Results 301 to 400 of 817

Bills Would Demand More Info From Filmmakers Getting Special Tax Breaks

… reported that the Michigan Film Office said in an e-mail that … for tax documents filed by film companies to be open for public … have done.'" The Michigan Film Office does give estimated tax credits awarded to film companies in an annual report. … specifics of the expenditures by film and production companies that …

School district closes movie deal

… Arbor News.  A production company will shoot the film "High School" this fall in the largely unused building. … maintenance services during the three months of filming. Superintendent Ted Gardella also said there is … The Ann Arbor News, "School to net $120,000 in film deal," Sept. 30, 2008 FURTHER READING: Michigan …

IMPACT Spring 2009

… Help From Gov. Granholm Sunshine: The Best Disinfectant President’s Message Climate of Extremes Beyond the Bailout Media Impact Pink Houses Film Critique Remembering Ruth What's at Stake Free-Market Fundamental Marshall Advances Free-Market Library Smuggler's Blues Payne Cartoon

The MSU Study Fails to Include Costs

… Insight — and the impact that film industry expenditures had on … of spending. For example, a film company may contract with a … The costs of the Michigan Film Incentive are significant. … the extraordinarily generous film credits being "refundable," … words, if the proponents of film subsidies attribute a multiplier …

Michael and Me and Taxpayer Makes Three

… fierce critics of the Michigan Film Incentive. We are not the only … too expensive. The Michigan Film Incentive is a state economic … make some portion of their films here. The program rebates up … political ones and common sense), film incentive officials should … current member of the Michigan Film Office Advisory Council, a …

YouTubes Praising Special Tax Breaks for Filmmakers Getting Yanked

… explanation of how the Michigan Film Office's tax credit program for … Grand Rapids, the Michigan Film Office, and a questionable … Huizenga was posted by the Compass Film Academy. Jim Barry, a spokesman … Huizenga still supported the film tax credits but that the program … the main supporters of the film tax credit program that is …

Endnotes

… "Special Effects: Flawed Report on Film Incentive Provides Distorted … 2009). 4 Ibid., 5. 5 "Michigan Film Office 2008 Annual Report: Film Industry Refundable Tax Credit … and Effectiveness," (Michigan Film Office, 2009), 4, https://www.michigan.gov/documents/filmoffice/MFO_2008_Annual_ … Ibid., 8. 12 "MSU Study Finds Film Industry Big Hit in Michigan," …

Senator Says House Is Stalling Reform of Special Tax Perks for Filmmakers

… transparency to the Michigan Film Office are being held up by … reported that the Michigan Film Office said in an e-mail that … to propose bills to make the film tax credits more transparent. … certificates. "Given that the Film Office has consistently cited … provide information regarding film projects, I believe quick action …

I. Department Operations

… $1,475,250.   Program: Office of film and television services   … appropriation funds the Michigan Film Office through the office of film and television services appropriation line item.  The Michigan Film Office was created in 1979 … industries is unnecessary.  The film industry maintains a complement …

I. Department Operations

… $5,155,400. Program: Office of film and television services Appropriation: … appropriation funds the Michigan Film Office through the office of film and television services appropriation line item. The Michigan Film Office was created in 1979 … industries is unnecessary. The film industry maintains a complement …

New Transformers Flick Costs Each Michigan Taxpayer $1.36

… offers qualified and approved film productions refundable tax … treasury. According to the Michigan Film Office press release, "Transformers" … receives an incentive, or even the film producer’s fault for taking … legislators that the Michigan Film Incentive should be eliminated. … Confidential Coverage of the Michigan Film Incentive Program State Subsidies …

Economic Development Deals Should Have Greater Accountability

House Economic Development and Small Business Committee

… 5415. An economic development program ought to be judged based on how much it develops the economy, as I said in my testimony to you last week about film subsidies. Instead of my going over the evidence on the ineffectiveness of these programs with you, I am going to suggest a change. The bills’ supporters …

