John Torinus

John Torinus is the chairman of Serigraph Inc. and a former Milwaukee Sentinel business editor who blogs regularly at johntorinus.com.

Contact John

Recent Articles

Op Ed: Felzkowski Leads on Health Care Pricing
Op Ed

Felzkowski Leads on Health Care Pricing

Requiring transparency on prices could help battle health care inflation.

Op Ed: Will Hospital Merger Help Consumers?
Op Ed

Will Hospital Merger Help Consumers?

A frank look at the impact of latest merger, of Froedtert Health and ThedaCare.

Op Ed: UWM Gets Stiffed In Governor’s Budget
Op Ed

UWM Gets Stiffed In Governor’s Budget

While UW-Madison got $347 for building projects. Will Milwaukee's leaders push for better deal from legislators?

Op Ed: 8 Ways to Reform Health Care System
Op Ed

8 Ways to Reform Health Care System

Including breaking up the big medical care monoliths.

Op Ed: Stop the Hospital Merger Mania
Op Ed

Stop the Hospital Merger Mania

Mergers hike prices and corporate pay, lower quality. The Aurora Advocate merger with Atrium will do all three.

Op Ed: How Should State Spend $6.6 Billion Surplus
Op Ed

How Should State Spend $6.6 Billion Surplus

Evers and Legislature could have fun -- and improve the state.

Op Ed: 10 Questions on Rising Health Care Costs
Op Ed

10 Questions on Rising Health Care Costs

Wisconsin has 4th highest costs in nation. When will our leaders take on the issue?

Op Ed: Rigged Election Lie Dies Quietly
Op Ed

Rigged Election Lie Dies Quietly

How can there be a stolen election if both parties score wins and losses in same electoral process?

Op Ed: Will You Vote for An Election Denier?
Op Ed

Will You Vote for An Election Denier?

It may be the most important issue in the November election.

Op Ed: Loser Cheney Will Be Trump’s Nightmare
Op Ed

Loser Cheney Will Be Trump’s Nightmare

Her impact may be felt in Wisconsin.

Op Ed: Will State GOP Wake Up To Reality?
Op Ed

Will State GOP Wake Up To Reality?

Grothman, Tiffany ignore Jan. 6 hearings, threats to Pence as candidates for governor embrace Trump.

Op Ed: Will Trump Backing Hurt Tim Michels?
Op Ed

Will Trump Backing Hurt Tim Michels?

Republican could have been strong mainstream candidate; this connects him to a cult.

Op Ed: Officials Should Oppose Health Care Merger
Op Ed

Officials Should Oppose Health Care Merger

Merger of Advocate Aurora and Atrium Health won't improve care but will increase prices.

Op Ed: Worker Shortage Is Top Issue In Race For Governor
Op Ed

Worker Shortage Is Top Issue In Race For Governor

Shortage is so extreme some businesses have closed or reduced services.

Op Ed: Rep. Ramthun’s Resume Looks Fishy
Op Ed

Rep. Ramthun’s Resume Looks Fishy

Declines to answer questions about unspecified corporate positions he claims.

Op Ed: Ramthun Will Mess Up GOP Primary
Op Ed

Ramthun Will Mess Up GOP Primary

Republican state senator won’t provide any evidence of his Big Lie about 2020 election.

Op Ed: Will Rothman Take On UW Conglomerate?
Op Ed

Will Rothman Take On UW Conglomerate?

WARF, UW Health and Quartz HMO among the spinoffs whose governance, purpose needs scrutiny.

Op Ed: Rothman Must Re-Balance UW System
Op Ed

Rothman Must Re-Balance UW System

UW-Madison gets too much of state funding, campuses like UWM get too little.

Op Ed: Wisconsin Exits Top 10 In Taxes
Op Ed

Wisconsin Exits Top 10 In Taxes

Now ranks average, 23rd in the nation. Credit Republican fiscal constraint.

Op Ed: Tommy Thompson For Governor?
Op Ed

Tommy Thompson For Governor?

He might welcome an overture from Republican Party. And add depth to 2022 campaign.

Op Ed: Sen. Ramthun Wants To Hijack Election
Op Ed

Sen. Ramthun Wants To Hijack Election

Offering no evidence of fraud, legislator would cancel the ballots of every voter in the state.

Op Ed: About That Blue Cross Money
Op Ed

About That Blue Cross Money

UW Health has a nearly half billion dollar endowment but what it is doing with it?

Op Ed: Biden is Right On Vaccine Mandates
Op Ed

Biden is Right On Vaccine Mandates

The biggest beneficiaries may be anti-vaxxers.

Op Ed: Flood Control Helps Milwaukee Watershed
Op Ed

Flood Control Helps Milwaukee Watershed

MMSD, conservationists have preserved 11,000 acres to help reduce flooding caused by climate change.

Op Ed: Thompson Right On UW System Future
Op Ed

Thompson Right On UW System Future

Blue-ribbon commission needed to address falling enrollment, massive challenges.

Op Ed: School Boards Must Lead on Masks
Op Ed

School Boards Must Lead on Masks

Washington County schools should follow those in Green Bay, Appleton that issued mandates.

