SAG-AFTRA Members Take Action in Sacramento to Advocate for Film & TV Jobs

This week, over 100 members of the Entertainment Union Coalition, including SAG-AFTRA members, traveled to Sacramento to advocate for increased film and TV jobs in California, as part of the Keep California Rolling campaign, an entertainment labor union-led initiative aimed at modernizing the industry and boosting local businesses. This critical push is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that California remains a leader in the entertainment industry.

Advocacy at the Assembly Budget Subcommittee Hearing

On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, members attended an Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing which focused on bringing production back to California. The hearing centered around Gov. Newsom’s proposed expansion of the current film and TV incentive program, which would increase funding from $330 million annually to $750 million. This proposed boost is essential for keeping California competitive in the entertainment industry, but it’s not guaranteed yet.

While the governor has included this increase in the 2025–2026 state budget, the decision still needs to pass through state legislators. Over the next several months, our priority will be to educate lawmakers about the urgent need for this program and the vital impact it has on creating good, middle-class jobs.

Jason George's Testimony on the Importance of Expanding the Incentive Program

During the hearing, SAG-AFTRA National Board member and National Government Affairs and Public Policy Committee Co-Chair Jason George delivered powerful testimony emphasizing the critical need to expand the film and TV incentive program to ensure California stays competitive. 

George likened the entertainment industry to “the Hollywood ecosystem,” stressing that once ecosystems break down, they’re impossible to rebuild. “If we don’t continue to incentivize TV and film production to flourish here in California, we’ll lose sustainable jobs, revenue for our small businesses, tax revenue, tourism revenue, rental income, real estate values and so much more,” George said. “We need to fight to keep Hollywood in California.”

Public Comment & Door-to-Door Advocacy

As the hearing concluded, over 100 union members lined up for public comment to share how the incentive program has directly impacted their jobs and livelihoods. Their powerful testimonies made it clear that this issue is not just about numbers — it’s about people, careers and communities.
 

On Wednesday, our coalition took to the halls of the State Capitol, visiting the offices of elected officials in both the Assembly and Senate. We shared our stories and urged them to stand with us in saving California's film and television industry. The personal stories of our members — showcasing their passion, dedication and concerns for the future — were the driving force behind our message.

This trip is just the beginning. We will continue to make trips to Sacramento this year to push for the expansion of the jobs program. Without this support, California will struggle to compete with other states and countries vying for production opportunities.

How You Can Get Involved

1. Sign and share our pledge: Join us in taking targeted actions to amplify our message. Signing up will ensure you receive important updates, action items and opportunities to get involved. Sign the pledge here.
2. Visit our campaign website: Learn more about the Keep California Rolling campaign and how we’re fighting to preserve jobs across the state. Visit: KeepCaliforniaRolling.org.

3. Find your State Representatives: Soon, we will be sharing a template letter to send to your elected officials, urging their support for the expansion of California’s incentive program.

   Click here to find your state representative: Find Your Rep

Share YOUR story

We want to hear from YOU! Record a short video telling us WHO you are, WHAT you do, and WHY you want to Keep California Rolling. Use the hashtag #KeepCaliforniaRolling and tag your union page.

A Special Thanks

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the coalition union and guild members who joined us in Sacramento this week. Your voices and stories are the backbone of this movement. We couldn’t do it without your unwavering support.

Stay tuned for more updates and ways you can get involved. Together, we will keep California’s entertainment industry thriving.

#KeepCaliforniaRolling

Photo: SAG-AFTRA National Board member & National Government Affairs and Public Policy Committee Co-Chair Jason George attends the California State Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing in Sacramento on March 4, 2025.