President Donald Trump delivered the first address of his second term to a Joint Session of Congress. Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Republican Congressman Tom Barrett join Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta on this week’s It’s Just Politics for their response to the speech and the Democratic response from Michigan’s Senator Elissa Slotkin.

Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Republican state Representative says Michigan lawmakers aren’t working nearly enough and that Lansing is corrupt. He’s introduced a resolution to make the state Legislature part-time. Representative Jim DeSana joins Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta on this week’s It’s Just Politics.

Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!

Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michigan Republicans and Democrats gather this weekend to choose their new state party chairs. Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta explore the role of the state party chairs and why they matter heading into 2026.

Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!

Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer released her much-anticipated road funding plan this week. On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pulta are joined by Bridge Michigan’s Simon Shuster to dig into the $3 billion plan. Plus, John Truscott, former Communications Director for Governor John Engler, explains how to sell a roads plan.

Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!

Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Michigan has ranked last in a national study of state ethics and transparency laws. But this past week in Lansing, there’s been increased attention to transparency with the state Senate passing bills to open lawmakers and the governor’s office to Freedom of Information Act requests to the introduction of bills that would stop lawmakers from signing non-disclosure agreements. Plus, new rules in the state House would require earmarks be publicly disclosed in the budget process. On this week’s It’s Just Politics, The Detroit News’ Craig Mauger joins Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta.

Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!

Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republicans control the state House. There’s a GOP trifecta in D.C. It seems ripe for Democratic opposition… or is it? On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by two Democrats, Adrian Hemond and Portia Roberson, to explore the Democratic resistance or lack thereof. Plus, where things stand in Ottawa County after the controversial and uber-conservative Ottawa Impact lost their majority on the County Board of Commissioners.

Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!

Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has become the first Democrat to announce in the race for governor. On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by Benson to discuss her campaign for the state’s highest office. Plus, Matt Friedman joins the pod to discuss a growing trend in campaign announcements.

Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!

Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The special state House committee formed to amend Michigan’s tipped wage and sick-time leave laws meets for the first time this week in Lansing. The chair of the committee, Republican Representative Bill G. Schuette, joins It’s Just Politics to discuss his goals for the bills. Plus, Mothering Justice’s Danielle Atkinson joins hosts Rick Pluta and Zoe Clark to explain her opposition to changing the laws. And, Republican Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt announces he’s running for Governor of Michigan in 2026.

Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New and returning lawmakers of the Michigan House were sworn-in today at the state Capitol, marking the beginning of Michigan’s new 103rd Legislature. The state Senate remains under Democratic control but the state House is now being run by Republicans. On this week’s It’s Just Politics: what to expect when you’re expecting divided government. Hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by Michigan Public Radio Network’s Colin Jackson and Bridge Michigan’s Lauren Gibbons.

Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new Congress is being sworn-in tomorrow in Washington D.C. That means today is the last day for current members, including Michigan’s long-time Democratic Congressman Dan Kildee. It’s Just Politics host Zoe Clark spoke with the outgoing Representative from Flint about his dozen years in office and whether D.C. is really more House of Cards or Veep.

Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.