Op Ed: Businesses Must Lead In Mandating Shots
Op Ed

Businesses Must Lead In Mandating Shots

Anti-vaxxers are spreading COVID-19 disease and deaths and could cause a recession.

Op Ed: Pandemic’s Drop in Health Costs Won’t Last
Op Ed

Pandemic’s Drop in Health Costs Won’t Last

Medical hyper-inflation will return, squeezing employers and employees.

Op Ed: State’s Research & Development Funding Surges
Op Ed

State’s Research & Development Funding Surges

UW-Madison total up to $1.5 billion, MCW up to $250 million.

Op Ed: New UW Regents Chair Faces Challenges
Op Ed

New UW Regents Chair Faces Challenges

Top issue: search for UW system president to replace Tommy Thompson.

Op Ed: Anti-Vaxxers Are Fake Patriots
Op Ed

Anti-Vaxxers Are Fake Patriots

Preventing nation from reaching herd immunity. That’s a grim prognosis.

Op Ed: Can We Keep the Great Lakes Great?
Op Ed

Can We Keep the Great Lakes Great?

$10 million plan for fresh water collaborative at 13 UW campuses must be funded.

Op Ed: Evers Has Chance to Stimulate Startups
Op Ed

Evers Has Chance to Stimulate Startups

But he needs to reconsider his “fund of funds” idea, consult experts.

Op Ed: Underfunded UWM Looks to Lead
Op Ed

Underfunded UWM Looks to Lead

A key to issues like minority education and freshwater research, but needs more funding.

Op Ed: Employers Face Worker Shortage
Op Ed

Employers Face Worker Shortage

Some in metro area offering signing bonus of $1,000.

Op Ed: UW System Should Correct UWM Inequity
Op Ed

UW System Should Correct UWM Inequity

UWM and UW-Parkside serve the most students of color and are grossly underfunded.

Op Ed: Extend Tommy As UW System President
Op Ed

Extend Tommy As UW System President

Amid pandemic and budget crisis, stability and proven leadership needed. Regents should extend his contract

Op Ed: Green Wave Sweeping the State
Op Ed

Green Wave Sweeping the State

Economic prosperity and environmental progress can work hand-in-hand.

Op Ed: Where’s Joe Biden the Centrist?
Op Ed

Where’s Joe Biden the Centrist?

No bipartisan moves, no centrist innovations so far from the president.

Op Ed: The Good News About Vaccines
Op Ed

The Good News About Vaccines

Despite some glitches, effort is going well. And early returns suggest they are very effective.

Op Ed: Subsidy for Unemployed Too High?
Op Ed

Subsidy for Unemployed Too High?

Businesses offering good jobs having trouble finding employees.

Op Ed: Timberlake Has Chops to Ramp Up Vaccines
Op Ed

Timberlake Has Chops to Ramp Up Vaccines

Evers appointee to head state health department a seasoned pro. GOP legislators should confirm her.

Op Ed: GOP Needs to Move Beyond Trump
Op Ed

GOP Needs to Move Beyond Trump

The Grand Old Party is not so grand anymore.

Op Ed: Biden Must Address Ransomware Crisis
Op Ed

Biden Must Address Ransomware Crisis

Trump looked the other way, but Biden must fix the biggest cyber hacking heist ever seen.

Op Ed: Hagedorn Wisconsin’s Person of The Year
Op Ed

Hagedorn Wisconsin’s Person of The Year

Supreme Court justice showed a lot of backbone in following the law, not politics.

Op Ed: Trump Leaving Chaos Behind
Op Ed

Trump Leaving Chaos Behind

A few accomplishments in four years, but so many failures.

Op Ed: Tommy Gains $5 Million in Pandemic Funds
Op Ed

Tommy Gains $5 Million in Pandemic Funds

More leadership by ex-governor. Money to be used for UW’s nursing education and internships.

Op Ed: Biden Needs Some Business Experts
Op Ed

Biden Needs Some Business Experts

Pandemic undercuts economic rebound. President-elect needs expertise in job creation.

Op Ed: Amazon, Walmart Take On Health Costs
Op Ed

Amazon, Walmart Take On Health Costs

Along with Walgreens and CVS, creating their own medical clinics to cut costs.

Op Ed: Tommy to the Rescue!
Op Ed

Tommy to the Rescue!

Thompson is leading the way with solutions to the pandemic.

Op Ed: State Should Create Coronavirus Czar
Op Ed

State Should Create Coronavirus Czar

Governor and legislative leaders should mutually name a COVID czar and bipartisan task force.

Op Ed: Trump’s Final Trashing of Democracy
Op Ed

Trump’s Final Trashing of Democracy

He is essentially anti-democratic and a mountain of disrespect.

Op Ed: Mistake? Foxconn Was a Whopper
Op Ed

Mistake? Foxconn Was a Whopper

How could Republican federal and state leaders have been so wrong?

Op Ed: Demand a Joint Vos and Evers Virus Plan
Op Ed

Demand a Joint Vos and Evers Virus Plan

Stop playing politics. Pass a pandemic plan with wide scale testing, rigorous tracing.

