Emerson to speak at First Friday breakfast

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson will give area business leaders a briefing on the latest Congressional actions Friday at the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce's monthly First Friday breakfast. Emerson, a Cape Girardeau Republican, has emerged this year as a leader among moderate Republicans working with the Democratic majority on selected issues such as health care and food assistance. Health care is a key issue for business in the face of rapidly rising insurance costs, said John Mehner, president and CEO of the chamber. Mehner said he expects Emerson to give her perspective on health care, as well as to talk about immigration and energy policy debates that are generating controversy across the country. "When you get into the immigration deal, it is a real interesting question," Mehner said. "And energy is always on people's minds."