Money Matters

On Your Money - October 25 edition

2011-10-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

Join Joy Cardin and financial planner Kevin McKinley for this week's edition of On Your Money. Kevin will answer your personal finance questions, share some tips on changes in light bulbs, and talk about a unique stock offering with a green and gold twist. Listen here.

Guest: Kevin McKinley, Certified Financial Planner and Managing Member of McKinley Money, LLC.

Rebuilding the Middle Class

2011-10-25T09:36:00.000-07:00

Joy Cardin's guest discusses his keys to rebuilding Wisconsin's middle class, including buying Wisconsin and American-made products, creating a highly trained and skilled workforce, and investing in infrastructure. Listen here.

Guest: Phil Neuenfeldt, President, Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.

Global financial crisis

2011-10-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

Financial journalist Michael Lewis joins Kathleen Dunn to discuss examples of the global financial crisis in places like Iceland and Greece. Listen here.

Guest: Michael Lewis, financial journalist. Author, "The Big Short," "Moneyball," "The Blind Side," and "Boomerang: Travels in the New Third World."

On Your Money - October 11 edition

2011-10-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

Join Joy Cardin and financial planner Kevin McKinley for a special edition of On Your Money. Kevin has advice on making the most of your mortgage, a great pledge drive opportunity, and answers to your personal finance questions. Listen here.

Guest: Kevin McKinley, Certified Financial Planner and Managing Member of McKinley Money, LLC.

Job Line

2011-09-07T10:36:00.000-07:00

Whether you are looking for workers or work, join the discussion for the September Job Line. Ben Merens starts the hour discussing an update on job numbers and continue the show by taking calls from those looking for work or offering work. The show ends with a career counselor offering job search tips. Listen here.

Guest: Ernie Goss, MacAllister Chair and Professor of Economics at Creighton University. Tim Tritch, Associate Director of the Career Services and Academic Advising Center at UW-La Crosse.

Jobs and labor unions

2011-09-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

Kathleen Dunn and her guests discuss the latest on jobs and labor unions. Listen here.

Guests: Sheila Cochran, Chief Operating Officer, Milwaukee Area Labor Council AFL-CIO. Fred Gegare, International Vice President of the Teamsters Union and current candidate for General President. Sandy Pope, President of Teamster Union, Local 805 in New York City and current candidate for General President.

On Your Money - September 6 edition

2011-09-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

In this week's edition of On Your Money, Joy Cardin and financial planner Kevin McKinley will talk about personal finance, smart asset management, and advice on getting, spending, and saving cash. Listen here.

Guest: Kevin McKinley, Certified Financial Planner and Managing Member of McKinley Money, LLC.

Dismal jobs report

2011-09-07T10:21:00.000-07:00

August's jobs report was the worst in a year, according to the U.S. Labor Department; no net jobs were added and the unemployment rate remained at 9.1 percent. Joy Cardin's guest discusses reasons for the dismal announcement, President Obama's upcoming jobs speech to Congress, and when the job climate may improve. Listen here.

Guest: Bill Rodgers, Professor of Public Policy and chief economist, Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, Rutgers University. He served on President Obama's Department of Labor transition team and was the chief economist at the U.S. Department of Labor in 2000-2001.

Raise the minimum wage?

2011-09-07T10:01:00.000-07:00

Joy Cardin talks with a state lawmaker who wants to increase the minimum wage in Wisconsin. Listen here.

Guest: Cory Mason, Democratic State Assembly Representative, Racine.

Youth unemployment

2011-09-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

As bad as employment numbers are nationwide, they're even worse for young people. Joy Cardin's guest says youth unemployment should be a major political issue. Listen here.

Guest: Jarrett Moreno, co-founder of Our Time, which advocates for economic empowerment for young people.

Money Matters: Shared revenue

2011-08-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

This week's edition of Money Matters focuses on shared revenue in the state budget and how local governments are responding.

Money Matters: Wisconsin technical colleges

2011-08-15T10:13:00.000-07:00

In this week's edition of 'Money Matters,' anchor Frederica Freyberg spotlights Wisconsin's biennial budget and its impact on the state's technical college system..

Money Matters: Environment

2011-08-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

This week's edition of Money Matters looks at ways the biennial budget touches on Wisconsin's environment and natural resources.

