Content referencing John Torinus
The Plague of Rising Health Care Costs
Wisconsin's a leader in high costs and inflated executive salaries. Is there a solution?
Jul 8th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
How to Grow Milwaukee to 1 Million
Mayor Cavalier Johnson is missing the key way to grow the city.
Mar 13th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
Will Hospital Merger Help Consumers?
A frank look at the impact of latest merger, of Froedtert Health and ThedaCare.
Apr 16th, 2023 by John Torinus
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?
Mar 27th, 2023 by John Torinus
8 Ways to Reform Health Care System
Including breaking up the big medical care monoliths.
Jan 23rd, 2023 by John Torinus
10 Questions on Rising Health Care Costs
Wisconsin has 4th highest costs in nation. When will our leaders take on the issue?
Nov 27th, 2022 by John Torinus
Dan Bice Undermines Elections Commission
Journal Sentinel reporter’s attack helps reinforce election lies.
Nov 14th, 2022 by Bruce Murphy
Will You Vote for An Election Denier?
It may be the most important issue in the November election.
Oct 23rd, 2022 by John Torinus
Will State GOP Wake Up To Reality?
Grothman, Tiffany ignore Jan. 6 hearings, threats to Pence as candidates for governor embrace Trump.
Jun 19th, 2022 by John Torinus
Who’s the Real Outsider for Governor?
Almost every candidate claims to be. But who really, actually is?
May 23rd, 2022 by Bruce Murphy
Officials Should Oppose Health Care Merger
Merger of Advocate Aurora and Atrium Health won't improve care but will increase prices.
May 19th, 2022 by John Torinus
Worker Shortage Is Top Issue In Race For Governor
Shortage is so extreme some businesses have closed or reduced services.
May 17th, 2022 by John Torinus
Wisconsin Exits Top 10 In Taxes
Now ranks average, 23rd in the nation. Credit Republican fiscal constraint.
Dec 30th, 2021 by John Torinus
Biden is Right On Vaccine Mandates
The biggest beneficiaries may be anti-vaxxers.
Sep 23rd, 2021 by John Torinus
Flood Control Helps Milwaukee Watershed
MMSD, conservationists have preserved 11,000 acres to help reduce flooding caused by climate change.
Sep 19th, 2021 by John Torinus
State’s Research & Development Funding Surges
UW-Madison total up to $1.5 billion, MCW up to $250 million.
Jun 26th, 2021 by John Torinus
New UW Regents Chair Faces Challenges
Top issue: search for UW system president to replace Tommy Thompson.
Jun 22nd, 2021 by John Torinus
Anti-Vaxxers Are Fake Patriots
Preventing nation from reaching herd immunity. That’s a grim prognosis.
May 6th, 2021 by John Torinus
Can We Keep the Great Lakes Great?
$10 million plan for fresh water collaborative at 13 UW campuses must be funded.
Apr 15th, 2021 by John Torinus
Evers Has Chance to Stimulate Startups
But he needs to reconsider his “fund of funds” idea, consult experts.
Mar 31st, 2021 by John Torinus
Underfunded UWM Looks to Lead
A key to issues like minority education and freshwater research, but needs more funding.
Mar 25th, 2021 by John Torinus
Green Wave Sweeping the State
Economic prosperity and environmental progress can work hand-in-hand.
Feb 23rd, 2021 by John Torinus
The Good News About Vaccines
Despite some glitches, effort is going well. And early returns suggest they are very effective.
Feb 6th, 2021 by John Torinus
Subsidy for Unemployed Too High?
Businesses offering good jobs having trouble finding employees.
Feb 1st, 2021 by John Torinus
Timberlake Has Chops to Ramp Up Vaccines
Evers appointee to head state health department a seasoned pro. GOP legislators should confirm her.
Jan 24th, 2021 by John Torinus
GOP Needs to Move Beyond Trump
The Grand Old Party is not so grand anymore.
Jan 13th, 2021 by John Torinus
Biden Must Address Ransomware Crisis
Trump looked the other way, but Biden must fix the biggest cyber hacking heist ever seen.
Jan 6th, 2021 by John Torinus
Hagedorn Wisconsin’s Person of The Year
Supreme Court justice showed a lot of backbone in following the law, not politics.
Dec 30th, 2020 by John Torinus
Tommy Gains $5 Million in Pandemic Funds
More leadership by ex-governor. Money to be used for UW’s nursing education and internships.