Mackinac Center Investigation Leads to Criminal Charge

… into the questionable Michigan film tax credit application Peters filed with the Michigan Film Office. The Mackinac Center … Peters' company, West Michigan Film, purchased a large production … alleged investment. The Michigan Film Office and Michigan Economic … Investigation of Embattled Film Studio Sorry — Your Film Office …

Naked favoritism is becoming Michigan’s economic strategy

A highway’s history of the state economy

… of growing the economy. Lawmakers appropriated $500 million to dozens of films and studios with hope of growing in industry (it was an artistic and economic … most influential politicians see nearly all of the benefits. Some of the films subsidized by taxpayers | Mackinac Center for Public Policy This view along …

Crony Capitalism: The Movie

… Michigan taxpayer for agreeing to film Oz in Michigan, while Weinstein … comparable amounts for their films. If state policymakers were … scarcely do better than the film subsidy program. It operates … At its creation, Michigan’s film subsidy program contained all … still live on. The Michigan Film Office disperses the money …

Michael Moore and Subsidies: A Love-Hate Story

… Inc. taxpayer subsidies for filming in Michigan. Yet the Flint … applied for tax credits for filming part of the movie in Michigan. … July 2008 at the Traverse City Film Festival and questioned the logic of the Michigan Film Incentive program, which reimburses … subsidiary of Viacom, and Overture Films co-financed "Capitalism: A …

Executive Summary

… Michigan State University report on the Michigan Film Incentive program is of limited use in determining … program's success because it fails to enter the film subsidy's costs into the economic model used to … subsidy costs are actual cash outlays — checks to film producers from the Michigan Treasury. When a "multiplier …

Breaking News: Complaint Filed Against Hangar42 Principals

… here. Hangar42 was supposed to be a functioning film studio run out of Walker, a suburb of Grand Rapids, … Center has written extensively about the Michigan Film Office and the state's film subsidy program. For more information see "Special …

MICHIGAN CAPITOL CONFIDENTIAL

Summer 2013 Edition

… Michigan Medicaid Expansion Not Worth the Cost Films or Potholes? Film Incentives: The $50 Million Sequel Taxpayer Funded Films Flop With Viewers How Taxpayers Are Funding Political …

Michigan’s Economic Dreams Subsi-Dying on the Vine

… last year's fad industry — film producers. The costs and the … though, because the Michigan Film Incentive office hasn't disclosed … percent) since passing the film subsidy law last April. Government … reveal whether there are more film jobs in Michigan, but do show … 4.8 percent), which includes film production. Nationally, the …

Bill Would Require CEOs Get Drug Tested If Company Gets Loans, Grants Or Tax Credits From State

Bipartisan group of representatives would mandate substance abuse testing for 'corporate welfare' recipients

… Alan Mulally and Hollywood Film Producer James Cameron want … which oversees the state’s film subsidies as well as the tax … Hollywood executives who want film tax credits, Rep. McMillin … Michigan currently provides a film subsidy of up to 32 percent … also: Analysis of Michigan Film Subsidies: Two Years, $117m …

Supreme Court, Civil Asset Forfeiture and Silver Screen Subsidies

… showing the harms of Michigan’s film subsidy program. The Mackinac … taxpayer money to make the film “Capitalism: A Love Story.” (Ironically, the film condemns those who get sweetheart … showed how Michigan has fewer film jobs now than it did before the film subsidy program started. The …

Legislators’ Hollywood Dreams Defy Economic Reality

… outright cash handouts to the film industry. Upping the ante from … business subsidy advocates. The film package is being sold as an … the size of the entire U.S. film and sound recording industry, … this state’s tiny share of the film industry and rightly conclude … percent of the nation’s entire film production (half-again more …

Editorial Praises Center Study

… claims to create. The Daily News also quotes LaFaive regarding the Michigan film incentive and the fact that Michael Moore's latest movie — a harangue of corporations that took bailout money — applied for a state film subsidy. LaFaive also told The Grand Rapids Press today that Michigan's …

Michigan’s ‘Hollywood Welfare’ Plan: Stylish Stars Trumping Taxpayers

… saving Michigan’s 42 percent film welfare program, then consider … scope out a location for a new film, he was well-recognized, and … covered it. The potential of his film happening in that town was … the short life of Michigan’s film welfare program, though some … only a 40 percent payback to films shot there. Would those people …

End of an Error

… “That’s the only way to facilitate ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Michigan’s film subsidy program is also being reduced. “These are effectively job announcement … MEGA, which you can read here and here. You can read his analysis of the film subsidies here.