Money Matters: Jobs in Wisconsin

2011-08-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

In this week's edition of Here and Now's 'Money Matters' budget series, anchor Frederica Freyberg discusses the impacts of the state budget on the Wisconsin job market.

Mike Huebsch discusses debt default, potential impacts in Wisconsin

2011-07-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

Department of Administration Sec. Mike Huebsch spoke with Here and Now on the potential impact a federal debt default could have on Wisconsin.

Money Matters: Kaukauna school district post-collective bargaining reform

2011-07-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

In the third installment of Here and Now's 'Money Matters' segment, Anchor Frederica Freyberg examines the state budget's impact on education and the effect collective bargaining reform has had on one Wisconsin school district.

Debt ceiling latest

2011-07-21T10:40:00.000-07:00

Join Joy Cardin and her guest for the latest developments in the debt ceiling and deficit debate... and whether a bipartisan compromise plan in the Senate could be part of the solution. Listen here.

Guest: Marc Goldwein, Policy Director for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.

Econ 101 - July edition

2011-07-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

Join Ben Merens and his guest economist for another edition of At Issue Econ 101 - to ask your questions about our economy. Listen here.

Guest: Kevin Quinn, Professor of Economics at St. Norbert College, and Associate Dean of the Social Sciences division.

Large companies = job growth?

2011-07-21T10:29:00.000-07:00

John Munson and his guests examine the truth behind the conventional wisdom that large companies can directly create the massive numbers of jobs needed to put Americans back to work. Listen here.

Guests: Daniel Gross, Economics Editor and Columnist for Yahoo! Finance. Robert Scott, Director of Trade and Manufacturing Policy Research for the Economic Policy Institute.

Wisconsin house market still struggling

2011-07-19T12:41:00.000-07:00

The latest figures on home sales in Wisconsin show a drop of 17 percent from last June. Many realtors say new bank regulations are making it harder for the industry to start growing again. Gilman Halsted reports.

Money Matters budget series: Taxation

2011-07-18T12:15:00.001-07:00

Anchor Frederica Freyberg and Wisconsin Public Radio's Shawn Johnson talk taxes in this week's installment of Money Matters. As part of Here and Now's monthly Capitol Insight segment, the two co-host the discussion on tax decreases, increases and impact from outside the state capitol building.

Tony Evers on Wisconsin's new school accountability program

2011-07-18T12:10:00.000-07:00

State School Superintendent Tony Evers joins Here and Now to discuss his work with Gov. Scott Walker to develop a new school accountability program for the state of Wisconsin..

On Your Money - July 19 edition

2011-07-18T11:15:00.001-07:00

Get personal finance advice on this week’s edition of On Your Money with Joy Cardin and financial planner Kevin McKinley. Kevin will share some tips on saving money with smart phones, talk about investing during the debt ceiling debate, and answer your money questions. Listen here.

Guest: Kevin McKinley, Certified Financial Planner and Managing Member of McKinley Money, LLC.

Debt ceiling stalemate

2011-07-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

House Republican leaders say they'll vote this week to raise the debt ceiling and pass a balanced budget amendment, while President Obama dismissed the idea as empty politicking. Joy Cardin and her guest examine the latest in the debt-ceiling stalemate and whether the U.S. will avoid default. Listen here.

Guest: Susan MacManus, Distinguished University Professor of Political Science at the University of South Florida.

Debt ceiling leadership?

2011-07-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

As President Obama and Congressional leaders bring the debt ceiling crisis down to the wire, tune in after four on At Issue. Ben Merens and his guest discuss the ethics of failed political leadership over this issue. Listen here.

Guest: Rushworth Kidder, President and Founder of the Institute for Global Ethics.

The American Dream

2011-07-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

With a rather bleak June Jobs report just out, Joy Cardin's guest, after seven, has some ideas on how to boost employment and wages . . . and help revive The American Dream. Listen here.

Guest: Thomas Kochan, professor of management, Sloan School of Business, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Author, "Restoring the American Dream: A Working Families' Agenda for America."

Striking a deal

2011-07-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

President Obama addressed the U.S. debt ceiling in a news conference on Monday. Kathleen Dunn and her guest discuss how a possible debt deal would be made before the government exhausts its borrowing authority on August 2. Listen here.

Guest: Terry Zivney, Professor of Finance, Miller College of Business, Ball State University.

