Bay area reacts to passage of health care reform bill

Tampa, FL - Though it is one of the most hotly debated issues in the country, most people agree we need reform in some way.

"There definitely needs to be reform to control the costs," said Dr. Bob McCann.

An emergency room doctor for more than twenty years at Town and Country Hospital, McCann knows a little about health care. As a Republican running for state representative for District 67, McCann knows a lot about how he wants to make health care affordable.

"Right now, I want to take care of patients and, the thing is, you'll end up taking care of patients with governmental interference," said McCann.

McCann is against the bill. "The government taking over health care would be the wrong thing because that would be the most expensive care you never get."

Although he is disappointed to hear the bill passed the House, McCann says he's hopeful for the future.

"It still has to get through the Senate. Hopefully, the American people will let their voices be heard to their politicians. If not, next year is an election year and they can hold their leaders accountable then."

While McCann thinks the bill is "bad for the American public," Hillsborough County Democratic Party Chair Pat Kemp thinks it is good for everyone.

"I'm so excited that we're poised on the edge of getting it. To me, it is a milestone. It is the most important thing I've witnessed in my life," said Kemp.

But she doesn't kid herself that the bill is the end all, be all.

"This bill will not be the perfect panacea for the nation but it will be a giant step into making sure all Americans get coverage, that they wont be denied because of pre-existing conditions, that they will have affordable health care."