Stop Giving Tax Dollars to Hollywood

… millions of state taxpayer dollars to “millionaire and billionaire” Hollywood film producers. Another week and another budget vote: Yesterday the state Senate … $5 would you give it to him? Would it change your answer if he offered to film some movie scenes in this state? I didn’t think so. Michigan politicians …

Corporate Welfare Awarded for Superhero Movie

Big Hollywood getting $35 million of your money

… Hollywood-based Warner Bros. $35 million of Michigan taxpayers’ money to film parts of its new Batman/Superman movie here. It will be a follow-up to “Man … Morey Fiscal Policy Initiative, told The Daily Caller. Those who support film subsidies claim that an economic multiplier increases the impact of money …

Gov. Granholm in 2009: 'Movie Studio to Create 700 Jobs;' Six Years Later - Nada

Wonderstruck Studios never materialized

… example of why the state’s film subsidy program was vital for … a result of our aggressive film incentives we are not only … making the right decision to end film subsidies and use Michigan’s … effectively ends the state’s film subsidy program. Despite being … media darling, the state’s film incentives never generated …

Mackinac Center Investigation Leads to Criminal Charge

… looked into the questionable Michigan film tax credit application Peters filed with the Michigan Film Office. The Mackinac Center called … Hangar42. Peters' company, West Michigan Film, purchased a large production studio … alleged investment. The Michigan Film Office and Michigan Economic Development …

Exclusive Interview With Gov. Rick Snyder

… including recently signed — and controversial — emergency financial manager legislation, along with proposals for penalties for teacher strikes, caps on film subsidies, a tax on pensions and increased government transparency.

Shortcomings of the State’s Current Analysis of Pure Michigan

… the effectiveness of the programs they fund, administer or oversee. They have hired consultants to produce reports on Michigan’s recently eliminated film incentive program, its subsidized broadband deployment program, its targeted grants and loans to select industries and firms program and the Pure Michigan …

The “Scene” and the Unseen

… who contend that the state's film incentive boondoggle is a worthwhile … has worked on a number of films, is also a big supporter. ‘And … loot spread around by those film producers. Naturally, the beneficiaries … businesses — to pay for the film subsidies. Worse, the Michigan Film Office bureaucrats don't work …

Michigan Taxpayers Fork Over $912K for Video Game

Fiscal expert: "[S]ubsidies to game makers doesn’t create new wealth, it just shifts it around. From whom was this money taken?"

… under the state’s 42 percent film tax incentive program. The Michigan Film Office has approved tax incentives … Hogan games, according to the film office’s 2010 annual report. … attorney who applied for the film tax incentive. The Royal Oak … MichCapCon Coverage of the Michigan Film Subsidy Michigan Film Subsidy …

Free-Market Movie Moments, Part II

… entrepreneurial enterprise depicted in films is either "private" or "profit"-motivated, … (played by Johnny Depp), the film’s eccentric candy manufacturer, … task much faster. However, the film then takes a different approach. … their soup. At the end of the film, however, Charlie’s father … Buckets’ dinner table. For once, a film exhibits that progress in the …

Roger Redux: Michael Moore’s Contradictions Are Old News

… policy of seeking Michigan's film tax subsidies for work being done on his films. And now the predatory interviewer … Me" — Moore's breakthrough film — reveals that contradictory … cover the cost of making a film that critiques ... taxpayer … in the state. Referring to film companies that come to Michigan …

Woe Be Gone, Taxpayers

… reviews, the Robert Altman film promises to turn a pretty penny … Prairie Home Companion," and the film of the same name captures much … there is much to recommend the film, from Altman’s singular vision … merchandise trademarks. The film cost investors a mere $10 million … comeback hero of Ron Howard’s film who, after winning a heavyweight …

