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Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said Monday that she is “optimistic” that the ObamaCare fixes she is pushing for can still pass, despite the deadline for voting on them having “slipped.” “Our negotiations with the House are going very, very well,” Collins told reporters. “The deadline slipped but the policy is what is important.” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnel (R-Ky.) in December gave a commitment to Collins to support the passage of two bills aimed at stabilizing ObamaCare markets and lowering premiums before the end of the year, in exchange for her vote for the tax reform bill. (Sullivan, 1/22)

Kaiser Health News: Tax Bill Provision Designed To Spur Paid Family Leave To Lower-Wage Workers

Tucked into the new tax law is a provision that offers companies a tax credit if they provide paid family and medical leave for lower-wage workers. Many people support a national strategy for paid parental and family leave, especially for workers who are not in management and are less likely to get that benefit on the job. But consultants, scholars and consumer advocates alike say the new tax credit will encourage few companies to take the plunge. (Andrews, 1/23)