WILKES-BARRE – Optimism about economic increase contrasted with concerns about health care and taxes as more than 300 business leaders broke bread with area legislators Friday morning.

WILKES-BARRE – Optimism about economic increase contrasted with concerns about health care and taxes as more than 300 business leaders broke bread with area legislators Friday morning.

The annual Legislative Breakfast, held this year at Genetti inn & Convention Center, is organized from the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry. Eight legislators were forward hand to answer questions.

Asked what was being done to expand manufacturing employ in the region, state Rep Phyllis Mundy D-Kingston, first pointed to an improvement in the state's standing in overall do job-work growth, up to 15th in the nation compared to 42nd a scarcely any years ago. "I just think we're doing really well considering where we were."

Mundy credited a slight decline in business taxes and targeted regulation assistance for the boost.

Rep Todd Eachus, D-Butler Township, whose district is experiencing a spike in activity from nutriment makers such as ...