Michigan's film incentive program has attracted films such as Batman and TV shows like AMC's "Low Winter Sun.'
But it has always been a lightning rod for debate. Some see it as a great program and others say tax dollars could be better spent on other things. Some critics say it cost a lot of money to create jobs that are only temporary.
State lawmakers soon will debate Michigan's future role in the motion picture and digital media industry.
The House is poised to vote next week on a a Senate-passed bill that would make permanent the incentives that are set to expire in 2017, Gary Heinlein writes in The Detroit News. The bill also would standardize a 25 percent a business tax rebate for productions shot in the state, down from 27 percent.
Its director and chief sponsor, Republican Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville of Monroe, says it's crucial that Michigan remain an attraction for the burgeoning industry and the young people drawn to it through the hand-held video devices they use every day. Michigan competes against 38 other states that offer film incentives.
Opponents include Michigan Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Richard Studley, who would like lawmakers to skip the credits and focus on Gov. Rick Snyder's top priority: Producing another $1.2 billion a year to speed up repairs of Michigan's crumbling roads.
