GateHouse News Service
Mar 25, 2010
Weymouth — Assistant Majority Leader Ronald Mariano (D–Quincy) has voted to protect jobs and stimulate economic growth in Massachusetts through the continuation of the film tax credit.
“I am thrilled at the significant vote in the House today in support of the film tax credit program,” said Mariano. “As other sectors continue to struggle, the film and television production industry in Massachusetts has been a bright spot.
Since the inception of the tax credit in 2006, the Mass. film industry has seen dramatic growth, especially in the area of employment. Jobs have risen by 30 percent and we continue to feel the ripple effect on ancillary industries statewide. I thank my fellow members for making a strong commitment today in support of this burgeoning industry.”
During debate on the House floor, lawmakers rejected an amendment that would have limited the tax credit to $50 million dollars per year for all production costs incurred in Massachusetts. Another amendment would have limited the tax credit to $7 million dollars per year for all productions.
A recent UMass-Boston study reported that each job created by the film sector produces .79 jobs in other sectors of the Commonwealth. The study also suggests that non-wage film production spending in Massachusetts – some $247 million since 2006 – creates “significant sources of revenue for local merchants.”