Murphy’s conditional veto could lead to tax credits for reality shows

Gov. Phil Murphy announced Thursday a conditional veto of legislation that if enacted would restore tax credits for New Jersey-based film and television productions.The move appeared designed to allow the legislation to be tweaked to include tax credits for reality-TV shows, excluded from the existing legislation. Senate Bill 122, the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act, would have provided tax credits for most other productions.

“I want to thank the Legislature for passing the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act, which will help revitalize the film and media industries in New Jersey,” Murphy said in announcing the conditional veto. “Film movies and TV shows in New Jersey creates good-paying jobs, generates economic growth, and centers our state as a home for 21st-century growth industries.

“This is why I’m eager to work with the Legislature to strengthen the legislation by adding incentives for diverse hiring in the film industry and extending eligibility for certain reality TV shows that invest in New Jersey’s economy and promote tourism to the Garden State.”

Said Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, D-37^th District: “A vibrant TV and film industry in New Jersey will create jobs, spur economic activity and bolster the State’s cultural identity. I was happy to work with the Governor on this important legislation, because we all recognize the value of the film industry to New Jersey, and I believe that his suggested changes will advance our shared goals of supporting and promoting an industry that is important to New Jersey.”

Added another proponent of the legislation, Assembly member Gordon Johnson, D- 37th District: “I support Governor Murphy’s proposed changes to the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act. By encouraging diversity within the television and film industry, we will ensure that the economic benefits created by bringing these productions back to New Jersey reach every community in our state.”