(MPRN-Lansing) A bill to end Michigan’s tax incentives for the film industry has cleared the state House. Supporters of the bill say Michigan can no longer afford the program.
They claim it hasn’t produced enough jobs to justify its $50 million a year price tag.
“The fact is this is a transient industry and we can no longer afford to wage the bidding war as we have done for seven years,”
said state Rep. Jeff Farrington (R-Utica). All but two Democrats in the House voted against ending the credits. They say the program does create good jobs and promotes Michigan’s image across the country and worldwide.
“The film incentives promote and showcase the greatness of Michigan,”
said Minority Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills).
The bill will likely face a roadblock in the state Senate. Majority Leader ArlanMeekhof (R-West Olive) and Gov. Rick Snyder have both indicated they won’t support ending the film credits this year.
