An important bill that will offer tax credits for labor expenditures on productions shot in Hawaii is set to be heard in Senate and House committees of the Hawaii Legislature on Friday, Feb. 27.

Please take one moment right now and send a message to the members of these committees and let them know you support this bill and any effort to create more jobs for IA members.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

As a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees and someone whose livelihood depends on film and TV production, I'm writing to strongly urge you to support SB2558/HB 2611, the Film, Television, and Music Labor Expenditure Tax Credit.

As you are probably aware, this is a very important tax credit bill designed to encourage film and television production in Hawaii.

Hawaii's entertainment industry produces myriad economic benefits. The direct impacts are obvious, such as salaries for crew, rental of production equipment, purchase of props and sets, etc. But the impact widens greatly when it includes money spent on caterers, dry cleaners, super-markets, hardware stores, car rentals, hotels, and location and permit fees paid to cities and communities all around the country -- not to mention the tax revenue for the state, as well as local governments.

Film and television production is a non-polluting industry, has a seven times multiplier effect on the economy, and provides good paying, quality jobs for hundreds of thousands of working families.

However, the entertainment industry in our state has suffered hard times in recent years.

The trend of decreasing productions in Hawaii and the US represents a direct threat to my job and to our economy. I have personally seen it become more difficult to find jobs and provide for my family.

At a time when our economy needs a jolt, this jobs measure will help us get moving again.

Again, I urge you to support passage of SB 2558/HB 2611. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
February 26, 2004