Rep. Steve Kagen (WI), OFA's Wisconsin State Director and Muskego, WI Resident Talk About Health Care

President Obama will visit Green Bay, WI tomorrow to hold a Town Hall meeting about the urgent need for health care reform. In anticipation of the President’s visit, Rep. Steve Kagen, M.D. (WI) joined Organizing for America’s Wisconsin State Director Dan Grandone and Kristine Reger, a Muskego, WI resident on a conference call this morning to talk about the health care debate in Congress and the grassroots effort currently underway to make it happen this year.

A few highlights are below.

Rep. Steve Kagen, M.D. (WI):

“I ran for Congress beginning in 2005 because my patients were having a difficult time paying for their prescription drugs. It's tough being a doctor and prescribe something for patients they simply can't afford. There is no question that there is urgency in getting this done - reforming health care. We have an impossible situation where people can’t afford the necessary care and prescription drugs and other treatments they require that they require."

Kristine Reger, Muskego, WI resident:

"For two years in this century the cost of health insurance has prevented my husband and his partner from making a profit and that will probably happen again this year unless business picks up. Last year, it cost my husband's company $132,000 to cover nine employees - and this is not a Cadillac plan. it includes a high deductible of $2,500. We need to have health care reform to help the small businesses to continue to provide health insurance for their employees, to keep the cost down to reward them for continuing to do what they feel is right.”

Dan Grandone, OFA Wisconsin State Director:

"I really believe that the president's message-- that he gave on election night back in November in Grant Park-- was one that resonated with millions throughout this country and here in the state of Wisconsin when he said 'This victory alone is not the change we seek it is only the chance for us to make that change'. So this past Saturday on June 6th in people's homes throughout the state of Wisconsin and across this country Organizing for America organized its national health care kick-off in which tens of thousands joined with their neighbors, family, friends and coworkers to begin discussing and mobilizing behind this health care issue. The next step in this campaign will be on June 27th - a national day of service on health care - where thousands of people all over the country will highlight the need for health care reform by performing important health care related service projects in their communities - and advance the need for health care reform with their fellow citizens and elected officials."

Here’s the full audio of the call.