Oregon lawmakers review film tax credit expansion

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon lawmakers are looking at expanding a tax credit for companies that produce movies and television shows in Oregon.

The House Transportation and Economic Development Committee will review the idea on Friday. The tax credit will expire next year unless lawmakers renew it.

The bill under consideration Friday would extend the film tax credit through 2017 and increase the total available funding from $7.5 million per year to $20 million per year.

Supporters say the tax credits put people to work on film crews and drive business to hotels and restaurants.

But critics contend the tax credits disproportionately help rich people.

Gov. John Kitzhaber has signaled his support for the film credits.