’s as the Michigan Supreme Court refused to reconsider a lower court decision that the Fair and Equal Michigan campaign failed to gather enough signatures. That means the question will NOT go to the Legislature or appear on the ballot.
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Former public health officials urge people to ignore petition to limit emergency powers
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer has vetoed a bill that would have lifted some restrictions on backyard wildlife feeding. The bill upholds existing restrictions adopted by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission.The vetoed bill, HB 4008, would have allowed up to two gallons of bird or animal feed within 300 feet of a residence.
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The Legislature is expected to approve a budget agreement this week and send it to Governor Gretchen Whitmer. She will almost certainly sign it, which would avert a partial government shutdown when the state’s new fiscal year begins October 1st.
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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says in many cases students exposed to COVID-19 may not have to stay home.
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer says she is ready to use her veto pen to stop Republican legislation to limit schools and local governments from enacting mask requirements.
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The Michigan State Medical Society says it’s time for people to return to masking up indoors. The reason is the rapid spread of the highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant.
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State officials are also urging school districts and local health departments to adopt mask requirements, but neither Governor Gretchen Whitmer or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services have issued any mandate to do so.
