Thanks to outreach to legislators by AFTRA members and others, the Maryland Legislature approved a budget of $6,875,000 for the state's Wage Rebate Grant Tax Incentive Program for the fiscal year 2006-2007. The legislation was enacted and funded at $4 million in 2005 -- and the $2,875,000 increase over last year demonstrates that Maryland lawmakers recognize the value of the television and film industry to the state's economy.

The budget submitted by Governor Ehrlich would have provided $8 million for the program. The Senate Budget and Taxation Committee recommended that the full $8 million be appropriated, but the House Appropriations Sub-Committee recommended just $4 million in funding, so the compromise at nearly 86% of the Governor's proposed budget, a victory. 


                   
           Washington/Baltimore AFTRA Local Assistant Executive Director Jane Love (in white jacket)
         with Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich at Ehrlich's press conference to announce his proposed
                                            budget for TV and film tax incentives for 2006.


AFTRA members were a key part of this victory. We spoke at the Governor's press conference when he announced his budget. We testified before both the House and Senate committees charged with considering the budget measures, and we lobbied heavily key lawmakers in person and through letter-writing campaigns.

The Wage Rebate Program provides rebates on 50% of up to $25,000 in earnings per employee on any production spending more than $500,000 in the State of Maryland. Wages for employees earning more than $1 million will not be eligible. The measure includes a $2 million per project cap.