In early February, the Governor gave his annual budget address to members of the General Assembly. During the weeks that followed, House and Senate Appropriations committees held hearings to gather information from state agencies pertaining to the funding requests they submitted as part of the Governor's proposal. Those hearings concluded earlier this month.

During March, PAFIA President, David Haddad, and PAFIA Government Relations Committee Chair, Mike McCann, traveled to Harrisburg on tow separate occasions for meetings with elected officials to discuss the industry and to promote the benefits of an increase to the annual allocation of the Film Tax Credit. This continued outreach to various members of the General Assembly (House & Senate, Republican & Democrat) has been an integral part of PAFIA's government relations strategy and advocacy. It allows for PAFIA leadership to routinely be introduced to new members of the legislature, as well as outreach to elected officials who have been in office for years. In addition to our advocacy, it allows PAFIA to receive varying perspectives on the film credit, as well as all credits. Some elected officials, at times, express concerns with the concept of tax credits and the overall benefit to the economy of the Commonwealth. PAFIA shares specific example

As previously reported, PAFIA is working with many stakeholders, including the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Film Offices, to seek an increase to the $65 million film tax credit allocation. PAFIA is very appreciative for the support that legislators and the Governor have for the program, but we feel it is a very good time to invest further in the industry - bringing more films and shows to the Commonwealth and creating additional jobs throughout the state.s of what the Film Credit has meant to the industry here in Pennsylvania.

Due to the Primary election on May 15th, the House and Senate will be in session intermittently throughout April and early May, both reconvening during the week of May 21 for the anticipated flurry of budget activity leading up to the June 30th budget deadline.