(The Center Square) – Wisconsin handed out the first $1 million of its film tax credit program since it was restarted.
The program was started despite economists who have studied the tax credits showing evidence the programs are simply a way to divert taxpayer funds to a specific industry rather than something that provides a benefit to the state’s economy.
The program sent $557,991 for the production of the movie ‘Rao’, more than $140,000 for ‘Ueck’ about late Brewers Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Uecker, sent $86,000 for ‘Run to Glory: The Don Beebe Story,’ sent $216,000 to ‘The Warehouse’ about completing Frank Lloyd Wright’s unfinished Richland Center and $19,273 for ‘Mis Undead Quince’ about Cyclops Girl Productions.
The film credit program had $5 million available for tax credits.
To be eligible for tax credits, productions must spend a minimum of $100,000 in salary and wages for projects 30 minutes or longer and a minimum of $50,000 in salary and wages for projects less than 30 minutes. Projects may receive up to $1 million in tax credits per fiscal year.
“Film and television productions create lasting economic impacts that extend well beyond the filming schedule,” Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers claimed in a statement. “Every production brings opportunities for Wisconsin businesses, workers, and communities while inspiring future visitors to experience the destinations they see on screen. Film Wisconsin is another powerful way we’re sharing Wisconsin’s story with the world.”
Economists, however, have studied the tax credits and shown that they do not provide the claimed benefits.
Economist J.C. Bradbury of Georgia’s Kennesaw State University extensively studied Georgia’s larger film credit program, writing in a peer-reviewed paper that the state spent $230 per household on foregone tax revenue because of the initiative, which has cost taxpayers the equivalent of $110,000 per full-time job in the industry without bringing the promised benefits from the program.
Wisconsin had a prior film credit program that was allowed to end in 2013 by state lawmakers.
Originally published on thecentersquare.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
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