Dec 20th, 2020 by John Torinus
Biden Needs Some Business Experts
Pandemic undercuts economic rebound. President-elect needs expertise in job creation.
Dec 9th, 2020 by John Torinus
Amazon, Walmart Take On Health Costs
Along with Walgreens and CVS, creating their own medical clinics to cut costs.
Nov 28th, 2020 by John Torinus
Tommy to the Rescue!
Thompson is leading the way with solutions to the pandemic.
Nov 25th, 2020 by John Torinus
State Should Create Coronavirus Czar
Governor and legislative leaders should mutually name a COVID czar and bipartisan task force.
Nov 18th, 2020 by John Torinus
Mistake? Foxconn Was a Whopper
How could Republican federal and state leaders have been so wrong?
Oct 30th, 2020 by John Torinus
Demand a Joint Vos and Evers Virus Plan
Stop playing politics. Pass a pandemic plan with wide scale testing, rigorous tracing.
Oct 18th, 2020 by John Torinus
Will Trump’s Tax Avoidance Lose Votes?
Many years of paying nothing, while others must pay, could hurt him in red counties.
Oct 1st, 2020 by John Torinus
Trump Tariffs Have Failed
U.S. trade imbalance has grown under Trump. Biden needs to try different approach.
Sep 27th, 2020 by John Torinus
I Was Not a ‘Sucker’ For Serving
I get physically upset when the president demeans men and women who served America in battle.
Sep 10th, 2020 by John Torinus
No Equality Without Specific Solutions
Yes, we need better policing and more opportunities for Black Americans. But how do we get there?
Sep 6th, 2020 by John Torinus
Management Styles of Trump vs. Biden
A one-man band overseeing 4.4 million federal employees versus a true team leader.
Aug 30th, 2020 by John Torinus
Harris Could Push Dems Towards Pragmatic Policies
On health care, immigration, free college tuition there are potential compromises.
Aug 18th, 2020 by John Torinus
Businesses Struggle to Survive the Pandemic
Payroll Protection Program helped local businesses, but state should boost startup tax credits to reinvigorate the economy
Aug 14th, 2020 by John Torinus
Trump Attacks Voting Process
The president attempts to undercut mail-in voting.
Aug 4th, 2020 by John Torinus
The Constitutional Posturing on Masks
In what article of the Constitution did the Washington County Board find masks mentioned?
Jul 16th, 2020 by John Torinus
Sell Non-Core UW System Assets
System may face $200 million deficit. What about the golf course, real estate, cell towers?
Jul 8th, 2020 by John Torinus
Tommy Could Have Big Impact on UW
Will likely serve two years as UW System President. And could re-shape entire system.
Jun 24th, 2020 by John Torinus
Pick Tommy for Interim UW President
System in disarray, needs a firm hand — and a friend. Tommy Thompson would be ideal.
Jun 16th, 2020 by John Torinus
Why UWM Matters
It’s become crucial to city, state. But will state leaders recognize this?
Jun 10th, 2020 by William L. Holahan and Charles O. Kroncke
Business Owners Can’t Plan for Future
The pandemic leaves the future so hard to predict companies are left at sea.
May 3rd, 2020 by John Torinus
UW System Needs New Kind of Leader
Pandemic shutdown has added challenges for system. The typical education bureaucrat won’t cut it.
Apr 26th, 2020 by John Torinus
Biden’s Ideas Won’t Get Hearing in April Election
Pandemic overshadowing what could have been important election.
Apr 1st, 2020 by John Torinus
Yes, Billionaires Should Exist
Beware of presidential candidates with all THE ANSWERS.
Mar 3rd, 2020 by John Torinus
Economic Development That Works
M7 efforts, TIF districts have both paid off. Now if only we find more workers.
Feb 4th, 2020 by John Torinus
Prescription Drug Prices Can Be Leveraged
How our company reduced the massive costs of Big Pharma's prescription drug prices.
Jan 28th, 2020 by John Torinus
Trump’s Most Formidable Foe?
Mike Bloomberg, a real billionaire running against an alleged one, could be a very tough opponent.
Jan 2nd, 2020 by John Torinus
A Love Letter to ‘Dairylandia’
Former Milwaukee Journal managing editor Steve Hannah’s new book celebrates “modest Wisconsin.”