Op Ed: Will Trump’s Tax Avoidance Lose Votes?
Op Ed

Will Trump’s Tax Avoidance Lose Votes?

Many years of paying nothing, while others must pay, could hurt him in red counties.

Op Ed: Trump Tariffs Have Failed
Op Ed

Trump Tariffs Have Failed

U.S. trade imbalance has grown under Trump. Biden needs to try different approach.

Op Ed: I Was Not a ‘Sucker’ For Serving
Op Ed

I Was Not a ‘Sucker’ For Serving

I get physically upset when the president demeans men and women who served America in battle.

Op Ed: No Equality Without Specific Solutions
Op Ed

No Equality Without Specific Solutions

Yes, we need better policing and more opportunities for Black Americans. But how do we get there?

Op Ed: Management Styles of Trump vs. Biden
Op Ed

Management Styles of Trump vs. Biden

A one-man band overseeing 4.4 million federal employees versus a true team leader.

Op Ed: Harris Could Push Dems Towards Pragmatic Policies
Op Ed

Harris Could Push Dems Towards Pragmatic Policies

On health care, immigration, free college tuition there are potential compromises.

Op Ed: Businesses Struggle to Survive the Pandemic
Op Ed

Businesses Struggle to Survive the Pandemic

Payroll Protection Program helped local businesses, but state should boost startup tax credits to reinvigorate the economy

Op Ed: Trump Attacks Voting Process
Op Ed

Trump Attacks Voting Process

The president attempts to undercut mail-in voting.

Op Ed: Biden Needs a Smarter Jobs Platform
Op Ed

Biden Needs a Smarter Jobs Platform

The presidential hopeful doesn't have a jobs program tailored to the 21st Century.

Op Ed: The Constitutional Posturing on Masks
Op Ed

The Constitutional Posturing on Masks

In what article of the Constitution did the Washington County Board find masks mentioned?

Op Ed: Sell Non-Core UW System Assets
Op Ed

Sell Non-Core UW System Assets

System may face $200 million deficit. What about the golf course, real estate, cell towers?

Op Ed: 5 Pragmatic Solutions Biden Could Offer
Op Ed

5 Pragmatic Solutions Biden Could Offer

Trump in free-fall, nation needs leadership. Here’s what Biden should do.

Op Ed: Tommy Could Have Big Impact on UW
Op Ed

Tommy Could Have Big Impact on UW

Will likely serve two years as UW System President. And could re-shape entire system.

Op Ed: Pick Tommy for Interim UW President
Op Ed

Pick Tommy for Interim UW President

System in disarray, needs a firm hand — and a friend. Tommy Thompson would be ideal.

Op Ed: Sykes Must Be Smiling at Trump’s Slump
Op Ed

Sykes Must Be Smiling at Trump’s Slump

Talk radio’s scourge of the left now one of Trump’s notable opponents.

Op Ed: UWM’s Financial Plight Is “Catastrophic”
Op Ed

UWM’s Financial Plight Is “Catastrophic”

Governor, Legislature not helping. Big hitters in Milwaukee need to rally around university.

Op Ed: Get Ready For Nasty Presidential Campaign
Op Ed

Get Ready For Nasty Presidential Campaign

With Wisconsin at the center of all the mud-slinging.

Op Ed: Consumers Will Decide When We Reopen
Op Ed

Consumers Will Decide When We Reopen

You can’t order people to visit movie theaters, retail shops, when most still fear a reopening.

Op Ed: Business Owners Can’t Plan for Future
Op Ed

Business Owners Can’t Plan for Future

The pandemic leaves the future so hard to predict companies are left at sea.

Op Ed: UW System Needs New Kind of Leader
Op Ed

UW System Needs New Kind of Leader

Pandemic shutdown has added challenges for system. The typical education bureaucrat won’t cut it.

Op Ed: Biden’s Ideas Won’t Get Hearing in April Election
Op Ed

Biden’s Ideas Won’t Get Hearing in April Election

Pandemic overshadowing what could have been important election.

Op Ed: Yes, Billionaires Should Exist
Op Ed

Yes, Billionaires Should Exist

Beware of presidential candidates with all THE ANSWERS.

Op Ed: Economic Development That Works
Op Ed

Economic Development That Works

M7 efforts, TIF districts have both paid off. Now if only we find more workers.

Op Ed: Prescription Drug Prices Can Be Leveraged
Op Ed

Prescription Drug Prices Can Be Leveraged

How our company reduced the massive costs of Big Pharma's prescription drug prices.

Op Ed: Trump’s Most Formidable Foe?
Op Ed

Trump’s Most Formidable Foe?

Mike Bloomberg, a real billionaire running against an alleged one, could be a very tough opponent.

Op Ed: A Love Letter to ‘Dairylandia’
Op Ed

A Love Letter to ‘Dairylandia’

Former Milwaukee Journal managing editor Steve Hannah’s new book celebrates “modest Wisconsin.”