On Your Money - July 12 edition

2011-07-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

Tuesday after eight, it's this week's edition of On Your Money with Joy Cardin and financial planner Kevin McKinley. Kevin will answer your personal finance questions and tell us why payday may be hazardous to our health! Listen here.

Guest: Kevin McKinley, Certified Financial Planner and Managing Member of McKinley Money, LLC.

Debt ceiling dealings

2011-07-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

What kind of deal – if any – will President Obama and Republican leaders make with regard to the $14.3 trillion debt ceiling? Tuesday after seven, Joy Cardin’s guest examines what’s at stake for both sides and the political ramifications of a government default. Listen here.

Guest: Charles Franklin, Professor of Political Science at UW-Madison, and co-developer and contributor, Pollster.com.

Job-hunting tips

2011-07-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

The global credit crisis and flat economy has turned this into one of the most challenging times to be looking for a job. After five, join Ben Merens and his guest as they discuss job-hunting tips for those seeking a new career. Listen here.

Guest: Tim Tritch, Associate Director of the Career Services and Academic Advising Center, UW-La Crosse.

McCabe on Wisconsin recall election funding

2011-07-11T10:23:00.001-07:00

Executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Mike McCabe joins Here and Now to discuss the role of the dollar in Wisconsin's recall elections--where the money is coming from, who's contributing and more.

Money Matters budget series: Collective bargaining report

2011-07-11T10:21:00.001-07:00

In conjunction with Wisconsin Public Radio, Here and Now debuts its eight-part 'Money Matters' series this week as anchor Frederica Freyberg reports on the state budget's impact on collective bargaining in Wisconsin.

Congressional check-in with Reps Duffy, Moore

2011-07-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

Wisconsin congressional representatives from opposite sides of the budget stalemate, Republican Sean Duffy and Democrat Gwen Moore, join Here and Now from Washington to share their take on the debt ceiling debate.

Week in Review

2011-07-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

Join Joy Cardin and her guests for The Week in Review with a look at the debt ceiling stalemate, the latest unemployment figures and other top state and national news stories of the week. Listen here.

Guests: Steve Prestegard, publisher and editor of the late Marketplace Magazine, and author of the Presteblog. Peg Lautenschlager, attorney with Bauer and Bach, and former Democratic Attorney General of Wisconsin.

Disparity of wealth in the U.S.

2011-07-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Joy Cardin's guest says the wealth disparity in the United States is leaving the poor behind and threatening our social compact. Listen here.

Guest: Bill Wineke, columnist for Channel3000.com (WISC-TV in Madison).

Interview with Governor Walker

2011-07-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

After signing the 2011-2013 state budget Sunday, Gov. Scott Walker sits down with Here and Now reporter Adam Schrager to discuss Wisconsin's budget, gubernatorial vetoes and more.

Two Years Later Pt. V: Small businesses

2011-07-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

Big business gets a lot of attention when it comes to counting jobs, but it turns out that small firms also have a large effect on Wisconsin's economy. And, they may have helped prevent the recession from being worse than it was. Teresa Shipley looks at the big potential of small business, in this last segment of our post-recession series, "Two Years Later".

Two Years Later Pt. IV: Rates of homeless up

2011-06-30T08:26:00.000-07:00

The recession may officially be over, but evidence of its effects still linger. Homelessness in Wisconsin is up from when the recession ended in 2009. Shamane Mills continues our series called "Two Years Later" with this report.

Collective bargaining law has had a long journey

2011-06-29T07:48:00.000-07:00

In yesterday's Wisconsin State Journal, tucked at the bottom of page A-4, Secretary of State Doug La Follette ran a public notice that he had "affixed his official seal" on 2011 Wisconsin Act 10. The publication means that as of today, Governor Scott Walker's plan to strip most public employee unions of their bargaining rights is now law. Shawn Johnson has this report on all the procedural twists and turns it took to get there.

Two Years Later Pt. III: Foreclosure crisis still a huge issue in Wisconsin

2011-06-29T07:47:00.001-07:00

The recession officially ended two years ago, but the number of people in Wisconsin who've lost their homes to foreclosure since then has swelled. Kristen Durst reports on that matter as part of our series, "Two Years Later."

Collective bargaining now in effect

2011-06-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

The proposal that ignited massive protests at the state Capitol and prompted an historic round of recall elections this summer is now law. Shawn Johnson reports.

