Rick Pluta

Challenge To Michigan's Gay Marriage Ban Grows From Adoption Case

Rick Pluta — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 08:04:00 +0000

A federal judge in Michigan could rule as soon as Thursday on a challenge to the state's ban on same-sex marriage and civil unions. The challenge comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear two cases dealing with gay marriage later this month.

In the Michigan case, a lesbian couple sued not because they want to be married, but because they want to be parents.

Jayne Rowse and April DeBoer have been together 13 years. For all practical purposes, they consider themselves married to each other.

Mich. Gov. To Consider Concealed Pistols Bill

Rick Pluta — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 10:37:00 +0000

Rick Snyder faces a stark choice on whether to allow concealed pistols in schools. In the closing hours of its lame duck session — and the day before the Sandy Hook killing spree — Michigan's legislature approved a bill that would allow concealed pistols in places where they are currently banned. The bill has yet to be formally presented to the governor, but once it is, he has 14 days to decide what he will do.

Despite Protests, Michigan Is A Right-To-Work State

Rick Pluta — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 11:09:00 +0000

Michigan is now the nation's 24th right-to-work state, where unions cannot automatically collect dues or fees from workers. The governor signed the law just hours after it was approved by the state's legislature in a day marked by protests.

Protests Surge As 'Right To Work' Bill Passes In Mich.

Rick Pluta — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 22:38:00 +0000

Michigan's House approved legislation on Tuesday that would significantly weaken union powers, as protestors gathered outside. Opponents claim it is politically motivated and hurts the average worker. Supporters say it will help attract new businesses to the state. Thousands of protestors descended on the capitol building as the vote took place.

Michigan Likely To Become A Right-To-Work State

Rick Pluta — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 09:55:00 +0000

The Michigan House and Senate have passed the legislation in different versions, and may take final action on the bills next week. Michigan could become the 24th state to say workers cannot be forced to pay union dues even if they work for a business or government employer with union representation.

Mich. Voters Defeat 2 Organized Labor Ballot Issues

Rick Pluta — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 10:51:00 +0000

Unions poured millions of dollars into ballot campaigns to guarantee collective bargaining rights in the Michigan Constitution and allow state-paid home care assistants to organize into a union. Both were resoundingly defeated.

Mich. Unions Want Bargaining Added To Constitution

Rick Pluta — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 20:47:00 +0000

Transcript

AUDIE CORNISH, HOST:

From Ohio now to Michigan, where labor unions are betting big this election. They're throwing their weight behind not one, but three new ballot proposals. The most ambitious of the three would enshrine collective bargaining rights in the state's constitution. As Michigan Public Radio's Rick Pluta reports, that could reverse as many as 170 state laws that currently limit union bargaining power and fundraising.

RICK PLUTA, BYLINE: Emboldened by a ballot victory last year in Ohio, union leaders and Democrats in neighboring Michigan sensed an opportunity.