Friends in Film, Happy end of June.

As many of you know, the end of June represents the busiest time of the year in Harrisburg as legislators debate the annual spending for the next fiscal year.

On Thursday evening, the Senate passed the general appropriations bill (HB790), which now goes to the Governor to be signed. The approved budget is just under $34 billion, which reflects an increase of nearly $600 million from last year. Strong revenue collections throughout the year resulted in an approximate $834 million surplus, thus the remainder (just over $200 million) will go towards the state’s Rainy Day Fund. 

PAFIA is pleased to report that the state has increased the film tax credit allocation nearly 10%, raising the annual cap to $70 million. Thank you to members in the Senate and House who support the  film industry and advocated for the increase.  We look forward to growing our support in both chambers. And Thank you to the Pennsylvania Film Office, led by Carrie Lepore, and Governor Wolf for the support.

On June 4^th, PAFIA, along with QVC, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), and our friends in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia Film Offices, hosted a legislative reception in the Capitol. Over 50 elected officials attended, including the Senate Minority Leader Jake Corman. Senators Camera Bartolotta and Tom Killion, along with Representatives Tim Briggs and Steve Barrar helped to make the event a great success. PAFIA looks forward to making this event bigger, better, and held annually.

Please have a wonderful and safe summer, the House and Senate return to session in late September.