SAG Members Please Help Bring the Work Back to Florida

Florida Legislators Announce

The Entertainment Industry Economic Development Act

Legislative approval means more employment opportunities for Florida SAG Members

This past week Representative Steve Precourt (R-Winter Garden) and Senator Mike Haridopolos (R-Melbourne) announced the introduction of the Entertainment Industry Economic Development Act. If this legislation is approved by the Florida House of Representatives and Senate, it will increase film production and available jobs for SAG members.

The legislation is a top priority for the upcoming legislative session and will be a key component to the state’s economic diversification and recovery. The Entertainment Industry Economic Development Act (House Bill 697) creates a consistent and competitive film and digital media tax credit capable of attracting and growing the entertainment industry.

Screen Actors Guild is among numerous industry groups who have worked diligently with Representative Precourt in support of this proposed landmark legislation.

SCREEN ACTORS GUILD MEMBER CALL TO ACTION

We support House Bill 697, The Entertainment Industry Economic Development Act. At this critical stage, we are urging you to reach out to your legislators individually; let them know what the Florida film, TV & digital media industry means to you, your family, your friends, your business and your community. If you cannot get an appointment with your legislator, meet with their key legislative aide, or send them a fax or a letter (not an e-mail). Feel free to use the documents linked below if you require more information.

To see the one page talking points that you can use in your communications, click here.

To find contact information for your legislative representatives:

Click here for the House of Representatives, click tab for “Find your representative”  and enter your zip code.

Click here for the Senate, scroll down to the right hand column for “find your representative” and enter your zip code.

Click here to view a master contact list for all state legislators.

Here is a quick summary of highlights that you can include in your communications:

·         This legislation allows Florida to retain and create more high wage jobs by attracting production spending immediately, while avoiding any fiscal hit in the upcoming budget.

·         The bill will generate substantial amounts of new revenue for the State by creating thousands of jobs for Floridians and boosting a broad and diverse spectrum of ancillary businesses.

·         Money comes in before money is spent, making this a true performance based tax credit - a certified production company only receives tax credits after all its Florida expenditures have been verified.

We thank you for your vigorous support, and a special note of thanks to Representative Precourt for his continued support of our industry.