Advocacy Update: Legislators Vote to Eliminate the Sunset, Moves to Gov. Baker's Desk

Earlier today the Massachusetts Legislature passed a new state budget. It includes language (Section 68) to make the state’s film, TV, and streaming incentive program permanent by removing the expiration date completely. 

This is a huge victory! It could not have been done without all of the effort you have put in these last months.

Massachusetts will be poised and ready to capture the growing streaming TV industry that will bring even more good-paying jobs to Massachusetts for years to come, employ more local workers, and spend millions of dollars with more local businesses.  

We thank Senate President Spilka, Speaker Mariano, Chairman Rodrigues, Chairman Michlewitz, and the entire Legislature for eliminating the sunset of the production incentive and protecting the jobs and economic benefits it creates. If you have communicated with your state legislators throughout this process, please reach back to thank them for their work to protect and grow Massachusetts film jobs.

We have one last hurdle - The budget bill now moves to Governor Charlie Baker. Governor Baker has 10 days to sign, veto or amend SECTION 68. 

This is the final round. On Monday, you’ll receive another email with steps to take to ask Governor Baker to approve Section 68. Please keep an eye out for this email and additional communication from SAG-AFTRA and our industry partners.

Thank you again for your advocacy!