BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Health care reform is a massive proposal that can be a bit difficult to decipher.

So when Congressman Kevin McCarthy first announced he would be holding a town hall meeting on health care reform there was a lot of excitement and relief.

"I was hoping for a very clear and honest explanation as to what was going on," said Bakersfield resident Terry Staton.

Fellow resident Tom Myers was also hoping the town hall would, "explain more in detail what the details of that plan are, in a non-partisan way."

After weeks of anticipation, the big night finally came Wednesday at California State University, Bakersfield's Icardo Center. For two hours, McCarthy took comments and questions from the audience.

But a day after the town hall ended, many people said they were left with a lot of questions about health care reform.

"I don't feel like I learned anything at all," registered nurse Amanda Gibbons said Thursday.

Bakersfield resident Robert Pasillas felt the meeting was less about learning and more about emotions.

"I think a lot of the people were venting," he said.

Fellow resident Dee McCullah, however, said she was able to gain something from watching the meeting on TV.

"I think I'm better informed, but it's overwhelming," McCullah said.

Ed Ronquillo, another local, said he learned a little from watching but said, "There's some stuff out there that we don't know about, and we need to know about it."

In fact, many of the questions weren't about health care reform at all. Some asked how the bill could be stopped or called into question its constitutionality.

While those may be valid questions, residents, such as Staton, want a clear outline about reform.

"Not saying this is the way it should be or that's the way it should be," Staton said. "Just simply telling the public what is."

Myers is also still looking for a clear definition about what the health care reform proposals actually are.

"We didn't get that answer, and maybe (McCarthy) doesn't know the answer," Myers said. "I don't think anybody knows the answer."

Answers are out there, but finding the information takes a bit of sifting.

Web sites, such as Health Reform and AARP's Health Action Now provide plenty of information.

McCarthy has posted information about the bill along with his opinion about the bill on his Web site.

These are just a few of the resources available from both sides of the debate.

In the fall, the League of Women Voters plans to break down health care reform and make it available to the public.

Also, below are some Eyewitness News reports from Wednesday that delve deeper into the issue and may answer some questions.

Health care reform has been long-running struggle



Health care reform: Democrats say change needed



Health care reform: Republicans want free-market solution



Health care reform: Experts discuss the hot topic