Democrats rally for health care

GREEN BAY - Dozens of people gathered at the Harmony Café in Green Bay Sunday, to rally support for changes in the nation's health care system.

"We need a change and we need a big change," said Reed Hardy from Green Bay. He said health care needs to be more affordable and available.

"People who say we have the best health care system in the world are the rich people who can afford to take care of themselves," Hardy said.

Others were at the event to share their personal stories.

"I thought the most frightening experience of my life was having cardiac arrest," said Mary Jo Gordon from Seymour. Gordon is the executive director of the Cardiac Arryhthmias Research and Education Foundation. Gordon said she went without health insurance for a year because she has a pre-existing condition.

"It put me into a state of panic and every single time I'd have a twinge all I could think about was how am I gonna pay for this?" Gordon said.

The event was organized by the Democratic Party of Brown County and Organizing for America, a group dedicated to pushing President Obama'a agenda. Wisconsin state director Dan Grandone said health care is one of the cornerstones of the President's vision for the country.

"Something has to change and we believe, and all kids of other people throughout the state believe, that it has to start with health care," Grandone said.

While democrats are hoping for some major changes in the health care system, Republicans say they have some concerns.

"The question is how can we afford to pay for it?" Vern Krawczyk told FOX 11. Krawczyk is with the Republican Party in Brown County.

"The biggest concern I would have and that is the quality of care you're going to get once you get on it," Krawczyk added.

Democrats disagree. They say the plan will reduce costs and increase quality.

Organizing for America is also planning similar events this week in Milwaukee, Madison and other parts of the state.