Op Ed: Cross Exit Opens Door to UW Reforms
Op Ed

Cross Exit Opens Door to UW Reforms

Find leader from outside academia to take fresh look, transform UW System.

Op Ed: Celebrating The Neutron Economy
Op Ed

Celebrating The Neutron Economy

The Phoenix Neutron Imaging Center points the way to state’s new economy.

Op Ed: Even Higher Wages Won’t Fill Open Jobs
Op Ed

Even Higher Wages Won’t Fill Open Jobs

Increase legal immigration as the reliable workforce dwindles.

Op Ed: Sen. Ron Johnson Mired In Trump’s Swamp
Op Ed

Sen. Ron Johnson Mired In Trump’s Swamp

Johnson attacks FBI, CIA, and the whistleblower to defend Trump.

Op Ed: Where Will Future Jobs Come From?
Op Ed

Where Will Future Jobs Come From?

Those Labor Day think pieces offered few answers. Where do we go from here?

Op Ed: State Will Be Three-Ring Political Circus
Op Ed

State Will Be Three-Ring Political Circus

An open primary, voters can cross party lines, and a huge cast of presidential candidates.

Op Ed: Finally, Some Leadership on Teen Mothers
Op Ed

Finally, Some Leadership on Teen Mothers

Republican and Democratic legislators offer separate bills to provide broader access to contraceptives.

Op Ed: It’s the Health Care Costs, Stupid
Op Ed

It’s the Health Care Costs, Stupid

Universal coverage is unaffordable without a system of managed health care.

Op Ed: How Entrepreneurs Grow Jobs
Op Ed

How Entrepreneurs Grow Jobs

Sales of companies by founding entrepreneurs cap a story of creating jobs from scratch.

Op Ed: Save the Yellow Perch!
Op Ed

Save the Yellow Perch!

Perch count way down in Lake Michigan. Strong leadership needed to protect state waters.

Op Ed: UWM Embraces Entrepreneurship
Op Ed

UWM Embraces Entrepreneurship

The university wants to be the hub of start-up activity for the region.

Op Ed: FIRE Cluster Can Help Grow Economy
Op Ed

FIRE Cluster Can Help Grow Economy

Finance, real estate and insurance businesses are one of our best bets for state prosperity.

Op Ed: Evers, GOP Leaders Need Health Care Ideas
Op Ed

Evers, GOP Leaders Need Health Care Ideas

They could learn from local experts like Albrecht Free Clinic in West Bend.

Op Ed: Evers Could Boost the Business Sector
Op Ed

Evers Could Boost the Business Sector

His promise to be “business friendly” and emphasize entrepreneurship could help state.

Op Ed: Movie “Vice” Distorts Cheney, Rumsfeld
Op Ed

Movie “Vice” Distorts Cheney, Rumsfeld

I knew them both. Movie is a distorted hit job on two long-serving patriotic Americans.

Op Ed: Evers, Vos, Fitzgerald Must Compromise
Op Ed

Evers, Vos, Fitzgerald Must Compromise

There are many issues where they can forge agreements — and lead the state forward.

Op Ed: Avoid Partisan Gridlock, Let Voters Decide
Op Ed

Avoid Partisan Gridlock, Let Voters Decide

Referendums on key issues like state funding for K-12 and UW System could solve partisan divide.

Op Ed: Remembering George H.W. Bush
Op Ed

Remembering George H.W. Bush

One of the most down-to-earth guys you'd ever meet, he accomplished a lot.

Op Ed: The War Against Ala Carte Medical Pricing
Op Ed

The War Against Ala Carte Medical Pricing

It's the most expensive way to go and payers are increasingly rebelling.

Op Ed: Write No Obituary for Scott Walker
Op Ed

Write No Obituary for Scott Walker

He accomplished a lot and ran for office 13 times. He’ll probably run again.

Op Ed: Voters Demand Compromise
Op Ed

Voters Demand Compromise

But are there issues Ever and Republicans could agree on? Yes.

Op Ed: President Trump is Beyond Divisive
Op Ed

President Trump is Beyond Divisive

He respects no one, maybe not even himself, and never seeks win-win outcomes.

Op Ed: 25 UW Campuses Strapped for Funds
Op Ed

25 UW Campuses Strapped for Funds

UW-Madison doing fine but other 25 campuses, including Milwaukee, have taken big hits to funding.

Op Ed: Land Trust Groups Work on Conservation
Op Ed

Land Trust Groups Work on Conservation

State’s 46 land trusts boast 25,000 members, have protected 538,000 acres in Wisconsin.

Op Ed: Extreme Partisanship Prevents National Solutions
Op Ed

Extreme Partisanship Prevents National Solutions

Could political reforms improve the state and national political system?

Op Ed: Where Will Walker, Evers Take Economy?
Op Ed

Where Will Walker, Evers Take Economy?

State in slow growth mode. Two candidates have very different approaches to this.

Op Ed: In Defense of Journalists
Op Ed

In Defense of Journalists

Trump is the enemy of truth. Journalists are still the best protection of a democratic nation.