Two Years Later Pt. II: Long-term unemployed worse off than before

2011-06-28T15:32:00.000-07:00

The number of long-term unemployed people is more than double the rate during normal economic times. The Washington D.C.-based Economic Policy Institute says the percentage of people without work for six months or longer surpasses every economic downturn since the Great Depression. Mike Simonson continues our series called "Two Years Later", with this report.

Two Years Later, Pt. I: Recession hardships still linger

2011-06-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

The recession officially ended two years ago this month. But, that's cold comfort to people who still don't have a job. Today, WPR kicks off a series called "Two Years Later", with a look at what job-seekers and economists think: is the downturn turning around? Patty Murray has more.

Bill McCoshen, Dan Schooff on veto power

2011-06-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

Anchor Frederica Freyberg discusses the power of the governor's veto pen in the run-up to Gov. Scott Walker signing the state budget this weekend. Dan Schooff, Department of Administration head under Gov. Jim Doyle, and Bill McCoshen, Secretary of Commerce under Gov. Tommy Thompson, join the conversation with their experience of past administrations' use of the veto power.

Interview with Reps Vos & Barca

2011-06-17T19:01:00.000-07:00

Assembly minority leader Rep. Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) and Rep. Robin Vos (R-Rochester) join anchor Frederica Freyburg as she digs into the provisions of Wisconsin's recently passed biennial budget.

Legislature passes biennial budget

2011-06-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

Assembly minority leader Rep. Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) and Rep. Robin Vos (R-Rochester) join anchor Frederica Freyburg as she digs into the provisions of Wisconsin's recently passed biennial budget..

Capitol Insight: JFC budget inserts

2011-06-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

As part of our regular "Capitol Insight" segment, Wisconsin Public Radio's Shawn Johnson joins Frederica Freyberg to discuss last minute items inserted into the state budget including changes to Wisconsin's child labor laws and legalizing bail bondsmen.

Supreme Court scrutinizes collective bargaining challenge

2011-06-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on challenges to a Dane County judge's decision to halt collective bargaining legislation Monday. Here & Now has highlights from the hearing

Collective Bargaining Faces Challenges

2011-05-27T19:30:00.000-07:00

Dane County Circuit Court Judge Maryann Sumi struck down legislation regarding collective bargaining for state employees. Here & Now has reaction from Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald.

Study suggests Wisconsin students not financially literate

2011-05-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

A new study says Wisconsin is failing its students by not requiring them to take courses in economics and personal finance. The report's author says high school students don't have a grasp on basic economic concepts. Patty Murray reports.

Pump prices trouble non-profit services

2011-05-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

Gas prices are straining the budgets of many non-profit agencies around the state. As Kristen Durst reports, some worry that if high prices linger on, that could lead to cuts in services...or increased costs for clients. Listen to the story here.

Tech colleges brace for budget cuts

2011-04-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

Wisconsin's technical colleges are arguing that Governor Scott Walker's proposal to cut nearly $72,000,000 from their system is counterproductive to his goal of creating 250,000 jobs. Kristen Durst reports...listen here.

Impact of Budget Cuts on the Arts

2011-04-22T19:30:00.002-07:00

Executive Director of Arts Wisconsin Anne Katz speaks about how Wisconsin's arts will be affected by budget cuts.

Jennifer Shilling talks about Joint Finance Committee

2011-04-22T19:30:00.001-07:00

Jennifer Shilling, democrat and member of the Joint Finance Committee, joins Here and Now to talk about how changes in the state budget will affect Wisconsin.

Robin Vos talks about Joint Finance Committee

2011-04-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

Robin Vos, Republican Co-Chair of the Joint Finance Committee talks Here and Now's Adam Schrager about changes in the state budget and how those changes could impact recycling and the New Badger Partnership.

Joint Finance Committee meets in Neenah

2011-04-15T19:30:00.002-07:00

Here & Now Anchor Frederica Freyberg takes you to the Joint Finance Committee Hearings in Neenah this week.

US Rep. Reid Ribble on federal budget

2011-04-15T19:30:00.001-07:00

Republican U.S. Representative Reid Ribble also weighs in on the week's House budget votes.

US Rep. Tammy Baldwin on federal budget

2011-04-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

Democrat and U.S. Representative Tammy Baldwin speaks with Frederica Freyberg on the week's House budget activity in Washington.

