Public Media from Michigan State University

New Fight At Capitol Over Film Subsidies

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A state House committee held a hearing Wednesday on legislation to end Michigan’s big tax breaks for film, TV, and movie projects.

We have more from The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Rick Pluta.

Michigan budgets $50 million a year for the subsidy. But that number’s gone up and down and now some Republicans want to eliminate it altogether

Pat Kelly is a carpenter who’s found work on movie productions. He says the controversy is costing the state film industry jobs.

       “The incentives being cut and constantly toyed with and tinkered with, there’s no real stability to it, and without stability, a lot of productions are pulling up and heading out of state,” he says.

Critics of the subsidy say it makes no sense to offer a special incentive to one industry that’s not offered to others. The bill could be voted out of committee next week.

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Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.