Tim Keller
There have been many robust debates on our state’s film incentive program. Arguments have been made that the program is the single best economic development and job creation program in the state. Others have contested the program costs too much, and exports money out of state.
The truth is we don’t need to have the debate. The questions raised by the discussion have knowable answers. We just need to track actual results from the program. We can then use that information to make an informed decision about the benefits of the program.
Rather than continuing the debate, I suggest we clean up the program, start tracking the economic impact, and require that the program truly helps New Mexican companies. Over the summer, the Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Interim Committee worked hard on legislation to establish an accountability process for the film program. Senate Bill 44 would do just that.
The measure would require implementing strong receipt tracking, local hiring, and accountability. SB44 also requires increased film industry transparency and responsibility in advance of being awarded the state tax credit.
With its passage, we will be able to see actual, not estimated results, and we will not have to rely on one-off studies anymore. With a little effort we can have a fact-based assessment of the impact of New Mexico’s film production tax credit.
The industry’s own support of these measures speaks to their willingness to be proactive in putting to rest questions about the film program. These measures will improve the program and make New Mexico’s film production tax credit a role model for incentives in New Mexico and nationwide.
Film professionals have worked on the details of this bill to make sure it is in step with what film companies can actually report. Executive agencies and legislative staff have cooperated to ensure what we are asking from our government is responsible, doable, and fair.
Make no mistake; this bill is tough on film. It requires receipt tracking, brick and mortar investment and formal reporting. We need to be careful to not “throw the baby out with the bathwater,” and also ensure that our state is getting a positive return on our tax dollar investments.
Keller, a Democrat, is the state senator representing District 17. He serves on the Interim Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Committee.