Brewers reach out to bring in more fans, cash

2011-04-04T13:21:00.000-07:00

After spending the weekend losing three games in Cincinnati, the Milwaukee Brewers play their home opener today. More than 40,000 fans are expected at Miller Park. Chuck Quirmbach reports that it's believed the team will need to draw about 3-million fans this year, to avoid taking a financial bath. Listen here...

IRS warns people about tax season scams

2011-04-04T13:20:00.000-07:00

The IRS says identity theft during tax season -- especially through a practice known as "phishing" -- is a significant, ongoing problem. Shamane Mills reports. Listen here....

Budget Repair Bill in Court

2011-04-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

Dane County Judge Sumi continues the temporary restraining order against implementation of the budget repair bill based on a suit questioning if public meeting rules were violated in its passage. From Here & Now on Wisconsin Public Television.

Impasse over collective bargaining

2011-04-04T10:32:00.000-07:00

Ben Merens and his guests discuss the political impasse over implementation of the collective bargaining portion of Governor Walker’s budget repair law. Listen here.

Guests: Dan Kapanke, Republican State Senator from La Crosse. Mark Miller, Democratic State Senator from Monona.

AT&T-TMobile merger

2011-04-04T10:29:00.000-07:00

Cell phone carrier AT&T merged with TMobile in a $39-billion deal. John Munson and his guest examine what this means for the estimated 91 percent of Americans who use cell phones. Listen here.

Guest: Hanson Hosein, Director of the Master of Communication in Digital Media program at the University of Washington in Seattle, and President of HRH Media Group.

Budget bill battle

2011-04-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

John Munson and his guests discuss the legal and political battle over Wisconsin’s budget bill. Listen here.

Guest: Mordecai Lee, Professor of Governmental Affairs, UW-Milwaukee. Peter Rofes, Professor of Law, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and Director for part-time legal education at Marquette University.

Collective bargaining... law?

2011-04-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

The controversial collective bargaining bill is now law - or it isn't - depending on who you ask. Joy Cardin will ask two legal experts with different takes on the issue on this week's Big Question segment. Listen here.

Guests: Rick Esenberg, Visiting Professor of Law at Marquette University. Ed Fallone, Associate Professor of Law at Marquette University.

Character deficit

2011-04-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

Joy Cardin's guest says we have "character deficit" in the United States, which leads us to rely on the government instead of taking responsibility for our own actions and problems. Listen here.

Guest: Lawrence Reed, President of the Foundation for Economic Education.

Entrepreneurship

2011-03-29T11:15:00.001-07:00

Is entrepreneurship a dream come true... or your worst nightmare? After five, join Ben Merens and his guest as they discuss the risks and rewards of owning your own business. Listen here.

Guest: Carol Roth, author of "The Entrepreneur Equation: Evaluating the Realities, Risks, and Rewards of Having Your Own Business." She is also an investment banker and a business strategist.

On Your Money - March 30 edition

2011-03-29T11:09:00.000-07:00

It’s another edition of On Your Money. Joy Cardin welcomes financial planner Kevin McKinley for answers to your personal financing questions, and some info on Roth IRA’s and how the economy is affecting us. Listen here.

Guest: Kevin McKinley, Certified Financial Planner and Managing Member of McKinley Money, LLC.

Rep. Barca on collective bargaining legislation

2011-03-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

Gov. Walker’s administration says its collective bargaining legislation is now the law of the land, but Democrats and legal experts disagree. Joy Cardin’s guest lawmaker weighs-in with his take on what’s going on, and how it will play out. Listen here.

Guest: Peter Barca, Democratic State Representative from Kenosha and Assembly Minority Leader.

Paid Sick Days Ruling

2011-03-25T11:02:00.000-07:00

An appeals court has ruled that private-sector employers in Milwaukee must offer paid sick days to all its employees, reversing a circuit court decision to halt it two years ago. Joy Cardin’s guest says the news is good for working families, but is expecting a battle in the weeks and months ahead. Listen here.

Guest: Dana Schultz, Lead Organizer, 9to5 Milwaukee.

Econ 101

2011-03-24T10:28:00.001-07:00

In this edition of At Issue with Ben Merens, join Ben and his guest economist for another edition of Econ 101 to ask your questions about our economy. Listen here.

Guest: Kevin Quinn, professor of Economics at St. Norbert College. Associate Dean of the Social Sciences division.

