A Message from Executive Director Marueen O'Brien

Hello Members,

I hope you had a great summer. 

On April 5, I officially became executive director of the Missouri Valley Local. I am so happy that I can continue to do what I love, contribute to the growth of our arts community and advocate for the great performers of this union. I’d like to thank my colleagues, the members and the Local Board for your constant encouragement and support. There’s a lot to be done and I’ve never been more ready.

It’s an election year and there will be many new legislators but, most importantly, a new governor when the 2017 legislative session convenes in January. There are two major issues that the Missouri Valley Local will need to focus on in the upcoming year: “right-to–work-for–less” and reinstating the Missouri Film Tax Incentive program. 

As you know, right-to-work-for-less laws prohibit union security agreements or agreements between employers and labor unions. Without these securities, SAG-AFTRA cannot effectively bargain on our members' behalf or protect against unsatisfactory working conditions. In the upcoming year, we will need to put a large amount of our focus and energy on organizing efforts. The state of Missouri has tried to pass the anti-union House Bill 116, but it was vetoed by Gov. Nixon in September of 2015. The Missouri Valley Local Board and staff will develop a plan to help combat the progression of this bill. I will be reaching out to you in the next couple of months to request your participation. 

I, along with the board and members of the Missouri Motion Media Association, have worked tirelessly at the state level to renew the Film Tax Incentive program. Currently, there are 38 states that offer incentive programs for film and television production. Without an incentive program, Missouri cannot compete to bring this type of business in our state. In fall 2016, MOMMA and the Missouri Valley Local Board will ask all members to contact their legislators in support of renewing our incentive program for the state of Missouri. In addition, we will organize trips to our state capital to lobby on behalf of the film incentive and in opposition of right-to-work-for-less. I strongly encourage your support and participation on these two important issues. 

I am excited to report that earlier this year, Kansas City became the first and only city in America to offer a local incentive in a state that does not offer its own state incentive. Since that day, the KC Film Office worked to ensure the entire incentive process, from initial application to rewarding the rebate, is a smooth and successful one. Congratulations to Kansas City Film Commissioner Stephanie Scrupham for her hard work and commitment to this cause. For more information, click here. 

This item was originally featured in the September 2016 local newsletter.