Op Ed: Both Parties Ducking Major Issues
Op Ed

Both Parties Ducking Major Issues

But what will Trump’s impact be on state’s November election?

Op Ed: Venture Investments On the Rise
Op Ed

Venture Investments On the Rise

Half billion in angel and venture investments in last two years great news for state.

Op Ed: Another Win for M7 Partnerships
Op Ed

Another Win for M7 Partnerships

$40 Million from Northwestern Mutual for Data Sciences at MU and UWM will have big impact.

Op Ed: Trump Dead Wrong on Canadian Trade
Op Ed

Trump Dead Wrong on Canadian Trade

We have a trade surplus with Canada, so a tariff war with our closest ally will only hurt U.S.

Op Ed: Trump’s Tariffs Hurt Wisconsin Economy
Op Ed

Trump’s Tariffs Hurt Wisconsin Economy

And his immigration policies impair the ability of employers to fill jobs.

Op Ed: Will Democrat Gubernatorial Candidates Take On The Big Issues?
Op Ed

Will Democrat Gubernatorial Candidates Take On The Big Issues?

They all want to repeal Act 10. What they should do is deal with state's pressing issues.

Op Ed: It’s a Great Time to Graduate
Op Ed

It’s a Great Time to Graduate

But don’t be afraid to switch jobs, careers. And don’t ever stop learning.

Op Ed: The Fight Against Medical Industrial Complex
Op Ed

The Fight Against Medical Industrial Complex

Some signs of progress. Prices still rising but not as much.

Op Ed: Rockwell, West Bend Lead Way in Ethics
Op Ed

Rockwell, West Bend Lead Way in Ethics

In contrast to VW or Wells Fargo, two state companies lead way with ethical standards.

Op Ed: UW-Oshkosh Criminal Charges a Mistake
Op Ed

UW-Oshkosh Criminal Charges a Mistake

Smells of prosecutorial overreach, but shows need for tightening UW System rules.

Op Ed: 8 Issues Facing Health Care System
Op Ed

8 Issues Facing Health Care System

There will be disruptions “at a rate and scale never seen before.”

Op Ed: State Needs to Invest More In UWM
Op Ed

State Needs to Invest More In UWM

It’s critical to region’s economy. WOW county leaders should push for this.

Op Ed: UW System Changes Too Piecemeal
Op Ed

UW System Changes Too Piecemeal

Example: UW-Stevens Point reducing liberal arts. System-wide strategic plan is needed.

Op Ed: White House Firings Are Not Okay
Op Ed

White House Firings Are Not Okay

Disarray in government ultimately hurts the people you serve.

Op Ed: Trump Tariffs Will Harm Trump Country
Op Ed

Trump Tariffs Will Harm Trump Country

Wisconsin could be one of the biggest losers.

Op Ed: Milwaukee Film Cluster Could Be a Star
Op Ed

Milwaukee Film Cluster Could Be a Star

New effort is a classic example of reinventing the Rust Belt.

Op Ed: Pendulum Swinging Against GOP
Op Ed

Pendulum Swinging Against GOP

Voters could punish Walker, Republicans for cuts in UW and environmental protection.

Op Ed: Walker Speech More About Politics Than Policy
Op Ed

Walker Speech More About Politics Than Policy

State-of-the-state speech was politically crafty, but ignored some major issues.

Op Ed: Let’s Get Real About Immigration
Op Ed

Let’s Get Real About Immigration

We need immigrant workers. Will the two parties find a middle ground?

Op Ed: UW Extension Could Have More Impact
Op Ed

UW Extension Could Have More Impact

Its 1600 employees could beef up depleted regional UW campuses.

Op Ed: Foxconn’s Low Return on State Investment
Op Ed

Foxconn’s Low Return on State Investment

Other state subsidies will have far greater jobs created per tax dollar spent.

Op Ed: Democrat Should Run Up The Middle
Op Ed

Democrat Should Run Up The Middle

Dennis Degenhardt could win GOP-leaning Assembly seat as a pro-business moderate.

Op Ed: Health Care Insurers Shaking Up Market
Op Ed

Health Care Insurers Shaking Up Market

Some are even buying health care providers. Changes could be good for consumers.

Op Ed: Ron Johnson a Hero for Small Businesses
Op Ed

Ron Johnson a Hero for Small Businesses

His objections push Republicans to add federal tax breaks for small businesses.

Op Ed: Buyout Of Rockwell A Bad Idea
Op Ed

Buyout Of Rockwell A Bad Idea

Better for the company long term if Rockwell rejects takeover bid by Emerson Electric.

Op Ed: Corporate Giants Funding Startups
Op Ed

Corporate Giants Funding Startups

NM and Aurora each pledge $5 million for early stage investments, could have big impact.

Op Ed: How CROWE Can Help State Economy
Op Ed

How CROWE Can Help State Economy

The launching of UW-Madison Center for Research on the Wisconsin Economy is much needed.

Op Ed: UW System Reorganization a Bold Plan
Op Ed

UW System Reorganization a Bold Plan

What’s good and what could be improved in UW President Ray Cross’s proposal.

