Dear [Representative X / Senator Y]:I am writing as a concerned constituent in support of House Bill 1794, which if passed will make non-compete agreements unenforceable.
This bill is exactly what the Commonwealth needs. I am a video game developer, and while the greater Boston area is one of the top locations worldwide for video game developers to make games, the growth of local industry is hindered by the fact that non-competes are enforceable in Massachusetts.
When non-competes prevent employees from doing similar work within 100 miles of their previous place of employment for a year (as is very common), these skilled workers are often forced to leave Massachusetts for other areas of the country. Every skilled worker we lose is a blow to our industry.
This effect applies not just to the video game industry — it applies to all technical fields, particularly in computer software development.
I urge you to support House Bill 1794. In these stark economic times, we have to do everything possible to retain our skilled workers.
Thank you,
[Your Name Here]
Rep. John Binienda said something in a speech to a small group of game developers a few months ago which resonated with me. He said that if a representative receives even a dozen well-reasoned letters or phone calls from his or her constituents, that can often sway a vote. That’s what I like about local politics: you can get stuff done.
Note: The above statement is a statement of the Boston Post Mortem / Boston IGDA Chapter organizing committee and as such represents the opinion of the chapter organizers alone. This is not necessarily the opinion of the IGDA as an international organization, nor is it necessarily the opinion of its Board members.
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