Conference Committee — Massachusetts Production Coalition

State Budget Proposals for the Film & TV Incentive

As part of the state budget debate, the House of Representatives voted unanimously (160-0) to eliminate the expiration date of the film production incentive and make the program permanent. The State Senate, in their budget proposal, included harmful changes to the program that would effectively kill the program. The Senate’s changes would make the program uncompetitive if passed, and major productions would no longer come to Massachusetts, eliminating thousands of jobs and hurting small businesses across the state.

The State Budget bill now goes to the “Conference Committee”

A Conference Committee composed of 3 members of the State Senate and 3 members of the House of Representatives now convenes to resolve a final version of the State Budget from the legislature to send to the Governor. Among the differences to resolve includes are the competing proposals for the film incentive program.
State Budget Conference Committee
- Senate Conferees
  Sen. Michael Rodrigues, Chair of Ways & Means Committee
  Sen. Cindy Friedman, Vice Chairperson of Ways & Means Committee
  Sen. Patrick O’Connor, ranking minority party member
  *Sen. Karen Spilka, Senate President
- House Conferees
  Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of Ways & Means Committee
  Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, Vice Chairperson of Ways & Means Committee
  Rep. Todd Smola, ranking minority party member
  *Ron Mariano, Speaker of the House

The Conference Committee’s goal is to have a final budget by June 30th, which is the last day of the state’s fiscal year. *Note: this date can be extended to resolve debate.

We need to urge the Conference Committee to adopt the House passed version to make the program permanent.

You should continue to contact YOUR own State Senator and State Representative, ask them to urge the Conference Committee to pass the House proposal to eliminate the film incentive and reject the Senate’s proposed changes. If you live in the district of a Conference Committee member, you should make sure to send an email AND follow up with a phone call.