More Help Needed for Support of Tax Incentives

We thank those SAG members who attended the meeting in support of the Pennsylvania film tax incentives on May 1, 2009, but we need more help!  Please read the article below and follow instructions for your additional assistance.

THE WRITING IS ON THE WALL...Many Senators intend to Eliminate the Film Industry in PA.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - May 4, 2009 - Yesterday, A NUMBER OF SENATORS INTRODUCED SENATE BILL 850, an alternative to the governor's budget proposal. This bill eliminates financial support to the state & regional film offices. The elimination of these offices signals a strong intention by certain Senators to remove the film production tax credit program, thereby eradicating this emerging industry in Pennsylvania. This bill will be up for a vote this Wednesday, May 6th. We NEED you to call and email the following senators immediately to voice your OUTRAGE against SB 850.

Senate Republican Leadership
President of the Senate

Joseph B. Scarnati III (R)
TELEPHONE:(717) 787-7084
(SB 850 Co-Sponsor)
Floor Leader (Majority)

Dominic Pileggi (R)
TELEPHONE: (717) 787-4712
(SB 850 Co-Sponsor- Represents parts of Chester and Delaware Counties)
Whip (Majority)

Jane Clare Orie (R)
TELEPHONE:(717) 787-6538
Caucus Chair (Majority)

Michael L. Waugh (R)
TELEPHONE: (717) 787-3817
Caucus Secretary (Majority)

Robert D. Robbins (R)
TELEPHONE: (717) 787-1322
Appropriations Committee Chair (Majority)

Jake Corman (R)
TELEPHONE: (717) 787-1377
(SB 850 BILL SPONSOR)
Caucus Administrator (Majority)

Patrick M. Browne (R)
TELEPHONE: (717) 787-1349
Policy Committee Chair (Majority)

John Pippy (R)
TELEPHONE: (717) 787-5839

CALL AND EMAIL TODAY! WEDNESDAY IS TOO LATE!

Note: By placing your cursor on the names listed above, you will receive the email address for each of the representatives listed. 

If you have questions contact: rmckiddy@sag.org or (800) SAG-0767

Below you will find a sample letter for your use.

If you choose to use this, just put your name and address in the space provided and either email it or FAX it to: (717) 772-2755

May 5, 2009

Dear Senator

I am a professional Actor and a member of the Screen Actors Guild who lives and works in Pennsylvania.  I am writing you today to express my wholehearted support for the continuation of the Pennsylvania Film Tax Credit incentive program. 

It is understandable that the recent economic crisis has prompted criticism of a seemingly disposable business sector, but I humbly challenge you to reconsider the tangible and intangible rewards of supporting a booming, creative, and high-wage industry like the film production industry.

Keep in mind that the tax credit has a cap that limits the total amount spent by the state and also includes a requirement that 60% of the production spending be conducted within the state. Since the tax credit is only for 25% of the audited PA spend, the minimum amount of spending (money going directly to PA companies and workers-not to Hollywood) directly stimulated by this program has been $300M!  Furthermore, half of the budget of every production is for taxpaying employees, infusing money into both local and state governments. The Film Tax Credit truly is a business and jobs stimulator.

Since 2004, the production of 106 feature films and 8 major TV projects shot in PA, has contributed to more than $453 million in direct spending in our state, supporting over 16,250 jobs.    

I personally have worked on films along with hundreds of actors from the Commonwealth and can say with certainty that each film was shot here because of the tax credit. For those of us who work in the industry, it is obvious that the film production tax credit program has fueled film business. It is also clear that any decrease in the film production tax credit program would have the immediate and direct effect of ending those jobs. Reversing the impact of our investments and sending lucrative jobs to other states where dependable tax incentive programs exist would create a loss of jobs and revenue for our state, and cause a loss of income for myself and my family. 

As a resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I strongly encourage you to do what you can to keep this program and Pennsylvania competitive. In this environment we need jobs and the film industry creates jobs!

Sincerely,

Name
Screen Actors Guild Member
Address