OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington’s Legislature has voted to revive a tax incentive program designed to lure movie production to the state.
The state House voted 92-6 Thursday to bring back the tax credits, with supporters saying it will draw business and spending to the state. Opponents counter that the program gives away $3.5 million a year when the Legislature is considering cuts to education and health care for the poor.
Having previously passed the Senate, the measure goes next to Gov. Chris Gregoire for her signature.
The program offers a 30 percent rebate off the amount of money spent in the state. It expired last July after the state House declined to take a vote on the issue.
Film industry officials have warned that Washington will lose out on film productions because the state can’t compete with incentives in Vancouver and Oregon.
