A bipartisan group of lawmakers is promoting legislation to encourage film and television companies to produce more projects in the United States, including in rural communities.
The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act would establish a federal tax credit for domestic productions, according to Fox News. The proposal would offer additional incentives for filming in rural locations and areas designated as federal opportunity zones.
Rep. Nathaniel Moran, a Texas Republican helping lead the bill in the House, said the measure is intended to support American storytelling beyond traditional production centers such as California and New York. He also argued that film and television work can bring jobs and economic activity to rural areas.
The Senate effort is being led by Sen. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, and Sen. Tim Scott, a South Carolina Republican. House lawmakers named as bill leaders include Moran, Reps. Mike Carey of Ohio and Brian Jack of Georgia, both Republicans, and Democrats Linda Sanchez of California and Tom Suozzi of New York.
Suozzi told Fox News that production and jobs moving overseas were a concern shared by Democrats and Republicans. The article also reports that some conservatives may oppose offering tax benefits to an industry they view as politically liberal. Moran countered that production in his state includes conservative, faith-based and patriotic projects.
The bill’s prospects remain uncertain. Moran told Fox News he hopes the measure, or a version of it, can be included in a bipartisan tax package during the post-election lame-duck session. The source does not report that the legislation has advanced or been enacted.