Op Ed: Will Governor Candidates Duck Big Issues?
Op Ed

Will Governor Candidates Duck Big Issues?

Health care reform and UW reorganization are big issues Walker and his opponent may punt.

Op Ed: Environment Fading As Public Issue
Op Ed

Environment Fading As Public Issue

Wisconsin needs a renewed dialogue on the protection of our natural resources.

Op Ed: Trump Says “You’re Fired” to Republicans
Op Ed

Trump Says “You’re Fired” to Republicans

He’s at war with nearly every GOP leader; where does that leave the party?

Op Ed: Foxconn Should Embrace Green Goals
Op Ed

Foxconn Should Embrace Green Goals

They’ve operated with high environmental standards in Mexico. Why not in Wisconsin?

Op Ed: How to Get a Better Deal From Foxconn
Op Ed

How to Get a Better Deal From Foxconn

Company is a famously hard-nosed negotiator. State must be, too.

Op Ed: Non-Profit Packers Give to Charity
Op Ed

Non-Profit Packers Give to Charity

The franchise gives back to state, proving it is really America’s Team.

Op Ed: Foxconn Deal Could Be a Winner
Op Ed

Foxconn Deal Could Be a Winner

But the cost-benefit ratio should be carefully examined.

Op Ed: The Health Care Speech Ryan Should Give
Op Ed

The Health Care Speech Ryan Should Give

Try a managed cared plan that covers primary care for all.

Op Ed: Could Wisconsin Boom Like Seattle?
Op Ed

Could Wisconsin Boom Like Seattle?

WARF leader, former Seattle resident, offers road map to get us there.

Op Ed: The Medicare Advantage
Op Ed

The Medicare Advantage

It has consumer choice, competition and lower costs. A better model than Medicaid.

Op Ed: Lubar Center Accelerates Startups
Op Ed

Lubar Center Accelerates Startups

UWM's entrepreneurship center to be a highly visible hub for region’s startup economy.

Op Ed: Walker Is No Tommy Thompson
Op Ed

Walker Is No Tommy Thompson

But in his less inclusive, more political way, he may be just as successful.

Op Ed: Why Not a 4% Flat Tax for State?
Op Ed

Why Not a 4% Flat Tax for State?

Proposal drops income tax to 4% for all, adds sales tax on gas.

Op Ed: Trump Should Go Big on Health Care
Op Ed

Trump Should Go Big on Health Care

Turn states loose as innovators, create 50 different pilot plans.

Op Ed: Is Wisconsin Now a Red State?
Op Ed

Is Wisconsin Now a Red State?

With Ziegler victory, Democrats' decline, state now looks very red.

Op Ed: Trump Could Save the Great Lakes
Op Ed

Trump Could Save the Great Lakes

Instead of cutting funding, he could address invasive species.

Op Ed: Why Trump’s Art of the Deal Failed
Op Ed

Why Trump’s Art of the Deal Failed

He knows little about health care, and Ryan had the wrong plan.

Op Ed: Please Rethink Those Trump Tariffs
Op Ed

Please Rethink Those Trump Tariffs

A tariff wall will just force companies like mine to raise prices.

Op Ed: Where Will We Get Our Journalism?
Op Ed

Where Will We Get Our Journalism?

Journal Sentinel’s dramatic decline leaves huge void to be filled.

Op Ed: Ryan Health Care Plan Misfires
Op Ed

Ryan Health Care Plan Misfires

Private companies left out of discussion, may be pushed to drop employee coverage.

Op Ed: Huge Savings From State Self-Insurance
Op Ed

Huge Savings From State Self-Insurance

State employee managed health care plan could save $650 million per year.

Op Ed: Milwaukee Catching Madison On Startups
Op Ed

Milwaukee Catching Madison On Startups

Two new venture funds could push this city ahead in startup companies.

Op Ed: 6 Wisconsin Innovators On Health Care
Op Ed

6 Wisconsin Innovators On Health Care

GOP Obamacare “replacers” consulting wrong people, should talk with real problem solvers.

Op Ed: UW System Needs Tighter Financial Controls
Op Ed

UW System Needs Tighter Financial Controls

UW-Oshkosh scandal points to problem. Yet Walker opposed UW system audit.

Op Ed: In Defense Of The Press
Op Ed

In Defense Of The Press

President declares war on the media. But we’ll get a straighter story from them.

Op Ed: Grow UWM To Grow Metro Economy
Op Ed

Grow UWM To Grow Metro Economy

More funding should get bipartisan support from governor, legislators. Will it?

Op Ed: Medicaid Block Grants Could Benefit State
Op Ed

Medicaid Block Grants Could Benefit State

But only if the proposed change is handled properly.

Op Ed: Sykes Exits Cruel World He Helped Create
Op Ed

Sykes Exits Cruel World He Helped Create

His talk radio show was part of the problem. Will he help find solutions?

Op Ed: Make Lemonade From Trump’s Lemons
Op Ed

Make Lemonade From Trump’s Lemons

However chaotic his style, his team could take on issues like China trade imbalance.

