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Opponents Wary of Film Tax Credits, Part 2

Creature.com

Opponents of tax incentives for the film industry scored a de-facto victory in the 2015 legislative session’s surprise ending. But  American’s for Prosperity is bracing for the sequel.

The conservative government watchdog group released a letter Monday urging Governor Rick Scott to keep the film credits off the agenda when a special session convenes June 1.

Since 2010, the state has spent $295 million to attract films, TV shows and commercials. The program expired and some lawmakers are fighting to revive it.

The push stalled when Republican House Speaker Steve Crisafulli ended the session three days early over stalled budget negotiations.

Opponents tout a report by state economists showing taxpayers don’t get enough of a return on their investment. Supporters say Florida is losing out to the 39 other states with similar programs.

A Miami native, former WFSU reporter Jim Ash is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years of experience, most of it in print. He has been a member of the Florida Capital Press Corps since 1992.