If film tax credits are cut, our state will lose

As a worker in the film business, I am extremely distressed to hear of Sens. Pat Vance and Jeffrey Piccola's desire to cut the Pennsylvania film tax credit program ("Tax Credits Could End Up on Cutting Room Floor," Feb. 21).

These credits have tremendously increased film production here, resulting in continued employment for the thousands of hard-working Pennsylvania families in the film business, as well as increased business for the innumerable hotels, restaurants, suppliers, businesses and mom-and-pop stores that films and their crews support.

It is a plain fact that states that have embraced a tax rebate have seen countless millions spent in their state. Even with the rebate plan, the state receives millions in taxes from these companies. This is a win-win situation.

A reduction in film credits will drive the business out of Pennsylvania. The end result of eliminating the tax rebate will be higher unemployment in Pennsylvania, less money spent here and, indeed, less overall tax income due to the lack of features shooting here. Eventually, people in the business will be forced to relocate to where the work is. This is a lose-lose situation.

The tax credits are extremely important to me, my livelihood and the continued employment of thousands upon thousands of Pennsylvania families.

 

STEVE PARYS
South Side