— Former state Insurance Commissioner Jo Musser is convinced that data from a new group called the Wisconsin Health Information Organization will improve medical care and save money. How many dollars it might save is unknown, acknowledges Musser, who served from 1993 to 1999 under former Gov. Tommy Thompson. “But we do know there is 30 to 60 percent waste in the health care delivery system at this time,” says Musser, who oversaw the Office of Health Care Information in the insurance commissioner’s office. “Most providers would agree with that, as well as other stakeholders. So we are not just talking just about insurance administration, but delivery of care itself.” With debate over federal reform efforts continuing, health care has been in the news for months now. Musser says the WHIO’s work is significantly different from the federal health care reform effort, which she says is focused on insurance reform over controlling costs. “Our efforts focus on trying to change the delivery system, improve quality and reduce the cost of delivery of care,” she says, adding “there is nothing in the federal debate that even comes close to addressing the underlying costs of care.” See more from a new interview with Musser: http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=179410 — Watch the newest episode of “WisBusiness: The Show,” a twice-a-month Web show covering state business news and issues. This episode includes the Wisconsin Stock Report, commentary from the Wisconsin Technology Council President Tom Still, and an interview with Bill McCoshen, executive director of Competitive Wisconsin. Watch the show: http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=179393 — A draft of a state climate change bill would require the state to receive 25 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2025, cut greenhouse gas emissions and loosen the standards for approval of new nuclear power plants. Among the highlights of the bill, based off recommendations produced by the Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming: *Renewable energy mandates are set at 10 percent by the end of 2013, 20 percent by 2020, and 25 percent by 2025. *The bill sets goals for greenhouse gas emission reductions, mandating that net emissions in 2014 be no greater the net emissions in 2005, a 22 percent reduction from 2005 emissions by 2022 and a 75 percent reduction by 2050. *It also includes goals to reduce statewide consumption of electricity by 1 percent in 2011, and smaller reductions in the use of propane, heating oil, and natural gas. See the bill draft: http://www.wispolitics.com/1006/091210climate_change_bill_draft.pdf — Gov. Jim Doyle has announced $14.5 million in awards to nine companies for energy efficiency projects. The funds are coming from the U.S. Department of Energy under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Among the recipients are: Didion Milling of Cambria, which will receive $5.5 million; Wausau Paper, which will receive nearly $2.7 million between its Rhinelander and Mosinee plants; Kohler Company in Kohler, which will receive $1.7 million; and Briggs and Stratton in Wauwatosa, which will receive nearly $1.3 million. The companies will each receive between approximately $500,000 and $5.5 million to help them complete energy efficiency improvements. The projects are projected to save enough energy to power 15,000 Wisconsin homes for a year, increasing overall energy efficiency by 45 percent and helping retain and create more than 400 jobs in Wisconsin. See the release: http://wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=179322 — Doyle also announced $525,000 in federal funding for the Oshkosh company Renewegy and $3.1 million to three Milwaukee area companies. The funding is part of the federal government’s State Energy Program and the ARRA. *See the press release on Renewegy: http://wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=179325 *See the press release on the Milwaukee companies: http://wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=179324 — Wisconsin is the newest member of a multistate compact formed to assist in the battle against plant pests such as diseases, insects or weeds. The Interstate Pest Control Compact (IPCC) is an organization supported by nearly 40 states. The compact provides financial support when states may not have the necessary resources to combat outbreaks or infestations of plant diseases that threaten a state’s agricultural or natural resources. See details: http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=179333 TOP STORIES Oshkosh Corp. receives $175M order from military for more M-ATVs: The defense arm of Oshkosh Corp. has received another military contract, this one calling for the vehicle manufacturer to provide 400 military trucks in a deal worth $175 million. Renewegy gets $525,000 loan from state: Renewegy Inc. has sold its first eight wind turbines and its plans to ramp up manufacturing in 2010 earned the Oshkosh company recognition and financial support from Gov. Jim Doyle on Thursday. Paper lawsuit gets response: The company Appleton cited insufficient quality and volume of paper as reasons for its termination of a contract with Thilmany of Kaukauna. In its answer to a lawsuit filed Nov. 2 by Thilmany, Appleton said it terminated the 2008 sales contract because of “Thilmany’s prolonged and continuing failure to provide the volume or quality of thermal base stock Thilmany had promised.” Anchor faces Nasdaq delisting: Anchor BanCorp Wisconsin said Thursday it received a letter from Nasdaq a week ago saying Anchor is not in compliance with Nasdaq rules. That’s because Anchor’s stock has closed under $1 a share for more than 30 consecutive business days.
************************************************************ See commentary from around the state and columns from WisBusiness contributors Jennifer Sereno, Kevin McKinley, Tom Burzinski, Gregg Hoffmann, Tom Still and Steve Jagler: ************************************************************ TECHNOLOGY (back to top)
ECONOMY (back to top) – School showdown: Lobbying picks up for MPS control – MMAC: Milwaukee economy shows continued weakness
MANUFACTURING (back to top) – Kettle Foods for sale
LABOR (back to top) – Gateway, Mount Mary sign transfer agreement
SMALL BUSINESS (back to top)
REAL ESTATE (back to top) – Economist claims housing market on rebound – Milwaukee-area home sales jump 75% – Milwaukee: Downtown office tower expected in ‘near future’ – Realtors economist predicts modest price increases – Two large apartment, condo developments proceeding in Tosa
AGRIBUSINESS (back to top) – Wisconsin Farm Safety Expert Honored with ‘Sebold Award’ – State Signs Compact Against Plant Pests, Invasive Species – Christmas tree farmers brace for leaner future
TOURISM (back to top)
HEALTH CARE (back to top)
FINANCIAL SERVICES (back to top) – New York City investor buys 5.6% of MGIC
MANAGEMENT (back to top)
PRESS RELEASES (back to top) For these and more releases visit http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Content=82 |
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