This is the link to Governor Cuomo's NYS Connects web site
This is where you register to receive news updates from Governor Cuomo regarding various topics. He does have mixed martial arts on the list of topics. If Cuomo is flooded with people who register and request MMA news, he will know that this is an issue we care about! Everyone take a few moments to log on, register, and request MMA updates. Let Cuomo know what you want!
Social Networking Campaign! Let Governor Cuomo know on his Facebook Wall that you want MMA in NY! If yopu are on Twitter, you can tweet Governor Cuomo @NYGovCuomo. Let's flood Cuomo's wall and twitter with polite requests for MMA in NY.
Let our Senators and Assembly members know you want MMA in NY!
If we really are serious about getting MMA legalized in NY, it is up to us to let our legislators know we want it here! A person who writes to a legislator is a person who votes. Even more powerful is a visit to your Senator or Assemblyperson's office. Make an appointment. Let them know you want Mixed Martial Arts in NY State. Please feel free to use or modify these sample letters as you need, but always remember to be respectful.
Find out who your Assemblyperson or Senator is and how to contact them here:
NY State Senate
NY State Assembly
Not sure what election district you are? Click here
In 2013, the MMA legislation has passed in the Senate. However, we still need to let our Assembly members know what we want! Here are some letter samples for you:
If you are a business owner:
Dear (District Assemblyman),
My name is (Your Name) and I am (Position in Your Company) of (Your Company). I am writing to you in regards to the bill to sanction mixed martial arts in New York under the State Athletic Commission, titled A 6506 in the State Assembly.
As the owner of an MMA related business, locally run live shows are where I find most of my new customers. Our booths at MMA events are a major part of our advertising and, without sanctioned MMA in New York, I am forced to take this aspect of my business over to New Jersey on a near-monthly basis.
Such frequent traveling is not only a painful expense to my small business but, as a New York tax payer, there is an added dilemma of seeing the economic activity live MMA events generate being forcibly taken out of my community and transplanted some place else. While the Ultimate Fighting Championship is the most well known MMA promotion, there is a thriving MMA culture and economy right here in our home state. And, as a member of that culture, I can confidently say that we would like to do business at home.
Further than my immediate economic concerns, MMA represents not just a sport but a culture that I support. Local MMA competition can and has provided discipline and empowerment to a diverse group of people that make up the martial arts community. The state's failure to recognize and sanction MMA as a legitimate sport is a direct insult from the New York State government to all of its citizens who find value in the hard work and lessons MMA contains.
To this end, I urge you to vote in approval in the upcoming legislative session. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
(Your Signature)If you are a gym owner:
Dear (District Assemblyman),
My name is (Your Name) and I am (Position in Your Gym) of (Your Gym). I am writing to you in regards the bill to sanction mixed martial arts in New York under the State Athletic Commission, titled A 6506 in the State Assembly.
As the owner of a school that trains athletes to compete in mixed martial arts, locally run live shows are a necessary place for my students to test themselves and gain experience. Without sanctioned MMA in New York, I am forced to take this aspect of my business over to New Jersey on a regular basis.
Such frequent traveling is a burden on my athletes, who, even on the professional level are often forced to maintain a full-time job outside of the sport. Also, as a New York tax payer, there is an added dilemma of seeing the economic activity live MMA events generate being forcibly taken out of my community and transplanted some place else. While the Ultimate Fighting Championship is the most well known MMA promotion, there is a thriving MMA culture and economy right here in our home state. And, as a member of that culture, I can confidently say that we would like to do business at home.
Further than my immediate economic concerns, MMA represents not just a sport but a culture that I support. Local MMA competition can and has provided discipline and empowerment to a diverse group of people that make up the martial arts community. The state's failure to recognize and sanction MMA as a legitimate sport is a direct insult from the New York State government to all of its citizens who find value in the hard work and lessons MMA contains.
To this end, I urge you to vote in approval of in the upcoming legislative session. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
(Your Signature)If you are a fan:
Dear (District Assemblyman),
My name is (Your Name). I am writing to you in regards to the bill to sanction mixed martial arts in New York under the State Athletic Commission, titled A 6506 in the State Assembly.
As a fan of MMA, I travel to many mixed martial arts competitions. Without sanctioned MMA in New York, I am forced to travel to New Jersey and other neighboring states on a regular basis in order to watch the sport I love.
Such frequent traveling is not only a painful expense to me but, as a New York tax payer, there is an added dilemma of seeing the economic activity live MMA events generate being forcibly taken out of my community and transplanted someplace else. While the Ultimate Fighting Championship is the most well known MMA promotion, there is a thriving MMA culture and economy right here in our home state. As a member of that culture and fan of the sport, I can confidently say that we would like to do business and view the sport we love at home in New York.
Further than my immediate economic concerns, MMA represents not just a sport but a culture that I support. Local MMA competition can and has provided discipline and empowerment to a diverse group of people that make up the martial arts community. The state's failure to recognize and sanction MMA as a legitimate sport is a direct insult from the New York State government to all of its citizens who find value in the hard work and lessons MMA contains.
To this end, I urge you to vote in approval in the upcoming legislative session. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
(Your Signature)If you are a promoter:
Dear (District Assemblyman),
My name is (Your Name) and I am (Position in Your Promotion) of (Your Promotion). I am writing to you in regards to the bill to sanction mixed martial arts in New York under the State Athletic Commission, titled A 6506 in the State Assembly.
As the promoter of a locally run MMA event, my organization holds mixed martial arts competitions showcasing both local athletes and those coming in from out of state. Without sanctioned MMA in New York, I am forced to take my show over to New Jersey on a regular basis.
Such frequent traveling is not only a painful expense to my small business but, as a New York tax payer, there is an added dilemma of seeing the economic activity live MMA events generate being forcibly taken out of my community and transplanted some place else. While the Ultimate Fighting Championship is the most well known MMA promotion, there is a thriving MMA culture and economy right here in our home state. And, as a member of that culture, I can confidently say that we would like to do business at home.
Further than my immediate economic concerns, MMA represents not just a sport but a culture that I support. Local MMA competition can and has provided discipline and empowerment to a diverse group of people that make up the martial arts community. The state's failure to recognize and sanction MMA as a legitimate sport is a direct insult from the New York State government to all of its citizens who find value in the hard work and lessons MMA contains.
To this end, I urge you to vote in approval in the upcoming legislative session. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
(Your Signature)
