U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer Discusses Revitalizing the Entertainment Industry

While the country is slowly returning to a state of normalcy, many sectors of the entertainment industry remain in flux. A majority of venues continue to be slow to reopen, and performers, gig workers and creatives are still relying on benefits that have been created through federal legislation to survive. 

U.S. Sen. Charles “Chuck” Schumer, D-N.Y., has been a longtime advocate for workers and the entertainment industry, and he has supported many economic relief plans proposed in Congress during the pandemic. On May 21, he spoke with SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris, Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon and Secretary-Treasurer Camryn Manheim in a special conversation. Joining them for introductions was National Executive Director David White and Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. 

Schumer discussed his advocacy for the American Rescue Plan and the PRO Act, which will protect workers’ right to organize. He also talked about other legislation that could hasten the recovery, such as extending supplemental unemployment benefits and introducing student loan forgiveness legislation, and the Qualified Performing Tax Deduction, which would directly benefit performers. 

“The whole world has changed, and that’s what our government has to catch up with,” said Schumer. “We’ve done quite a lot, but we have more to do, and I look forward to a long and productive partnership with SAG-AFTRA.”

This conversation was part of the SAG-AFTRA President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement livestream series. Scroll down to watch, and visit sagaftra.org/videos for other PTEOE panels and sessions. 

The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.