Film tax credit pays for itself in the long run
(bostonherald.com)
The Massachusetts House voted unanimously to make permanent the state’s controversial film tax credit, all but ensuring a showdown with the Senate, which doesn’t share the representatives’ sanguine view of the program.
The 160-0 vote came during the opening day of House deliberations on its $47.7 billion state budget proposal.
Previously extended for a few years at a time, this week’s amendment by state Rep. Tackey Chan, a Quincy Democrat, would extend it indefinitely. The long-running program has managed to survive despite several attempts to end it, including two by Gov. Charlie Baker.
Without Senate support, it would cease at the end of 2022. Chan said it was important to guarantee its funding well ahead of that deadline so film executives can plan future projects in the state.
The Massachusetts House voted unanimously to make permanent the state’s controversial film tax credit, all but ensuring a showdown with the Senate, which doesn’t share the representatives’ sanguine view of the program.
The 160-0 vote came during the opening day of House deliberations on its $47.7 billion state budget proposal.
Previously extended for a few years at a time, this week’s amendment by state Rep. Tackey Chan, a Quincy Democrat, would extend it indefinitely. The long-running program has managed to survive despite several attempts to end it, including two by Gov. Charlie Baker.
Without Senate support, it would cease at the end of 2022. Chan said it was important to guarantee its funding well ahead of that deadline so film executives can plan future projects in the state.
By: Boston Herald Editorial Stall
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