GREEN BAY (WFRV) -- Beneath the chants of people rallying for health care reform in Green Bay, were the voices of protestors.
Yet most of the 400-plus people at UW-Green Bay on Wednesday, told Congressman Steve Kagen he has their support.
“I think that there needs to be insurance reform,” said Judy Vogels from Green Bay. “I think that people need to be getting insurance without pre-existing conditions, and I generally support just having health care reform.”
A number of protestors were visible at the rally, and outside the building. They told Channel 5’s Jenna Sachs they believe federal care would create too much government control, and too much spending.
“I am deathly afraid of what’s coming down the pike with our president. He is spending us into the poor house,” said Steve Krueger from Green Bay.
Congressman Kagen told Channel 5 that a House bill for health care reform is still in the works.
“It’s got invisible ink right now,” said Kagen. “The ink is changing, ideas are coming.”
Kagen told the crowd if they like their current healthcare plan, they’ll be able to keep it. He also vowed to not vote for a bill that allows insurance companies to deny a person for pre-existing conditions.
“We can’t afford to miss this opportunity to create a very competitive, and open, and transparent marketplace,” said Kagen. “Where each and every insurance carrier is selling a basic standard plan.”
Kagen’s supporters said they’re impressed by how he responded to protestors at Wednesday’s rally, and at his statewide listening sessions earlier this month.
“ I think Steve has done a good job of handling all the pressure, and controversy surrounding this matter,” said Jay Kopplin from Winneconne.
Kagen told the crowd that just like the public health care system, he believes there should be a public health care system.
“I went to public school. It was a public option," said Kagen. "My friends, they went to Xavier. Public versus private. It works pretty well, we both got great educations.”
