The Nation : Children’s Insurance Plan Clears Panel

Ground-breaking legislation that would give a new tax credit of up to $500 a year to low-income working Americans to help them buy health insurance for their children was approved by the Senate Finance Committee. Debate on the measure may produce sparks--not only because of the innovative new health tax credit, but also because it takes a more modest approach to child care benefits than another major Democratic initiative. “I know there is going to be a big battle with the ABC bill on the floor,” said Sen. Bob Dole (R-Kan.), a committee member and the Senate GOP leader. “Maybe we’ll end up without any child care bill at all.” The ABC bill is a measure by Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.) that envisions a much more expensive child care program.