About Governor Baker’s Proposal and the Film Tax Incentive

MALC has always been a strong supporter of our state’s film tax credit and of the Mass Production Coalition (MPC).

The Governor’s proposal to end this program has been getting a lot of press and needed pushback. It appears that the desire to end this program is connected to a larger national agenda to attack this industry. (More on that in another post.)

Please take the time to read the update below from the MPC about the effort to end this needed program.

Also remember these two days next week to advocate for our sector!

On March 25th, MassCreative’s Arts Advocacy Day http://artistsunderthedome.org/malc/diya/do-it-yourself-advocacy-in-the-field-masscreatives-arts-matter-advocacy-day-march-25th-bostonma/

On March 24th, advocate for American’s for the Arts
http://artistsunderthedome.org/malc/issues/do-it-yourself-advocacy-in-the-field/

About Governor Baker’s Proposal and the Film Tax Incentive

The Governor’s proposal is a stand-alone bill (H62) that phases out the film tax credit. Since the proposal is not subject to the budget process, the bill will go through the typical legislative process and has already been referred to the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Revenue.

Revenue Committee Hearing Scheduled

The Joint Committee on Revenue has scheduled a hearing for March 31st on the Governor’s bill (H62) that proposes to eliminate the film tax credit. At this point, we have no further details on the hearing other than it is set for 10:30 AM.

In anticipation of this hearing, we are coordinating with our partners and industry stakeholders as well as our supporters in the legislature to assemble a group of panels to present to the Revenue Committee an accurate and comprehensive portrayal of the vitality of our industry and the great economic benefit of the film and television tax incentive to the Commonwealth.

It will be important to have a strong, coordinated, and respectful show of support for the panels and the Committee members at the hearing on March 31st. To that end, we will inform you of the confirmed details of the hearing as we get them. In addition, we will post them on social media. In the meantime, we are finalizing a coordinated effort for you to personally reach out directly to your State Representatives and Senators before the hearing. Please keep an eye out for that.

The Governor’s bill also proposes to pay for the doubling of the earned income tax credit (EITC) with the alleged savings from the elimination of the film tax credit. This red herring pits working families against working families. Expanding the EITC is important, but kicking the strong and growing film and TV industry out of our state will only hurt our economy and result in thousands of jobs lost.

Over the past weeks, MPC has been working directly with other industry stakeholders both in and outside the state (IATSE Local 481, Teamsters Local 25, SAG-AFTRA, MPAA, FILMA) to combat this proposal. We are reaching out to key legislators and members of the press to deliver our message that the film tax credit is an effective jobs and economic development tool. Our key points in response to the Governor’s proposed budget are outlined in this statement from MPC’s President, Margie Sullivan: http://massprodcoalition.org/mpc-response-march-4/

What to Look For

There will be opportunities in the coming weeks for you to attend legislative briefings, hearings, or other events to support our industry and your jobs, and to contact your local legislators as well as key committee members. MPC is working with our allies and consultants to determine the most effective timing of these activities. When it is time, you will be contacted with more specific talking points and/or example letters.

Follow us online for the latest information and updates on the MPC website, and on social media via Facebook and Twitter.

What You Can Do

• If you do not know your state Senator or Representative, find out now here: http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/MyElectionInfo.aspx
• Start developing your own story for your legislators. The film and television incentive is about creating jobs and your job is one of the thousands created by it that is in danger of being lost.
• Send your story and a picture on the grassroots website created by local industry members: savemafilmjobs.com. You can do so by submitting to: savemafilmjobs@gmail.com.
• If you’ve experienced significant growth in your business since the film tax credit, begin calculating key statistics: how many new employees, how much new equipment, growth in office space or property rented or purchased, etc.
• If you are a member who uses MA vendors for goods and services as part of your work in MA, please reach out to those vendors and ask for their support, and contact us with a list of those vendors.
• Should you encounter members of the press, or find yourself in a situation where you need discussion points or preparation, please contact us.

Join or Renew Your Membership to MPC

Your membership counts! We need your support to effectively advocate for our industry and your jobs. Renewing your membership and encouraging your colleagues to join MPC is a great way to support the MPC, stay informed, and increase the voice of this organization. You can renew or register for MPC Membership online: massprodcoalition.org.

Thank you for your participation and continued support.

Sincerely,

David Hartman, Program Director
Massachusetts Production Coalition