Your presence is now more vital than ever and now is a time to take action. As I noted in my last letter, SAG-AFTRA is hard at work to ensure a more robust New York State Film and Television Tax Incentive. We’re also working on continuing funding for the Entertainment Worker COBRA Subsidy. Both of these programs help make New York State a place where the entertainment industry and the good union jobs it creates can thrive.
I call upon you now — our SAG-AFTRA members — to tell Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature to keep these two important programs in the FY 2026 New York State Budget.
A two-year extension, through 2036, and amendments to the Empire State Film Production tax incentive in the FY 2026 Budget, will boost production in New York and provide enhancements for recurring productions which will increase the number of good union jobs in the state.
The New York State Entertainment Worker COBRA Subsidy is a one-of-a-kind program that subsidizes eligible entertainment workers’ COBRA premiums. The Governor proposed maintaining the program's $3 million funding level in the FY 2026 Budget, which will continue to help eligible entertainment industry employees keep their health insurance during episodic employment. Participants can receive assistance equal to 75% of their COBRA premiums, for up to 12 months in a 5-year period.
Take action today and contact Governor Hochul, your New York State senator, and your state assembly member, and tell them to keep the Film and TV Tax Incentive, and ask your senator and assemblymember to support the Governor’s funding for the Entertainment Worker COBRA Subsidy in the upcoming state budget.
Forward together,
Ezra Knight
New York Local President
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