Tax credits for the film industry are being taken off the table by the legislature. Because the film industry pays the State nothing, it is not seen as a benefit to the State coffers. Other legislators, believe it adds value to our overall economy. Read how the drama plays out on the Senate floor.
On one side, you have the Republican majority, who thinks killing the subsidy program is a no-brainer.
“You ready?” “Pull!” *gunshot*”
And then you have the Democratic minority fighting for the credit’s survival.
”What the *bleep*, Freddie! Don’t do this to me.”
Because the debate played out on the Alaska Senate floor instead of Sarah Palin’s Alaska or Deadliest Catch, the hour spent discussing the fate of the program was not as colorful.
The program was created in 2008, and has paid out nearly $50 million to documentaries, feature films, homegrown Alaska productions, and — yes — reality television. Sen. Bill Stoltze, a Chugiak Republican, sponsored the bill. While Stoltze has long been an opponent of the program, he presented his bill without glee and said he felt like an “undertaker.”
“It’s really just a bland fiscal issue,” Stoltze said.
See Full Story Here at Alaska Public Media
