Patrick Unveils Economic Development Plan

Gov. Deval Patrick has unveiled a $100 million proposal he says will spur economic growth by improving job training, expanding the state's international marketing efforts and ending barriers to high tech workers who want to change jobs.

Patrick's plan released Thursday would eliminate so-called "non-compete" agreements designed to discourage workers in high tech companies from quitting and taking their skills to a competing company.

Patrick said the agreements stifle competition. He said tougher protections for trade secrets and intellectual property is a better solution.

Patrick's plan would also invest in the state's older, financially strapped municipalities known as Gateway Cities.

Patrick wants to promote market-rate housing, speed the clean-up of old manufacturing properties for re-use, and give cities and towns greater control over the number of liquor licenses in their communities.