This week, the health care reform fight moves forward. Since the election of Barack Obama, we have been in the momentum building portion of our campaign to win health care for all (see step 1 of our “steps to win”). Tomorrow, President Obama will make a speech to Congress and the nation, outlining his next priorities. Health care will be on that list. On Wednesday, the Senate Finance Committee will hold its first hearing on health care reform. And on Thursday, Obama will deliver his budget outline to Congress. Again, health care will be a priority. (See Jonathan Cohn for more details.)

This all means that we’re no longer in the momentum building stage. We’ve progressed to the formal legislative process, the first step of which is committees holding hearings (see step 2 of our “steps to win”).

But all the action isn’t in Washington, and indeed, the most important stuff is happening out in the states. There, too, health care has turned a corner, as people start to focus on solutions. From our partner at Citizen Action of Wisconsin:

Health Care for America Now, an unprecedented coalition of labor unions, community-based membership groups, faith-based groups, doctors, nurses, and small businesses, held a listening session in Green Bay Thursday evening. The 90 minute session drew a large audience of area residents. The event was held at the First Methodist Church in downtown Green Bay. The program featured eight testimonials from area health care consumers and small businesses dramatizing the need for immediate national action to guarantee quality affordable health care for all.

“I ran for Congress to address our health care crisis and I am working hard everyday to guarantee affordable health care for all of us,” said Dr. Kagen in response to the testimonials.

“This is at the heart of who we our as a nation and how together we will build a better future. We cannot solve our economic crisis without addressing our health care crisis. By reducing our health care costs we will put more money in our pockets and lower overhead for businesses and government which will reduce taxes and create jobs. The stories I heard tonight echoed the concerns my patients shared with me for over 25 years. I have seen this issue from several different sides as a doctor, small business owner, parent, patient and legislator - and I am committed to winning the fight for affordable care in this country.” Through the session Kagen expressed confidence that fundamental health care reform is a top priority for President Obama, and that we can expect action in the near future.

Congressman Kagen was joined by Senator Dave Hansen and State Representative Jim Soletski. They heard a series of 8 compelling testimonials at the listening session.

125 people attended this event on a weekday evening. People are clearly interested, and they’re looking towards Congress for answers. This is no longer just about momentum, it’s about solutions.

There is more information coming, especially what exactly President Obama says tomorrow night and releases on Thursday. Stay tuned.