‘Wild River’ a Property Rights Classic

… director Elia Kazan's 1960 film "Wild River." It's hard to imagine that a film made by the director of "On … critic would argue that the film's property rights theme alone … civics class classic as well. Film critic and Kazan biographer … "comes close to being a great film in its — yes, laconic — humanization …

Go for the Movie, Stay for the Audience Reaction

'Superman' won't save progressives from an educational dilemma

… making painful decisions. The film is worthwhile, but for this … post, Guggenheim comes to this film with sterling progressive credentials, … low-income families. In this film the chief alternative to failing … would be unfair to treat this film as simply a union expose. Guggenheim … President Charles Pugh. The film’s emotional punch comes at the …

State Law May Drive Job-Seeking Michigan Woman To Move Elsewhere

Lacking cosmetology license, she looks west for opportunity

… worked as a makeup artist on film and video projects. She also … But after Michigan ended its film subsidy program, she said, there have been fewer film opportunities in the state. Given that fewer film projects are available, Williams … able to do some makeup work on film projects and has volunteered …

Support the Arts: Just Don’t Use Other People’s Money

… $17,400 grant to the Ann Arbor Film Festival. I took the liberty … I discovered the Ann Arbor Film Festival Web page and an archived … the AAFF. I began using AAFF films in speeches to highlight the … proposal, not about the Ann Arbor Film Festival per se, and that I am fully aware that the films themselves were not subsidized. …

A Convenient Deceit?

… Best Documentary Feature. The film also received an Oscar for … Edward Walker reviewed the film during its theatrical run last … anything" about global warming, the film fails on both scientific and … political causes. For example, the film includes scenes detailing such … Gore, but — like much of the film — left this viewer with more …

Free-Market Movie Moments, Part I

… wince-inducing exercise. Even films that ardent free-marketers … anti-market sentiments. Rare is the film that takes a turn in the other … however, every now and then the film industry produces a memorable … engineer and movie producer. The film does a great job of addressing … Roosevelt. Not often does one find a film bold and honest enough to link …

Roger Redux: Michael Moore's contradictions are old news

… policy of seeking Michigan's film tax subsidies for work being done on his films. And now the predatory interviewer … Me" — Moore's breakthrough film — reveals that contradictory … cover the cost of making a film that critiques ... taxpayer … in the state. Referring to film companies that come to Michigan …

Weekly Roundup - Sept. 25

WXYZ 7 - Michigan's film incentive program has big problems. Detroit Free Press - Movie incentives come at a huge cost. ... New Jersey has decided to end their film taxpayer subsidies. Associated Press - General Motors says the Volt will …

Corporate and Industrial Handouts: A Year-End Update

Savings should be directed toward higher budget priorities in the new year

… so lucky. The state’s failed film incentive program cost taxpayers … that there were just 78 more film jobs here in 2015, when the … 2008. This hasn’t stopped the film industry and its supporters … Center has long argued that film incentive programs are ineffective … Economic Development?” looked at film incentive programs across the …

Michigan Lawmakers Should Continue to Minimize Corporate Handouts

… though. The state’s failed film incentive program cost taxpayers … that there were just 78 more film jobs here in 2015, when the … 2008. This hasn’t stopped the film industry and its supporters … Center has long argued that film incentive programs are ineffective, … Economic Development?” looked at film incentive programs across the …

History vs. Hollywood Magic

… 2008, state lawmakers passed an incentive program for filmmakers that provides refundable tax credits (potential cash subsidies) to those who produce films in the Great Lakes State. The program has been a public relations boon for its advocates. The glare of Hollywood lights and the excitement of "new …

Why Government Subsidies Won’t Save Michigan’s Economy

… targeted subsidies like the Michigan Film Incentive. First, government must tax … work for free. For example, Michigan Film Office Director Janet Lockwood alone … members of the MEDC who work with the film program are well-compensated, too. … report indicates that the Michigan Film Office also received $2 million for …

Classroom Gore: Global Warming Goes to School

… Times. The judge called it "a political film" when ruling on whether or not it could … condition that teachers balance the film's "one-sided" views. The Jackson Public … complaints from parents regarding the Gore film. She said a curriculum committee reviewed … school systems that have shown the Gore film. "It says that whatever curriculum …

Should Michigan Taxpayers Have Been Forced to Spend $30 Million on 'Iron Man 3'?

