State Sen.

Don White, D-41st, recently called on U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasky to review the potential impact of the proposed merger of Highmark and Independence Blue Cross.In letters to Mukasky and U.S.

Arlen Specter, R-Pa., and

Bob Casey, D-Pa., White questioned the depth of a review by the Federal Trade Commission last year, particularly since new information has come to light.White is chairman of the state Senate Banking and Insurance Committee."While the FTC granted early termination six weeks later, the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance continues to review the merger and does not expect to make a final determination before the close of this calendar year," White wrote to Specter and Casey."Given the scope of impact this merger will have on Pennsylvania's Health Care system, it is only logical to expect extreme due diligence to occur at all levels of government before final approval is granted."White, in his letter to Mukasky, invited the Justice Department to send a representative to appear before the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee to explain its review and authority over the Highmark-IBC merger.———Former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly joined state Sen.

Jane Orie, R-40th, Tuesday to urge members of the Legislature to approve and fund the Newborn Child Testing Act.The bill, which is similar to legislation that Orie introduced in the Senate, was approved by the House and the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, and is awaiting action by the Senate Appropriations Committee.Orie said the legislation would require all Pennsylvania hospitals to screen newborns for 28 new genetic conditions that are serious but treatable if caught early.The legislation would provide $2 million to establish a program, track results and support four treatment facilities in the state that would provide the treatment to newborns.Kelly founded Hunter's Hope Foundation, in honor of his son, to increase awareness about newborn diseases and to raise funding for research on treatments and cures.Kelly is from East Brady.———U.S. Rep.

Phil English, R-3rd, last week renewed his demand for congressional action on a second stimulus bill to help American families and workers who continue to suffer from the lagging economy and unemployment."Clearly, the American economy is in a very fragile stage and if we do not act now, we run the risk of facing tougher economic times and more layoffs," said English, a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over economic issues.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment rates jumped half a percent to 5.5 percent in May, marking the largest increase over one month since 1986.The report, English noted, also said that an additional 49,000 jobs were lost, bringing the number of jobs lost in 2008 to 324,000."These latest job numbers,"he said, "are another heavy blow to the American economy and send a message that we must move on a second stimulus package that provides additional relief to working families and extends unemployment benefits for our jobless workers."Congress enacted a stimulus package in January that aimed to jolt the ailing economy.English said while the new law, which provided tax rebates and incentives for employers, has provided some relief for Americans, the soaring gasoline and food prices and layoffs are hurting working people.English in May called on Congress to advance a second stimulus bill to further lift the economy.———Municipalities can apply for up to $20,000 under a new grant program aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions, according to state Sen.

Don White, R-41. The deadline for applications is Aug. 29.Under the new Local Government Greenhouse Gas Pilot Grant Program, communities — individually or as a regional cooperative effort — apply for grants to hire technicians to determine the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and develop plans to reduce them.Individual municipalities can qualify for up to $20,000. A regional application, with multiple municipalities, can request greater amounts, but not more than $20,000 per participating municipality.For information or to download an application, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Grants.———The deadline to file for Pennsylvania's Property/Tax Rent Rebate program has been extended to Dec. 31, according to state Rep.

Brian Ellis, R-11th.Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2007.The program benefits people who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with disabilities.Eligibility income limits for homeowners were expanded to these levels, excluding 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits:$0 and $8,000 — $650 rebate (homeowners and renters).$8,001 to $15,000 — $500 rebate (homeowners and renters).$15,001 to $18,000 — $300 rebate (homeowners only).$18,001 to $35,000 — $250 rebate (homeowners only).Rebate claim forms are available by contacting the office or visiting the Web site of any state legislator.