State tax credits encourage more motion media

As the upcoming session quickly approaches, dialogue has resumed regarding the state's tax credit program.

Evaluation of the tax credit program in Missouri is long overdue. Although the legislature is required to pass a balanced budget each year, no legislative role is played in appropriating this $500 to 600 million annual program.

The state's tax credit portfolio is comprised of a variety of tax credits including ones to spur economic growth, create jobs, provide low-income housing, encourage historic preservation, assist food banks and benefit pregnancy crisis centers, to name a few.

Due to the intent of each tax credit program, not all can be measured by the same scale nor do they provide the same return to the state. This certainly applies to the film tax credit program that expired in December 2013.

Currently, Missouri is out of the market regarding the recruitment of motion media production. However, we have a unique opportunity to re-evaluate reform and improve this program to mutually benefit Missouri and the industry.

With a $7 million boost to the economy in Cape Girardeau from the recent filming of Gone Girl, the state redeemed $2.3 million in tax credits, generating a net $4.7 million in economic activity.

One hundred-sixteen Missourians were hired; 7,000 hotel room nights were secured; cars were rented; set supplies and office supplies were purchased from local businesses; and food was catered for workers.

In addition, university students gained from the exceptional opportunity to "apprentice" with professionals.

As a long-term benefit, our community and state will continue to profit from increased tourism as a result of our selection as the site location for the filming. While some of these benefits may not be quantifiable, we cannot dismiss them as being irrelevant. The simple use of the Missouri logo at the end of a production offers a long-term valuable marketing tool for the state.

Motion media has grown to include not only films, television shows and commercials, but also content for the web, digital media, software development and video games. Historically, commercial work has been the "bread and butter" work in this industry for Missouri. St. Louis, Kansas City, Southwest Missouri, as well as Southeast Missouri have experienced the economic advantage of hosting this industry.

Our nation is a huge exporter of media productions. Missouri can seize a portion of the business with a well-thought, motion media production program.

I may not be able to speak for St. Louis or Kansas City, but I can confidently express what a positive economic impact the recent visit by 20th Century Fox has made on our community. Surely, what helps Cape Girardeau, St. Louis, Springfield and Kansas City also helps the state. According to the Harvard Business School, the prosperity of the U.S. economy will depend more on the success of states in improving competitiveness than what happens in Washington. It's time to repost Missouri's "Open for Business" sign.

Kathryn Swan is the state representative for District 147 in the Missouri General Assembly.