Update on the MA Film Tax Incentive

As you know, earlier this year House Bill 62 was filed, that would repeal the Massachusetts Film Tax Incentive. Since then, you have sent emails, written and called your state legislators in opposition to H. 62. On May 12 our lobbying day saw hundreds of SAG-AFTRA members join our union brothers and sisters from IATSE, the Teamsters, and other industry professionals from every sector visit the State House to oppose the plan to repeal the film tax incentive and advocate for our industry. 

H. 62 had a hearing before the Revenue Committee in March and remains in that committee awaiting action. In addition, lawmakers who oppose the film tax incentive tried to pass similar measures as part of the House and Senate state budget debate over the past month. The House of Representatives rejected a proposal against the incentive, and last week the State Senate reduced a threat to the film tax incentive by only adding to its budget a ‘study commission’ to examine and report back on potential changes to the composition of the film tax incentive program. 

YOUR Work is Having an Impact
Over the past three months you have sent in more than 6,500 emails, mailed hundreds of letters and reached out to your state senators and state representatives. It has made a huge difference. A number of legislators have commented in meetings and in the press about how much they have heard from industry members in their districts in opposition to the plan to end the Film Tax Incentive. That is great but we cannot let up!

Status of H. 62, the bill to end the Film Tax Incentive
H. 62, is still pending before the Legislature’s Revenue Committee. Our campaign’s goal is to be sure the committee does not vote it favorably out of committee.

Status of the State Budget
The governor, house, and senate have now released their proposed versions of the state budget. Over the next month, a small group from the house and senate meet privately in conference to resolve their budget differences to then present to the governor. The governor may then approve the budget, send it back for revisions, or veto it. The final state budget should be completed by June 30 for the start of FY2016 on July 1.

What You Can Do 
We cannot be complacent in our advocacy against H. 62.  

The campaign is in the process of organizing our next set of activities, which will include in-district meetings with legislators, a postcard drive and a voter registration drive. We will continue to expand our presence on social media.  

In the meantime continue to contact your state senator and state representative. Even if you have emailed, called or written to them already, do it again. H. 62 is still in committee and it helps if you remind them that we don't want it to pass.  

Here’s what you can do:

Join SAVE MA FILM JOBS Facebook Page at 
facebook.com/groups/440399226125959/

Email Your State Senator and State Representative

1. Go to www.tinyurl.com/massfilm
2. Put in your name, email, zip code and address
3. Personalize the email letter then send it to your legislators

Call Your State Legislators
Call (855) 982-1714 to be connected to your state legislators
*You will have to punch in your zip code and the system will connect you to your state senator. 

Write a Letter to Your State Senator and State Representative
Personal hand written letters have the most impact. Write a letter in opposition to H. 62 to your state senator and state representative. To find out who your state senator and state representative is go to: www.wheredoivotema.com. 

State House mailing address: State House, Boston, MA 02133 

Please watch out for emails as we continue to update you and move forward with next steps for our campaign. 

SAG-AFTRA is a union that has among its members a diverse group of performers, broadcasters and newscasters. Opposition of this bill should not be interpreted as a personal statement of opinion by or of any specific member of the union.