Entertainment Union Coalition Statement on Passage of SB 132
The Entertainment Union Coalition applauds today’s announcement that the increased funding to our California Film and Television Tax Incentive Program is now official. Since Governor Newsom announced his intention to prioritize our program’s expansion late last year, our members’ activism has been the core driving force in our fight to retain and bring back good industry jobs to our state.
After numerous trips to Sacramento and over 250,000 letters to elected officials, our governor and state legislature followed through on their commitment to our members, their families, and the many small businesses that our industry supports. More than doubling the program’s allotted cap to $750 million annually underscores just how vital our industry is to the economic health of our state, and the power of our members’ voices.
Despite a difficult budget year, continued fire recovery efforts, threats of federal funding cuts to our state, and the current disruption to our communities, the courageous leadership by Governor Newsom to expand this jobs program speaks volumes. We also owe thanks to Pro Tempore McGuire, Speaker Rivas and Budget Chairs Gabriel and Wiener for their commitment to our program and understanding the urgency of action.
The expanded funding of our program is an important reminder of the strength and resiliency of our members, the power of our broad-based union and guild coalition, and the role our industry plays in supporting our state’s economy. It’s now time to get people back to work and bring production home to California. We call on the studios to recommit to the communities and workers across the state that built this industry and built their companies.
Our final step is to get the programmatic changes in AB 1138, championed by our authors Assemblymember Rick Zbur and Senator Ben Allen, across the finish line next week to ensure the full value of the additional funding to secure the greatest number of jobs for our members and economic return for California. When our industry thrives, California thrives.
