Film tax credits good for Iowa’s economy

The Film, Television and Video Production Promotion (tax credit) benefits the economy and work force in Iowa, and must be carefully retooled. Films provide jobs and build a local production infrastructure while attracting out-of-state investment.

These are not temp jobs. Other independent contractors who work on a project basis - plumbers, electricians, carpenters - aren't considered temp. In the past two years, the average film worker has earned an hourly wage of $18.60 and made about $40,900 in six months. These are high-quality jobs that draw former Iowans back, prompt film workers to relocate to Iowa, and retain college graduates.

Economic benefits include industry diversity, tourism growth and out-of-state money spent in local economies.

The film program will be beneficial to Iowa by being competitive with other states' programs, adequately staffed in the film office, favorable to productions using a high percentage of Iowa crew and offering on-the-job training opportunities, and measuring and reporting the economic impact of the program.

Let your legislators know you support keeping these jobs in Iowa.

Eric Dean Freese

Cedar Rapids