Dec 22nd, 2019 by John Torinus
Cross Exit Opens Door to UW Reforms
Find leader from outside academia to take fresh look, transform UW System.
Nov 6th, 2019 by John Torinus
Celebrating The Neutron Economy
The Phoenix Neutron Imaging Center points the way to state’s new economy.
Oct 16th, 2019 by John Torinus
Even Higher Wages Won’t Fill Open Jobs
Increase legal immigration as the reliable workforce dwindles.
Oct 10th, 2019 by John Torinus
Sen. Ron Johnson Mired In Trump’s Swamp
Johnson attacks FBI, CIA, and the whistleblower to defend Trump.
Oct 9th, 2019 by John Torinus
Where Will Future Jobs Come From?
Those Labor Day think pieces offered few answers. Where do we go from here?
Sep 4th, 2019 by John Torinus
State Will Be Three-Ring Political Circus
An open primary, voters can cross party lines, and a huge cast of presidential candidates.
Aug 29th, 2019 by John Torinus
Finally, Some Leadership on Teen Mothers
Republican and Democratic legislators offer separate bills to provide broader access to contraceptives.
Aug 21st, 2019 by John Torinus
It’s the Health Care Costs, Stupid
Universal coverage is unaffordable without a system of managed health care.
Aug 13th, 2019 by John Torinus
How Entrepreneurs Grow Jobs
Sales of companies by founding entrepreneurs cap a story of creating jobs from scratch.
Jun 19th, 2019 by John Torinus
Save the Yellow Perch!
Perch count way down in Lake Michigan. Strong leadership needed to protect state waters.
Jun 17th, 2019 by John Torinus
UWM Embraces Entrepreneurship
The university wants to be the hub of start-up activity for the region.
May 14th, 2019 by John Torinus
FIRE Cluster Can Help Grow Economy
Finance, real estate and insurance businesses are one of our best bets for state prosperity.
Apr 17th, 2019 by John Torinus
Evers, GOP Leaders Need Health Care Ideas
They could learn from local experts like Albrecht Free Clinic in West Bend.
Feb 5th, 2019 by John Torinus
Evers Could Boost the Business Sector
His promise to be “business friendly” and emphasize entrepreneurship could help state.
Jan 29th, 2019 by John Torinus
Movie “Vice” Distorts Cheney, Rumsfeld
I knew them both. Movie is a distorted hit job on two long-serving patriotic Americans.
Jan 22nd, 2019 by John Torinus
Evers, Vos, Fitzgerald Must Compromise
There are many issues where they can forge agreements — and lead the state forward.
Jan 1st, 2019 by John Torinus
Evers Embraces Expertise
Hiring talented people, appointing expert advisors, who knew you could govern that way?
Dec 20th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Avoid Partisan Gridlock, Let Voters Decide
Referendums on key issues like state funding for K-12 and UW System could solve partisan divide.
Dec 17th, 2018 by John Torinus
Remembering George H.W. Bush
One of the most down-to-earth guys you'd ever meet, he accomplished a lot.
Dec 6th, 2018 by John Torinus
The War Against Ala Carte Medical Pricing
It's the most expensive way to go and payers are increasingly rebelling.
Nov 29th, 2018 by John Torinus
President Trump is Beyond Divisive
He respects no one, maybe not even himself, and never seeks win-win outcomes.
Oct 19th, 2018 by John Torinus
25 UW Campuses Strapped for Funds
UW-Madison doing fine but other 25 campuses, including Milwaukee, have taken big hits to funding.
Oct 9th, 2018 by John Torinus
Land Trust Groups Work on Conservation
State’s 46 land trusts boast 25,000 members, have protected 538,000 acres in Wisconsin.
Oct 4th, 2018 by John Torinus
Extreme Partisanship Prevents National Solutions
Could political reforms improve the state and national political system?
Sep 30th, 2018 by John Torinus
Where Will Walker, Evers Take Economy?
State in slow growth mode. Two candidates have very different approaches to this.
Sep 18th, 2018 by John Torinus
Legislation Moved Quickly Under Walker
Much quicker passage, less public input, in first legislative session under Walker, analysis finds.
Aug 30th, 2018 by Teodor Teofilov
In Defense of Journalists
Trump is the enemy of truth. Journalists are still the best protection of a democratic nation.
Aug 20th, 2018 by John Torinus
Venture Investments On the Rise
Half billion in angel and venture investments in last two years great news for state.