Thinking About Debt

2011-03-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

Veronica Rueckert and her guest examine the evolution of how the government, financial intuitions, and individuals think about debt in America, and how it led us to our current economic state. Listen here.

Guest: Louis Hyman, Assistant Professor in the Labor Relations, Law, and History department at Cornell University. Author of, “Debtor Nation: The History of America in Red Ink.”

Retirement Insecurity

2011-03-23T03:50:00.000-07:00

We’re not confident about our financial security in retirement, according to a new survey. Joy Cardin talks to a co-author of the survey, who says it’s a wake-up call for people to start planning. Listen here.

Guest: Mathew Greenwald, President and CEO of Mathew Greenwald and Associates, and co-author of the annual “Retirement Confidence Survey” produced in conjunction with the Employee Benefit Research Institute

Budget Bill: Recycling

2011-03-18T12:39:00.000-07:00

Reporter Adam Schrager looks at the budget's potential impact on recycling in the state.

Budget Bill: Wisconsin Veteran's Programs

2011-03-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

Frederica Freyberg looks into the proposed bienniel budget's impact on Wisconsin veterans programs.

Here & Now examines Budget impact on schools

2011-03-04T19:30:00.000-08:00

Anchor Frederica Freyberg explores the impact of Governor Walker's proposed nearly 1 billion dollar cut to public education on the Milwaukee School District. More Here & Now Budget coverage.

Governor delivers Budget Address

2011-03-01T16:00:00.000-08:00

Governor Scott Walker delivers his Budget Address before the State Legislature, followed by analysis with Todd Berry of the Wisconsin Taxpayer Alliance. Frederica Freyberg of WPT's Here & Now and WPR State Capitol Reporter Shawn Johnson anchor.

Capitol protests boost State Street commerce

2011-02-23T11:21:00.000-08:00

The protests at the State Capitol this past week have brought thousands of people to downtown Madison. Rich Kremer reports for some nearby businesses, it has meant record sales and, at times, a struggle to keep up. Listen here.

House Budget Chair Paul Ryan

2011-02-11T08:27:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, February 9, the House Budget Committee will hold a hearing on "The Economy, Jobs, and the Budget" and hear testimony from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke. House Budget Committee Chairman, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R) Janesville joins Here and Now to talk about the budget hearings.

Debt ceiling - Mon. at 4 on the Ideas Network

2011-01-24T06:25:00.001-08:00

Congress is planning to increase the federal debt ceiling past the current $14 trillion limit. Monday at 4 on At Issue, host Ben Merens and his guest will discuss just how high the debt ceiling could go. Find an Ideas Network station near you or listen live.

Guest: Maya MacGuineas, President, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Director, Fiscal Policy Program, New America Foundation.

Heated debate erupts over loss of high-speed rail stimulus funding

2010-12-10T13:59:00.000-08:00

Governor-Elect Scott Walker says the fight over high-speed rail is over, and the state should ask the next Congress for more federal highway money. But others say the Republican leader is wrong on several counts. Chuck Quirmbach reports...listen here.

Survey: State’s non-profits staying afloat amidst tough economic times

2010-12-10T13:58:00.000-08:00

Despite an increase in need, a recent survey of Wisconsin non-profits found that the majority of respondents say they're financially sound. Kristen Durst reports...listen here.

Walker scores victory on campaign pledge against high-speed rail funds, critics decry loss

2010-12-10T13:57:00.000-08:00

The federal government has yanked high speed rail money from Wisconsin and Ohio, and will send it to other states. The loss of funds for Milwaukee-to-Madison trains has Governor-Elect Scott Walker declaring victory, while riders are disappointed. Chuck Quirmbach reports...listen here.

Madison mayor says Walker is “attacking modern economy,” closing Wisconsin to new ideas

2010-12-10T13:56:00.000-08:00

Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz had been among the biggest proponents of a high speed rail line linking his city to Milwaukee, Chicago and the Twin Cities. Hours after the federal government announced its decision, the Mayor had sharp words for Governor-elect Walker. Shawn Johnson reports...listen here.

Tech schools seeing all-time high for students

2010-11-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

Wisconsin’s 16 technical colleges are seeing a record enrollment this year. An administrator for the statewide system says a rocky economy is only part of the reason. Brian Bull reports...listen here.