Op-Ed: State Jobs Engine Running at Half Speed
Op-Ed

State Jobs Engine Running at Half Speed

Wisconsin trails the nation, needs comprehensive economic development program.

Op-Ed: Trump Could Trigger a Trade War
Op-Ed

Trump Could Trigger a Trade War

Which could badly damage the economy. A business exec looks at Trump’s policies.

Op-Ed: How to Replace Obamacare
Op-Ed

How to Replace Obamacare

Here’s a blueprint for a GOP health care plan with seven key ingredients.

Op-Ed: Can Trump Govern?
Op-Ed

Can Trump Govern?

Can the draft dodger, debt welcher, business bankrupter and philanderer actually lead?

Op-Ed: Treat Start-up Companies Like the Bucks
Op-Ed

Treat Start-up Companies Like the Bucks

$250 million spent on NBA arena could launch 500 high-growth start-up businesses.

Op-Ed: Will President Hillary Clinton Heal Divide?
Op-Ed

Will President Hillary Clinton Heal Divide?

Her opportunity is great… if she can overcome her flaws.

Op-Ed: Can Republicans Recover From Trump?
Op-Ed

Can Republicans Recover From Trump?

Party needs a new brand, new policies, more pragmatism.

Op-Ed: Health Costs And Rise of Trump, Sanders
Op-Ed

Health Costs And Rise of Trump, Sanders

The costs fueled a revolt, and are still rising under Obamacare. Is there a better way?

Op-Ed: Agenda Items for Walker’s Second Act
Op-Ed

Agenda Items for Walker’s Second Act

Gov. Walker needs to focus on policy, including job creation in Milwaukee, not politics.

Op-Ed: Two New Knees for Just $39,000
Op-Ed

Two New Knees for Just $39,000

Value healthcare approach saves thousands of dollars for both employee and company.

Op-Ed: Gov. Walker Needs a Second Act
Op-Ed

Gov. Walker Needs a Second Act

Progress has been made, but big initiatives are needed to secure Wisconsin’s prosperity.

Op-Ed: Mr. Trump, West Bend Ain’t Milwaukee
Op-Ed

Mr. Trump, West Bend Ain’t Milwaukee

Trump stumps for African American votes before a crowd with not one black person.

Op-Ed: Anti-Trade Movement Will Hurt State
Op-Ed

Anti-Trade Movement Will Hurt State

Wisconsin is a net exporter of products, yet Trump, Clinton, Feingold oppose global trade pacts.

Op-Ed: Good News on Worker’s Comp
Op-Ed

Good News on Worker’s Comp

Worker's comp rates decreased 3.2% which is good for Wisconsin's economy. But it could be a lot better.

Op-Ed: Wisconsin’s New Economy Taking Off
Op-Ed

Wisconsin’s New Economy Taking Off

More than half a billion was invested in startup companies in last two years.

Op-Ed: Value Healthcare Could Change America
Op-Ed

Value Healthcare Could Change America

Four-fifths of companies with more than 200 employees now self-insure. Huge savings result.

Op-Ed: Vote For Gridlock in November
Op-Ed

Vote For Gridlock in November

Don’t like Trump or Clinton? Support Paul Ryan and GOP House, so they can play defense.

Op-Ed: Shades of McCarthyism in Donald Trump
Op-Ed

Shades of McCarthyism in Donald Trump

He was trained by Joe McCarthy lieutenant Roy Cohn and uses Joe’s tactics.

Op-Ed: Contraceptives Key to Fighting Poverty Cycle
Op-Ed

Contraceptives Key to Fighting Poverty Cycle

UW-Madison study shows long-acting contraceptives like IUDs reduce unwanted pregnancies, single moms, poverty.

Op-Ed: 7 Ways to Improve UW System
Op-Ed

7 Ways to Improve UW System

Ray Cross and regents need to take bold steps in face of financial cuts.

Op-Ed: The Problem With Publicly-Owned Companies
Op-Ed

The Problem With Publicly-Owned Companies

Wall Street kingpin Byron Trott, speaking in Milwaukee, extols private and family companies.

Op-Ed: Marquette/Aurora Partnership Shows Leadership
Op-Ed

Marquette/Aurora Partnership Shows Leadership

New $120 million athletics research center may have more economic impact than Bucks arena.

Op-Ed: Will Republican Party Lose Its Soul?
Op-Ed

Will Republican Party Lose Its Soul?

GOP should stick to its principles and reject Trump. Ryan could lead the way.

Op-Ed: How Hillary Could Win GOP Votes
Op-Ed

How Hillary Could Win GOP Votes

Many Republicans won’t support Trump. Clinton could appeal, with the right policies.

Op-Ed: City’s Health Coverage a Huge Success
Op-Ed

City’s Health Coverage a Huge Success

Milwaukee's success holding down costs of employee health care echoes that of some private employers.

Op-Ed: 22 Reasons To Oppose Trump
Op-Ed

22 Reasons To Oppose Trump

Here are my reasons. Submit yours and we'll compile a list of 100 objections to The Donald.