… Richardville said negotiations for film tax incentives were ongoing to bring … Confidential Coverage of the Michigan Film Incentive Program New Transformers … Michigan Taxpayer $1.36 Michigan Film Subsidy Winner Costs 10x More to Make … Earns Real Steel or Reel Steal? New Film Costs $4.26 Per Michigan Taxpayer

False Fears About Fracking

Bridge Magazine cites dishonest 'Gasland' scene

… The author cites the anti-fracking film, "Gasland," and references an infamous … cigarette lighter, and which the film's director attributed to natural gas … what they said when asked about the film scene: Terry Engelder, a professor … reasonably objective reporters regard the film as misinformation." Anthony Ingraffea, …

Michigan Paying $860 Million In Select Tax Incentives, Subsidies

Favored businesses get preferences

… also come from state programs such as the Michigan film incentive program, which reimburses movie producers for expenses while filming in Michigan. According to the state treasury, … incentives are usually over within a year after the film is released, some other deals end up costing taxpayers …

Mackinac Center Director of Research to Debate Lansing Mayor on Economic Development

Panelists Will Discuss the Current Political Realities and Ideology of Corporate Welfare

… egregious examples of corporate welfare was the state’s film subsidy program, which doled out millions of dollars … Rick Snyder finally signed the death warrant for film incentives earlier this summer, Michigan’s film industry actually had fewer full-time jobs than …

Lonely Are The Michigan Democrats Who Oppose State Checks To Corporations

Taxpayer-funded cash subsidies a bipartisan thing, but Dem dissenters are an endangered species

… 2015 she opposed a bill that repealed Michigan’s film subsidy program, which had given $40 million to … bill because it was a ploy to renegotiate with the film industry. My vote did not change the outcome of … journal to explain my vote. I have voted against film credits in the past. I am unequivocally against …

Mackinac Center Legal Director Calls on Legislature, Law Enforcement to Scrutinize Hangar42 Deal

… Office into the Hangar42 state film subsidy deal in wake of troubling … state subsidies on an unnamed film incentive deal. "While there … LaFaive added. "If the Michigan Film Office, the Michigan Economic … legislators and the Governor want a film subsidy program that costs … Lockwood, director of the Michigan Film Office, also has qualms about …

New Che Guevara Biography Is Short on Fact, Long on Fiction

… revolutionary symbol. The film recently concluded a limited-run … Bolivia in 1967. That the film ultimately will be released … informed followers, Soderbergh's film portrays Che as one of the … gullible intellectuals — the film goes to great lengths to show … of firepower throughout the film, but viewers rarely see him …

The Only True Freedom Is Freedom for All

… current headlines, and the film "The Stoning of Soraya M.," … second-class citizens. The film's focus is on the repression … climax.  Like the Sturges film, "Soraya M." also presents … 10. McEveety added that the film is "a celebration of liberty … M." is psychological. "This film has far less violence than …

Entertaining Art: To Tax or Not To Tax — That Is the Question

(Note: The Ann Arbor Film Festival is hosting a fundraiser for … years subsidized the Ann Arbor Film Festival through the Michigan … "Chests," an experimental short film showing two men repeatedly … together. The two-and-a-half-minute film is shot from the waists up … in the AAFF brochure as a "film (which contains graphic sexuality) …

Show Me the Monet! Why Not Privatize the Arts?

