New Coalition Launches, Calls for Increase in the Media Tax Incentive

Incentive Would Create Jobs Montanans Want, Opportunities Small Businesses Need 

HELENA - A bill introduced as HB 897 would increase the media tax incentive in Montana,  provide support and protection for Montana-based film and production companies and create a sustainable industry by Montanans, for Montanans.  HB 897 would create a Montana home for the growing media production industry by strategically reserving incentives for facilities and companies headquartered in Montana, where they will drive tax base growth, unlock new property taxes for local municipalities and create high-paying desirable jobs.  

The bill would: 
 ·      Increase the Media Tax Credit from $12M to $75M per year 
·      Strategically reserve 60% of the $75M to drive lasting investment into Montana 
·      Bring high paying, year-round, sustainable trades jobs by creating in-state infrastructure in the form of media manufacturing facilities to recruit / attract production companies to relocate to Montana 

“We are urging Montana legislators to support a regionally-competitive $75M Media Tax Credit Cap, the needed investment to support a sustainable industry in the state,” said Casey Tippens, Media Coalition of Montana. “The industry delivers the types of jobs and opportunities Montanans want, provides a significant financial infusion to rural communities, and supports local filmmakers. We know Montana does not want to be Hollywood, which is why we are working to ensure we create an industry made by Montanans, for the benefit of Montanans.”  

A petition to Governor Greg Gianforte, in support of increasing the media tax incentive and building a sustainable media manufacturing industry in Montana has already received more than 1,500 signatures.