The Senate passed a measure Thursday to provide the structure for the future of Michigan Randy Richardville (R-Monroe), passed 34-4 with the four “no” votes coming from Republican Senators Mike Green (R-Mayville), Joe Hune (R-Hamburg Township), Arlan Meekhof (R-West Olive) and Dave Robertson (R-Grand Blanc).
The legislation creates the structure for awarding film incentives through the appropriations process, rather than refundable tax credits as were previously provided and eliminated by the tax reform measures pushed by Governor Rick Snyder earlier this Spring. The Film and Digital Media Production Assistance Program is created under the measure, and will award the incentives in a tiered structure created to favor companies employing Michigan residents and purchasing Michigan
The 2012 fiscal year budget currently contains $100 million in film incentives, with $50 million tentatively budgeted for fiscal year 2013.
Senator Bert Johnson (D-Highland Park