… consumers. And the Best Foreign Film Oscar Goes to America? The European film industry is a good example … dubbed or subtitled American films to those made in Europe. This … to say that high-grossing films represent the pinnacle of art, … as the 1930s, when gangster films were popular, to the 1950s …

On a “Lost City” and a Lost Perspective

… ctor-director Andy Garcia’s film "The Lost City," issued last … produce, "The Lost City" is a film of great moments and of uneven … represents Cuba. Nevertheless, the film is well-acted; the cinematography, … splendid. But most notably, the film serves as a telling counterpoint … "Ocean’s Twelve," is planning to film "Guerrilla," a biopic of Guevara …

Mackinac Minutes: Spring 2009

… Investigation into the Michigan Film Incentive.” The incentive is … generous refundable tax credits to film producers who make movies in … asked the State of Michigan Film Office for estimates of the … receive in 2008, Janet Lockwood, Film Office director, initially … Despite our repeated calls, the Film Office dragged its feet for …

Reality Check

It may sound good, but is it true?

… policy meeting on the Michigan Film Incentive, which gives tax … moment. Ryan said Wisconsin's film incentive program took some … The star was in Wisconsin to film "Public Enemies." The Wisconsin film subsidy does cover the cost … Fantle, chairman of the board of Film Wisconsin, said he had never …

Michigan Gets Flying Monkeys for $40 Million

… the perceived benefits of filming the movie "Oz: The Great and … reasons aplenty for opposing film subsidies given to any movie. … most part, out of the 1939 film. Come to think of it, Disney’s … (also called Oz throughout the film) meets three witches, all of … a housing crash in the MGM film. As in Baum's source material, …

Second-Place "Scientific or Not?" Essay Contest Winner

… differentiate between fact and fiction. After seeing the film "The Day after Tomorrow," Andrew J. Weaver[1] commented: … and talk about nonfiction earth science." The film bends the line between scientific fact and science fiction. Among the misconceptions in the film are the depictions of hurricanes and abrupt climate …

MSU Study Contradicts Author’s Explanation for Ignoring Costs

… co-author were measuring the "economic impact of the film industry expenditures, not necessarily the incentive … state of Michigan's law providing tax credits for film production companies that shoot their movies in … meaningful estimates of the economic impact of film production expenditures requires careful consideration …

Economic Literature Documents, Chides Misuse of Models

… have recognized that excluding the costs of the film incentive program leads to significant distortions. … the MSU paper, which, among other things, cites film-related tourism as a benefit of the subsidies. … tourism industry have seized upon this to trumpet the film incentive program's alleged virtues.

Executive Summary

… them — such as the Michigan film incentive, the state's now-defunct … programs such as the Michigan film incentive, which is part of the Michigan Film Office administered by the MEDC. The Michigan Film Office was formed in 1979 to … entertainment industry, including film, TV and music." Claiming a …

'Administration of a Tax': The Big Lie Behind Government Secrecy on State Corporate Welfare Checks

… government secrecy surrounding this deal and the entire film subsidy program. Bureaucrats in the Michigan Film Office, the Michigan Economic Development Corp., … subsidy, darn it! Not every recipient of a state film or other business subsidies is in a renaissance …

Questionable MSU Scholarship Hurts Policy Debate

… economic impact analysis of the state's fledgling film subsidy program. Among other things this provides a refundable tax credit reimbursing film makers for up to 42 percent of the expenses they … issued a press release claiming that the state's film incentive program was a "big hit." But the researchers …

Michigan Legislature Can Pursue Free-Market Agenda

… annual corporate welfare spending. Eliminating the film subsidy program. The state has spent nearly $500 million subsidizing film productions since 2008 with no overall increase in jobs in the film industry. Protect public safety and individual …

Michigan House Republicans Find $1 Billion More for Roads with No Big Tax Hike

Corporate welfare gets the ax while new revenue flows to transportation

… organized, and $50 million in annual subsidies to film producers would be terminated. Launched in 2005, … the state has delivered around $500 million to film producers, while the number of full-time film jobs here has declined. Another $117 million would …

Warmer Weather, Worker’s Choice and Warning Against Corporate Welfare

… regarding the issue of spending tax dollars on film subsidies. Florida is considering reforms to its film program and Skorup shared how Michigan’s film incentive program has not been an effective use …