Op-Ed: Where Are Presidential Candidates’ Solutions?
Op-Ed

Where Are Presidential Candidates’ Solutions?

Firebrand candidates inflame issues, overlook middle-ground fixes to nation's problems.

Op-Ed: In Defense Of The 1 Percent
Op-Ed

In Defense Of The 1 Percent

What they pay in taxes and why Bernie Sanders is wrong.

Op-Ed: Walker Targets Health Care Savings
Op-Ed

Walker Targets Health Care Savings

Self-insurance for state employees would get business support. But GOP legislators resist idea. Why?

Op-Ed: Why the Denver Development Boom?
Op-Ed

Why the Denver Development Boom?

A combination of tax limits and new taxes helped transform its downtown.

Torinus: Cheap Surgery on a Tourist Isle
Torinus

Cheap Surgery on a Tourist Isle

Ascension Health, big player in area health care, co-owns surgery center on Grand Cayman Island

Torinus: No, Walker Didn’t Lose Oscar Mayer
Torinus

No, Walker Didn’t Lose Oscar Mayer

Company's decision to shut down Madison plant was all about cost cutting.

Torinus: Despite Budget Cuts, UWM Keeps Innovating
Torinus

Despite Budget Cuts, UWM Keeps Innovating

More partnerships, more patents, more research, more endowment funds.

Torinus: Can Ryan Succeed as Speaker?
Torinus

Can Ryan Succeed as Speaker?

If he seeks innovative solutions, he might forge some grand compromises.

Torinus: How the Mighty Have Fallen
Torinus

How the Mighty Have Fallen

Journal Sentinel staff a third of what if was 20 years ago. Under Gannett it will only get worse.

Torinus: 10 Reasons Ryan Shouldn’t Run for Speaker
Torinus

10 Reasons Ryan Shouldn’t Run for Speaker

Serving as Speaker of the House would hurt Ryan, his party and the country.

Torinus: 7 Ways to Fight the Brain Drain
Torinus

7 Ways to Fight the Brain Drain

UW System cuts don't help, but taking the right steps can improve system and retain graduates.

Torinus: What Is Walker’s New Agenda?
Torinus

What Is Walker’s New Agenda?

Economy, environment, health care, central city problems and UW system all need serious attention.

What the GOP Debates Didn’t Address

What the GOP Debates Didn’t Address

They offered great entertainment, but candidates are missing some huge issues.

Walker Should Compromise on Immigration

Walker Should Compromise on Immigration

Business and farmers want immigrants. A middle ground solution is needed.

Don’t Dabble With Future of UW, Tech Colleges

Don’t Dabble With Future of UW, Tech Colleges

Republican proposal to merge them is neither timely nor well thought out.

Walker the War Hawk

Walker the War Hawk

As presidential candidate, Walker offers bellicose policies that would provoke Russia.

Abele and Lubar Help Startup Businesses

Abele and Lubar Help Startup Businesses

M7 region needs more entrepreneurs to reinvent economy.

UW System Needs Reorganization

UW System Needs Reorganization

Create true regional governance and move power away from Madison.

Op-Ed: Why We Need Term Limits
Op-Ed

Why We Need Term Limits

Shirley Abrahamson has served 39 years. Fred Risser has served 60 years. Maybe that's too long.

Why We Need the WEDC

Why We Need the WEDC

Yes, the state jobs agency has made mistakes, but has great value and simply needs retuning.

Wisconsin’s Economy Still Needs Help

Wisconsin’s Economy Still Needs Help

The business climate has improved under Walker but state still lacks a coherent vision of the future.

Valley of Death Hurts Startup Businesses

Valley of Death Hurts Startup Businesses

State could help with WHEDA funding. Why not try it on a pilot basis?

Workers Comp Reform Could Help Business, Unions

Workers Comp Reform Could Help Business, Unions

It could also help the state budget. So why haven't Republicans embraced the idea?

How Local Economy Hurt by UWM Cuts

How Local Economy Hurt by UWM Cuts

Epic Creative, a fast-growing West Bend company, depends on graduates of UWM's excellent film department, which faces cutbacks.

Seeking New Vision for Wisconsin Education

Seeking New Vision for Wisconsin Education

Meeting of statewide educators and community leaders finds a need to rethink UW System and better connect it to business and K-12 schools.

A Tale of Two Health Plans

A Tale of Two Health Plans

A private company's managed-care plan is far less costly than the state employee health care plan. What can we learn from that?

Bipartisan Majority Favors Conservation Program

Bipartisan Majority Favors Conservation Program

Survey shows nearly 90% in Wisconsin favor state stewardship program; will legislature protect program Walker wants to kill?

Can Ray Cross Reposition the UW System?

Can Ray Cross Reposition the UW System?

Legislators see it as a Madison-centered liberal redoubt. Maybe it needs a stronger base in Milwaukee.

Who Is Running The Ship?

Who Is Running The Ship?

While Walker campaigns for president, it's not clear who is running state government.

The Growth of UWM Research Foundation

The Growth of UWM Research Foundation

It's processed 41 patents in last nine years. But state funding cuts could endanger its growth.