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
This harvest, a Minnesota farm family feels the fallout of Trump-era trade
The Johnsons are battling a rising cost of living and crop prices below their breakeven point.
November 16, 2025
Burcum: Stalemate over U medical center ill serves Minnesota
There have been months of negotiations without agreement among the University of Minnesota, Fairview and Essentia. It’s time to explore all options and find a way forward.
November 7, 2025
Burcum: Minnesota’s top mental health group gets an empathetic new leader
Marcus Schmit has taken over for NAMI’s longtime leader, Sue Abderholden. His energy and passion will continue the organization’s vigorous advocacy.
November 3, 2025
Burcum: With SNAP in jeopardy, a Grand Marais grocer lends a hand
With cuts to food aid looming, a grocer whose family relied on the program in her childhood urges Minnesotans to respond with kindness.
October 31, 2025
Burcum: Minnesota mom says Trump’s IVF affordability plan falls short
A mom who spent thousands on fertility care says the president’s “coupon” approach isn’t enough — and that state lawmakers need to act.
October 28, 2025
Burcum: There was more public input on my farmhouse project than the White House demolition
It’s hard to think of a project that would require more care. Yet we’re watching the East Wing become rubble with little public discussion.
October 23, 2025
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Burcum: A father and son’s inspiring Boundary Waters rescue mission
Jake and Tommy Hway didn’t know Mike Olson. But when his son was seriously injured, the Hways found Olson deep in the wilderness and helped him get home.
October 13, 2025
Burcum: Debate over Affordable Care Act financial aid is central to the government shutdown
The ACA’s expanded assistance ends soon, which could mean higher monthly premiums for farm families and other middle-class Minnesotans.
October 6, 2025
Burcum: Americans are not the enemy, Mr. President
Trump’s call to make U.S. cities military “training grounds” is ominous.
September 30, 2025
Burcum: Tears, workarounds and 1990s screens push county staff to the limit
Policymakers know that the operating systems used for Minnesota public assistance programs are antiquated. But I was still startled to see them up close.
September 28, 2025
Burcum: Tap Minnesota vaccine experts instead of RFK Jr. and Trump
Once widely respected, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has been “hijacked” by ideology, former state epidemiologist says.
September 24, 2025
Burcum: Why Tina Smith thinks RFK Jr. should 'just shut up' about antidepressants
The Minnesota senator hasn’t held back in her criticism of the health secretary, who baselessly blamed school shootings on antidepressants in August.
September 22, 2025
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