Jul 10th, 2018 by John Torinus
Another Win for M7 Partnerships
$40 Million from Northwestern Mutual for Data Sciences at MU and UWM will have big impact.
Jun 29th, 2018 by John Torinus
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.
Jun 21st, 2018 by John Torinus
UWM Is Suffering a Brain Drain
Talented faculty leaving. Business leaders and others should push for greater funding.
Jun 16th, 2018 by William L. Holahan and Charles O. Kroncke
Trump’s Tariffs Hurt Wisconsin Economy
And his immigration policies impair the ability of employers to fill jobs.
Jun 11th, 2018 by John Torinus
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.
Jun 1st, 2018 by John Torinus
It’s a Great Time to Graduate
But don’t be afraid to switch jobs, careers. And don’t ever stop learning.
May 27th, 2018 by John Torinus
The Fight Against Medical Industrial Complex
Some signs of progress. Prices still rising but not as much.
May 19th, 2018 by John Torinus
Rockwell, West Bend Lead Way in Ethics
In contrast to VW or Wells Fargo, two state companies lead way with ethical standards.
May 14th, 2018 by John Torinus
Foxconn Deal Will Actually Lose Jobs
That $4 billion, if spent in usual fashion by state government, would create far more jobs.
May 11th, 2018 by William L. Holahan and Charles O. Kroncke
UW-Oshkosh Criminal Charges a Mistake
Smells of prosecutorial overreach, but shows need for tightening UW System rules.
May 1st, 2018 by John Torinus
8 Issues Facing Health Care System
There will be disruptions “at a rate and scale never seen before.”
Apr 21st, 2018 by John Torinus
State Needs to Invest More In UWM
It’s critical to region’s economy. WOW county leaders should push for this.
Apr 12th, 2018 by John Torinus
UW System Changes Too Piecemeal
Example: UW-Stevens Point reducing liberal arts. System-wide strategic plan is needed.
Mar 27th, 2018 by John Torinus
White House Firings Are Not Okay
Disarray in government ultimately hurts the people you serve.
Mar 20th, 2018 by John Torinus
Milwaukee Film Cluster Could Be a Star
New effort is a classic example of reinventing the Rust Belt.
Mar 7th, 2018 by John Torinus
Walker Speech More About Politics Than Policy
State-of-the-state speech was politically crafty, but ignored some major issues.
Feb 2nd, 2018 by John Torinus
Will Federal Tax Plan Succeed?
Past economic data suggests it won’t. And voters think it will fail.
Jan 10th, 2018 by Bruce Thompson
Foxconn’s Low Return on State Investment
Other state subsidies will have far greater jobs created per tax dollar spent.
Jan 8th, 2018 by John Torinus
Health Care Insurers Shaking Up Market
Some are even buying health care providers. Changes could be good for consumers.
Dec 21st, 2017 by John Torinus
Does Tax Plan Enrich Ron Johnson?
And will changes senator championed help small businesses? A look at the numbers.
Dec 18th, 2017 by Laura Thompson
Ron Johnson a Hero for Small Businesses
His objections push Republicans to add federal tax breaks for small businesses.
Dec 13th, 2017 by John Torinus
Buyout Of Rockwell A Bad Idea
Better for the company long term if Rockwell rejects takeover bid by Emerson Electric.
Nov 28th, 2017 by John Torinus
How CROWE Can Help State Economy
The launching of UW-Madison Center for Research on the Wisconsin Economy is much needed.
Nov 1st, 2017 by John Torinus
UW System Reorganization a Bold Plan
What’s good and what could be improved in UW President Ray Cross’s proposal.
Oct 19th, 2017 by John Torinus
Will Governor Candidates Duck Big Issues?
Health care reform and UW reorganization are big issues Walker and his opponent may punt.
Oct 3rd, 2017 by John Torinus
Environment Fading As Public Issue
Wisconsin needs a renewed dialogue on the protection of our natural resources.
Sep 27th, 2017 by John Torinus
Trump Says “You’re Fired” to Republicans
He’s at war with nearly every GOP leader; where does that leave the party?
Aug 31st, 2017 by John Torinus
Presenting the Milwaukee Filmmaker Alliance
Former DreamWorks SKG executive hired as director of new organization created to cultivate, connect, and catalyze Milwaukee area film industry
Aug 29th, 2017 by Milwaukee Film
Foxconn Should Embrace Green Goals
They’ve operated with high environmental standards in Mexico. Why not in Wisconsin?
