
The Massachusetts tax credit was raked over the coals by Representative D’Amico last night on Chronicle. He blasted the incentive without a clear-cut argument. Basically comparing it to dumping money on the ground outside the State House.
It is easy to get on a soapbox and throw stones at something that is seemingly costing money. Chronicle spoofed the tax incentive as someone pretended to write direct checks to Leonard Di Caprio and Cameron Diaz. Mr. D’Amico’s biggest beef was that we are paying off Hollywood celebrities to make their movies here. What we are doing is supporting one of the few growing industries in the Bay State.
If you want to scrutinize the incentive to see if it is working, that’s fine. Let’s get out the calculators and slide rulers to see if it is helping or not. Let’s not take broad stabs at one of the few thriving industries in Massachusetts. There are certain facts that cannot be disputed. Jobs have been created. The local movie union (I.A.T.S.E.) is growing and constantly training new members to service the industry. Money is being spent and taxed. Besides stimulating the economy there is money being recouped.
I would think twice before making a push to shut down an industry that employs people and supports local businesses. The tax incentive did exactly what it set out to do, it stimulated the economy, created jobs where there weren’t and allowed people to pay their bills.
To find out more about Lenny Manzo, visit him at his website at
www.lennymanzo.com.