Despite all the rhetoric about how health care was a major issue for the Legislature to tackle this year, it appears unlikely any major initiatives will pass before the end of the session next week.

Senate Democrats pushing a universal health care plan never got the backing of the governor and didn't plan to introduce a new version until the waning days of the session.

A previous version did clear the Senate last year, but fell victim to budget negotiations.

Republicans who control the Assembly meanwhile are forging ahead with their priorities.

The Assembly passed two bills Wednesday night that would provide an income tax credit for investments in health savings accounts and require patients to be told how much medical procedures cost so they can shop around.