Aug 24th, 2017 by John Torinus
The Health Care Speech Ryan Should Give
Try a managed cared plan that covers primary care for all.
Jul 11th, 2017 by John Torinus
Lubar Center Accelerates Startups
UWM's entrepreneurship center to be a highly visible hub for region’s startup economy.
Jun 13th, 2017 by John Torinus
Walker Is No Tommy Thompson
But in his less inclusive, more political way, he may be just as successful.
Jun 1st, 2017 by John Torinus
Why Not a 4% Flat Tax for State?
Proposal drops income tax to 4% for all, adds sales tax on gas.
May 9th, 2017 by John Torinus
Trump Could Save the Great Lakes
Instead of cutting funding, he could address invasive species.
Apr 15th, 2017 by John Torinus
Please Rethink Those Trump Tariffs
A tariff wall will just force companies like mine to raise prices.
Mar 24th, 2017 by John Torinus
Where Will We Get Our Journalism?
Journal Sentinel’s dramatic decline leaves huge void to be filled.
Mar 17th, 2017 by John Torinus
Ryan Health Care Plan Misfires
Private companies left out of discussion, may be pushed to drop employee coverage.
Mar 9th, 2017 by John Torinus
Milwaukee Catching Madison On Startups
Two new venture funds could push this city ahead in startup companies.
Feb 15th, 2017 by John Torinus
UW System Needs Tighter Financial Controls
UW-Oshkosh scandal points to problem. Yet Walker opposed UW system audit.
Feb 1st, 2017 by John Torinus
In Defense Of The Press
President declares war on the media. But we’ll get a straighter story from them.
Jan 25th, 2017 by John Torinus
Grow UWM To Grow Metro Economy
More funding should get bipartisan support from governor, legislators. Will it?
Jan 16th, 2017 by John Torinus
Medicaid Block Grants Could Hurt Wisconsin
20% of state’s citizens, 1.1 million, depend on Medicaid. Block grant system would threaten them with cutbacks.
Jan 9th, 2017 by Barbara Beckert
Sykes Exits Cruel World He Helped Create
His talk radio show was part of the problem. Will he help find solutions?
Dec 20th, 2016 by John Torinus
How to Replace Obamacare
Here’s a blueprint for a GOP health care plan with seven key ingredients.
Nov 18th, 2016 by John Torinus
Treat Start-up Companies Like the Bucks
$250 million spent on NBA arena could launch 500 high-growth start-up businesses.
Nov 8th, 2016 by John Torinus
Agenda Items for Walker’s Second Act
Gov. Walker needs to focus on policy, including job creation in Milwaukee, not politics.
Sep 28th, 2016 by John Torinus
Two New Knees for Just $39,000
Value healthcare approach saves thousands of dollars for both employee and company.
Sep 22nd, 2016 by John Torinus
Anti-Trade Movement Will Hurt State
Wisconsin is a net exporter of products, yet Trump, Clinton, Feingold oppose global trade pacts.
Aug 10th, 2016 by John Torinus
The Problem With Publicly-Owned Companies
Wall Street kingpin Byron Trott, speaking in Milwaukee, extols private and family companies.
Jun 6th, 2016 by John Torinus
Will Republican Party Lose Its Soul?
GOP should stick to its principles and reject Trump. Ryan could lead the way.
May 23rd, 2016 by John Torinus
State Is Biased Against Newer Businesses
Hundreds of million in tax breaks for big companies, peanuts for small ones that create most jobs.
Apr 20th, 2016 by Marc Eisen
City’s Health Coverage a Huge Success
Milwaukee's success holding down costs of employee health care echoes that of some private employers.
Mar 20th, 2016 by John Torinus
Can Ryan Succeed as Speaker?
If he seeks innovative solutions, he might forge some grand compromises.
Nov 3rd, 2015 by John Torinus
Valley of Death Hurts Startup Businesses
State could help with WHEDA funding. Why not try it on a pilot basis?
May 11th, 2015 by John Torinus
Statement from Rep. Barca on massive layoffs at long-term care organization in Slinger
"The governor’s lack of planning and inclusiveness and failure to involve people in important public policy has had devastating consequences for the citizens of our state"
Apr 9th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
