A Message from New York President Rebecca Damon
Are you working on a TV show or Film in New York? Have you worked one in the past or do you hope to work on one in the future? You may not realize it but your opportunities to work are at risk. Take action today to keep jobs in New York!
New York production is booming at least in part because of the New York State Film and Television Tax Credit Program. To keep UNION jobs in NY, we need an extension to the Tax Credit Program NOW. Our governor and state legislators need to hear from you immediately about the importance of these jobs to you and your families.
Without a 5 year extension to the program, television pilots will be much less likely to come to New York. Many current shows may relocate without assurances that the program will remain stable for the long term. The extension will keep our jobs local.
The New York State Film and Television Tax Credit Program is vital to SAG-AFTRA jobs in New York and has been since it began in 2004. The program means
- tens of thousands of jobs mostly for local union members
- a 25% increase in earnings for SAG-AFTRA members alone
- billions of dollars in taxes for the State of New York
- exponential growth in production, with a record 91 TV shows filmed in 2017
Tell the governor and your State Legislators the program must be extended for 5 years. Let them know that your job, and tens of thousands of other union jobs rely on their vote to extend the New York Film & Television Tax Credit Program. Be sure to let them know you are paying attention and you vote!
Use these links to find contact information and use the script below or your own words.
State Senator
https://www.nysenate.gov/registration/nojs/form/start/find-my-senator
State Assembly Member
https://nyassembly.gov/mem/search/
Governor
https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
Onward together,
Rebecca Damon
PHONE SCRIPT:
Hello. My name is _____ and I am your constituent and a proud SAG-AFTRA member.
Thanks to the New York State Film Production Tax Credit Program I have been able to work in New York and go home to my family at night. My union job provides my income and protects me and my family with strong health and pension benefits.
When the film and television tax credit program extensions comes up for a vote in the Legislature, please think of me and my family. This program is about not just my job, but tens of thousands of union jobs for taxpayers and voters across the State.
We are counting on your support to extend the credit until 2027.
Thank you.
[Give your address including zip code – Offices tally calls from voters in their districts!]
SAMPLE EMAIL/LETTER:
Dear ___________________,
I am writing as your constituent and a proud SAG-AFTRA member.
Thanks to the New York State Film Production Tax Credit Program I have been able to work in New York and go home to my family at night. My union job provides my income and protects me and my family with strong health and pension benefits.
When the film and television tax credit program extensions comes up for a vote in the Legislature, please think of me and my family. This program is about not just my job, but tens of thousands of union jobs for taxpayers and voters across the State.
We are counting on your support to extend the incentive until 2027.
[Name] ________________________
[Street Address] ________________________
[Zip Code] ________________________
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