Film Tax Incentive hearing, H.3978: Tues., March 8, 1pm. Please Attend!
The Joint Committee on Revenue will hold a public hearing, Tuesday, March 8th at 1:00 PM at the State House on H.3978, a bill that would cripple the film and television production incentive program in MA.
The Massachusetts Production Coalition (MPC) needs your support for an important hearing this coming Tuesday at the State House for H.3978, a bill that would cripple the state’s film industry.
All you need to know follows, via the MPC:
COMMITTEE HEARING ON H.3978
TUESDAY MARCH 8TH, 1:00 PM. MA STATE HOUSE
The State Legislature has announced the Joint Committee on Revenue will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 8th at 1:00 PM at the State House on H.3978, a bill that would cripple the film and television production incentive program in MA.
We are asking industry members to attend the hearing to show opposition to H.3978.
We will also provide information for you to visit your State Senator and State Representative to tell them your story, and why you oppose H.3978.
A strong show of support for the hearing is very important. Please note that seating in the room may be limited, we advise planning your arrival time accordingly. Also note that we will hold a new “FILMS = JOBS” Industry Day at the State House later in the Spring (when we will need an very large turnout).
WHEN & WHERE
Tuesday, March 8th. 1:00 PM. Hearing Room B-2.
Massachusetts State House. 24 Beacon Street, Boston.
The closest entrance to Hearing Room B-2 is the Ashburton Park entrance located in the rear annex along Bowdoin Street. Once through security, Hearing Room B-2 will be directly to your right. malegislature.gov/Engage/Directions
WHAT TO DO
In addition to attending the hearing, we will have lapel stickers and information available for you to visit your State Senator and State Representative’s offices. To find your legislators online visit: malegislature.gov.
For industry members and supporters unable to attend: there will be an online Voter Voice email campaign released on Tuesday, March 8th to write your legislators to show your support and opposition to H.3978.
For a recap of campaign activities and more, you can read our recent advocacy update here: http://conta.cc/1RhnJ8K.
ABOUT HOUSE Bill 3978
This year Governor Baker filed a new bill, H.3978, which would cripple the film and television production incentive in Massachusetts. H.3978 rolls back the incentive in several ways, the most damaging would impose a cap on the tax incentive each production can receive and reduce the employment tax credit to 20%. Films such as Joy, The Judge, American Hustle, The Finest Hours, Ghostbusters and many others would not have come to Massachusetts if this bill was in place.
The film and television production incentive has made Massachusetts a leading filmmaking destination, creating an industry that supports thousands of local jobs and small businesses in cities and towns across the state. The Governor’s bill would cripple this important and growing industry, hurt local small businesses, and send good-paying jobs and careers to competing states.
HOW TO SUPPORT
We will keep you posted with updates, including direct lobbying and grassroots initiatives through the state budget process, to oppose H.3978, and keep film jobs in Massachusetts.
Please consider joining the Mass Production Coalition below, and purchasing a membership today to support these advocacy efforts and help keep this vital and growing industry in Massachusetts.
Your membership counts! Join MPC for 2016 to be part of the Massachusetts film and media industry’s largest organization, while supporting important initiatives to sustain and grow our industry in Massachusetts.
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MASSACHUSETTS PRODUCTION COALITION
massprodcoalition.org
contact: info@massprodcoalition.org