1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed expansion of the film tax credit, as detailed in the recent Gothamist article. While I understand the intention to keep Hollywood producers in New York, I believe the costs associated with this plan are outrageous and unjustifiable. The proposal to increase the tax credit to $800 million annually, nearly doubling the current level, is a significant financial burden on New York taxpayers. This nine-figure boost to an already generous tax credit is not only excessive but also inefficient. According to budget analysts and think tanks, the return on investment for this program has been poor, and it is essentially a handout to Hollywood producers at the expense of New York residents. Furthermore, the state is facing numerous other pressing issues that require immediate attention and funding, such as improving our public education system, addressing the housing crisis, and investing in infrastructure. Allocating such a substantial amount of money to the film industry diverts resources away from these critical areas and does not serve the best interests of the majority of New Yorkers. I urge you to reconsider this proposal and prioritize the needs of our communities over the interests of Hollywood producers. It is essential that we invest in programs and initiatives that provide tangible benefits to our residents and contribute to the long-term prosperity of our state. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and hope that you will take my concerns into consideration.