The House Ways and Means Committee approves legislation that would extend the state’s film tax credit program to 2035. The program which costs the state $180-million every year is set to expire in 2025. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder said the credits create jobs.
“This is something that is actually working, it’s putting people to work it’s putting locals to work it’s making our community stronger,” said Schexnayder.
Schexnayder’s legislation not only extends the credit for ten years but a graphic must also be shown during the credits that let viewers know the movie was made in Louisiana.
“I want to make sure that people know that this movie was produced and filmed in the state of Louisiana so that we get more recognition and more bang for our buck whenever that happens to be able to bring tourists in,” said Schexnayder.
Independent studies have shown that despite the jobs gained, the state loses money with this program. But the president of the Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association, Trey Burvant, disputes those studies.
“We estimate that there’s up to $900 million if not more, directly spent in the state. Of that $900 plus million is $350, 000 is going directly into the pockets of the workers in the film industry,” said Burvant.
The measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.
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