Jill Burcum
Editorial Columnist
HealthcareBurcum has been an editorial writer since March 2008, joining the Editorial Board after working in the newsroom as an editor and reporter. She is a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist for editorial writing. "Not This Mine. Not This Location," which focused on copper mining’s risk to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, was recognized in 2020. Her "Separate and Unequal" series on dilapidated Bureau of Indian Education schools was a finalist in 2015, and she also testified before Congress that same year about these schools' poor condition. Burcum graduated magna cum laude from the University of Washington in 1991 and started her career as a reporter for the Rochester Post-Bulletin. She previously worked for Mayo Clinic and Ican Inc.
Latest from Jill Burcum
Tina Smith: Congress shouldn’t be pushed to sidelines after Iran bombing
In a Q&A, the Minnesota senator makes the case for why she’s supporting two high-profile “war powers” initiatives.
June 27, 2025
Burcum: If Congress doesn't act, many middle class families will soon face health insurance hikes
Middle class consumers will be hit especially hard if Congress does not renew expanded eligibility for the Affordable Care Act’s financial assistance.
June 24, 2025
Burcum: As Trump trade threats loom, a Minnesota farm family braces for impact
Follow along with the Johnsons, who, like many farm families, are trying to navigate an unpredictable trade war.
June 22, 2025
Burcum: Trump won't call Walz, but these Republicans have stepped up
Two state Republicans merit praise for fearlessly combating online conspiracy theories. They’ve set an example more should follow.
June 16, 2025
Fierce but compassionate mental health advocate will be missed
NAMI Minnesota’s Sue Abderholden is retiring and Minnesotans owe her a debt of gratitude. Fortunately, she’s inspired others to continue this crucial crusade.
June 1, 2025
Burcum: ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ takes hatchet to health care
Newly passed U.S. House reconciliation legislation could result in punishing coverage losses, more red tape and, perhaps surprisingly, property tax hikes.
May 23, 2025
Burcum: ‘Why would we make it harder to get help’ for addiction?
Medicaid cuts threaten recent progress against drug overdoses and addiction.
May 17, 2025
Burcum: Don’t rush the decision on undocumented immigrant health coverage
MinnesotaCare eligibility for undocumented immigrants is a thorny issue. Each side has reasonable arguments, and time is required to hammer out a compromise that preserves coverage and doesn’t hurt hospitals.
May 13, 2025
Fierce but compassionate mental health advocate will be missed
NAMI Minnesota’s Sue Abderholden is retiring and Minnesotans owe her a debt of gratitude. Fortunately, she’s inspired others to continue this crucial crusade.
June 1, 2025
Burcum: ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ takes hatchet to health care
Newly passed U.S. House reconciliation legislation could result in punishing coverage losses, more red tape and, perhaps surprisingly, property tax hikes.
May 23, 2025
Burcum: ‘Why would we make it harder to get help’ for addiction?
Medicaid cuts threaten recent progress against drug overdoses and addiction.
May 17, 2025
Burcum: Don’t rush the decision on undocumented immigrant health coverage
MinnesotaCare eligibility for undocumented immigrants is a thorny issue. Each side has reasonable arguments, and time is required to hammer out a compromise that preserves coverage and doesn’t hurt hospitals.
May 13, 2025