Equal pay for lawyers could help low-income defendants

2010-11-10T13:02:00.000-08:00

Criminal defense attorneys want the state supreme court to hike the pay for lawyers appointed to represent defendants who can't afford to hire their own. But the justices say that's the job of the legislature. Gil Halsted reports...listen here.

Native Americans join effort to establish small businesses

2010-11-08T10:27:00.001-08:00

The small businesses trying to make it through the slow pace of the economic recovery include a growing sector of start-ups: Those owned by Native Americans. Chuck Quirmbach reports...listen here.

Company officials say new shipbuilding contract means jobs for many

2010-11-08T10:26:00.000-08:00

A large contract with the U.S. Navy is in the works for a Wisconsin shipbuilder and it could have a long term economic impact on Northeastern Wisconsin. Officials with Marinette Marine Corporation say this deal could lead to decades of defense-contract work. Patty Murray reports...listen here.

Regulator suggests simplifying cross-border care could improve patient access

2010-11-08T10:25:00.000-08:00

Licensing agents from Midwestern states are considering a change that would benefit doctors who practice near state borders and also patients who need care in remote areas. Shamane Mills reports...listen here.

Dairy farmers to keep on despite shifty market

2010-11-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

A new survey suggests most Wisconsin dairy farmers plan to say in the business for at least the next five years. Steve Roisum reports...listen here.

Campuses will webcast forums on national debt and economic recovery

2010-09-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

Six UW campuses will host informational sessions addressing the national debt. The forums will bring together experts who organizers say will discuss the debt in a non-partisan way. Patty Murray reports.

State of the economy

2010-09-14T11:10:00.000-07:00

At Issue With Ben Merens, tune in for a critical analysis of the U.S. economy. Ben talks with trend forecaster Gerald Celente. Find an Ideas Network station near you or listen live.

Guest: Gerald Celente, founder and director, The Trends Research Institute. Author, “Trends 2000,” “Trend Tracking,” and “What Zizi Gave Honey Boy."

Raising the retirement age

2010-09-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

Kathleen Dunn gets two takes on the idea of raising the retirement age in the U.S. Listen here.

Guests: Eugene Steuerle, Chair and Institute Fellow, Urban Institute, and author of “Retooling Social Security for the 21st Century.” Teresa Ghilarducci, Chair of Economic Policy Analysis and Director, Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis, New School for Social Research. Author, “When I'm Sixty Four: The Plot against Pensions and the Plan to Save Them.”

On Your Money - September 14 edition

2010-09-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

Get some smart money advice on this week’s edition of On Your Money with Joy Cardin and financial planner Kevin McKinley. This week, find out why your grocery bill may be growing, and who should use a 401(k). Also, as always, get answers to your personal finance questions. Listen here.

Guest: Kevin McKinley, Certified Financial Planner and Managing Member of McKinley Money, LLC

Tax cuts

2010-09-13T10:48:00.001-07:00

President Obama has called for eliminating the Bush-era tax cuts for those earning more than $250,000. Ben Merens and his guest will discuss the tax-cut divide between Democrats and Republicans, and how the extension of tax-cuts impacts the growth of the economy. Listen here.

Guest: William Holahan, chair and professor of economics, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Report stresses higher education for future job market

2010-06-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

By the year 2018, two-thirds of the nation's jobs will require at least some education beyond a high school diploma. A new report also shows a bleak outlook for people who don't graduate from high School. Patty Murray reports…listen here.

Wisconsin’s tribes band together in tough economic times

2010-06-16T20:49:00.000-07:00

State and tribal tourism officials are on the St. Croix Indian reservation this week, to talk about boosting visitation to Native American sites in Wisconsin. As Brian Bull reports, the emphasis for tribes is on keeping positive despite the economy, and to work together…listen here.

State pork producers to benefit from China’s reopened door

2010-06-16T20:48:00.000-07:00

Wisconsin ag officials say hog farmers should benefit significantly now that China has lifted its ban on American pork. Steve Roisum reports…listen here.

Study shows most teachers feel unqualified to help students learn personal finance

2010-06-09T09:18:00.001-07:00

Most K-12 teachers lack basic training on how to teach money management to students, though many would like to. Kirk Carapezza reports on a study by researchers at UW-Madison…listen here.

Congressman Obey stands by federal stimulus spending

2010-06-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

The Wisconsin Congressman who was the main author of the federal stimulus bill says more spending may be needed to avoid a double dip recession. Glen Moberg reports…listen here.