OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington lawmakers are considering expanding a tax incentive program aimed at making the state more attractive to the film and television industry.
The Senate Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday heard testimony on a bill that would extend the state’s 11-year-old motion picture tax credit until 2017. It is set to expire on July 1.
The bill also would increase the current $3.5 million annual credit limit to $5 million in 2011, followed by a $500,000 yearly increase between 2012 and 2014. From 2014 until 2017, the maximum credit would be $8 million.
Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, the Seattle Democrat behind the bill, says it would create jobs, boost economic activity and tourism, and ensure that Washington remains competitive among the 43 other states that offer incentives.
