Gov. Patrick Urges Changes In Economic Development Bill

Gov. Deval Patrick is praising an economic development bill proposed by Democratic House leaders but says he will urge legislators to restore a provision that would discourage non-compete agreements in the private sector.

Patrick had proposed eliminating the agreements that some claim stifle competition among technology companies, and instead beef up trade secret protections. The measure introduced by House Speaker Robert DeLeo did not include that provision.

The governor said Friday he was generally ``delighted'' by the House proposal but would try to convince lawmakers the non-compete language was important.

Patrick met with reporters for the first time since returning from a trade mission to Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

He also had high marks for a gun control bill pending in the Legislature, but said it would not address the problem of straw gun purchases.