Legislative Update from State Rep. Jesse White

Here's the latest from the Legislature:

1. Pulse Oximetry Screening for Newborns

This week I introduced House Bill 809, which would require hospitals to perform a pulse oximetry screening on newborn babies within 24 hours of birth. Although some hospitals already perform pulse oximetry newborn screenings, current law does not require hospitals to do so. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, congenital heart defects account for nearly 24 percent of infant deaths.

In addition, about 12 percent of babies born each year have one of seven critical congenital heart defects. Newborns who are not screened for CHDs are at greater risk of death or lifelong disabilities. The test is cheap—less than $10 to perform—which is a bargain when you consider the lower cost of catching a heart defect early as compared to the cost and related problems of having to fix it later. 

2. Health & Safety Fair on March 14

Emergency service organizations, state and local government agencies, veterans groups and more will be on hand to offer important information and tips at my annual Health & Safety Fair, taking place Thursday, March 14. The free event, which is co-sponsored by the American Red Cross and The Washington Hospital will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Washington Crown Center mall. Bring your family and visit the nearly 70 organizations that will be available to answer questions and provide information on issues related to the health and safety of our community.

3. Trout Stocking Schedules now available

April 13 marks the state-wide opening day for trout season and local waters will soon be stocked. You can contact my office to pick up a hardcopy of the statewide trout stocking schedule, or visit www.fishandboat.com/stock.htm to view it online. Simply choose the county you wish to view and click “Go” to find more information about stocking dates and meeting locations. And, if you haven’t already purchased your fishing license, the Fish & Boat Commission is now offering three- and five-year licenses for convenience and cost-savings. For more information, go to www.gonefishingpa.com or visit your local sporting goods store or licensing agent.

4. Starpointe Business Park Earns State Grant

I was glad to help announce the news that Starpointe Business Park was one of more than 50 grant recipients from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital program. The $1.5 million grant will go toward the Phase 1B expansion of the business park, which economic development officials predict will create 500 jobs for the region. Sitting on top of former mine property, Starpointe is the largest “brownfield” development in southwestern Pennsylvania and is expected to provide as many as 6,000 jobs upon final completion. Phase 1B is already under construction and is expected to be completed by spring. This is further proof that working with private industry to invest in smart development can create jobs and opportunities at a time when we need to do all we can to put people back to work.

PA Treasurer's Office may be holding your unclaimed property

Each year, the state treasury receives millions of dollars of unclaimed property—some of which could be yours. What is unclaimed property? Unclaimed property includes closed bank accounts, uncashed checks, lost stocks and bonds, contents of safe deposit boxes, proceeds from the demutualization of insurance companies, and expired gift cards or gift certificates. If these items go unclaimed for five years, they must be turned over to the state Treasurer's Office, which is required to hold the property. To find out if you have any unclaimed property, visit www.patreasury.gov/unclaimed or contact my office at 724-746-3677. My staff and I can help you determine if you have any unclaimed property being held by the Treasurer's Office, and there is no charge to claim your property if you do.