Mackinac in the Media

… would create an interstate compact in the Midwest. Film incentives in particular have been gaining traction across the country. After Michigan’s film tax-credit program failed to deliver on its promises, … Liberties Project that discussed the problems with film incentives. As the piece says, “Lawmakers in Michigan …

MEDC President: LaFaive Is Right

… fiscal policy analyst, that tracks the failure of the MEDC and its many programs, including the Michigan Economic Growth Authority and the Michigan Film Office. A portion of the study points out the growing lack of transparency the MEDC has exhibited in the face of growing state unemployment, as well …

Guerilla infiltration of Canada’s health care system: Don’t get sick on Sunday

… n this video, an undercover camera goes along on the attempts of three men to get health care in Canada. Actual nurses and doctors told the guys filming a few interesting things: Don’t get sick on Sundays: there are no clinics open and the emergency room waits could be two hours, ten hours, or any …

This Economic Engine Needs a Tune-up

… Corp., both which lack transparency. LaFaive also noted Michigan's troubling pattern of out-migration and the problems associated with the state's film subsidy program, which has not produced the jobs promised. He notes the policy prescriptions that could help rejuvenate Michigan's economy in this …

Hangar42 Investor in Court Today

… Kathy Hoekstra raised several questions about the matter with an essay and investigative video posted May 20. At issue was the value of the proposed film studio, which those involved said was worth $40 million, even though it had been listed by a real estate agent for $10 million shortly before the deal …

Weekly Roundup - Dec. 4

… Obama announces freeze of federal pay. Daily Caller - ...federal workers will still receive raises. Macomb Daily - Gov.-elect Snyder wants to curtail film subsidies. Wall Street Journal - Tea party activists turn to local issues. Washington Post - TARP bank bailout money went to foreign firms and other …

Top 10 Budget Recommendations

… annual appropriations to the 21st Century Jobs Fund ($75 million was appropriated in current-year budget). » www.mackinac.org/7123 5 Eliminate state film production subsidies. (The Department of Treasury estimates these will cost $155 million this year.) » www.mackinac.org/10733 6 Privatize one or …

Allen Park Churches, Unions Team Up To Promote Tax Increase

A video of the 'unity rally'

… in support of a tax increase request. Allen Park is being overseen by an emergency manager for overspending — most notably on union contracts and a film studio deal that went bad. The rally had the support of local government leaders and the city government's two largest unions. The video below shows …

Planet of the Humans

New Jeff Gibbs/Michael Moore documentary targets green energy

… between love and hate.” The film feels like the response of … that scene, Gibbs opens the film by detailing his belief in … environmental movement. But the film takes a twist from the stereotypical … wildlife habitat. Early in the film, Gibbs explained how he once … California for solar. He films the awkward confusion at PR …

Field Trips

Area science museums host special programs of interest to budding scientists and their families

… saurs: Giants of Patagonia Paleontologist Rodolfo Coria hosts this IMAX film on two of South America’s largest dinosaurs: the plant-eating Argentinosaur … Giganotosaur. Computer-generated cinematography brings both creatures to life in a film that also offers theories about how these enormous creatures became extinct. …

May/June 2009 Michigan Capitol Confidential Articles

Reader Comments and Hyperlinks to Additional Information

… here to comment on and see the 2008 bill that gave subsidies for Michigan film production Click here to comment on and see SB 466 — a bill that increases … increases electric car subsidies Mackinac Center Analysis: Flawed Report on Film Incentive Provides Distorted Lens Mackinac Center Video: Scene and Unseen …

Tax incentives under question

… movie industry program was the least effective, the Journal reported. The film industry incentive effectively pays at least $50,000 for every job created, … 14, 2009 FURTHER STUDY: Mackinac Center for Public Policy, “The Michigan Film Incentive: EMS and Child Day Care vs. Movies,” April 14, 2009

Business Owner Says Value of State Incentives Is Wrong: State Appears Right

… is over $100 million and the state offers additional Renaissance Zone and Film infrastructure incentives to the project, not to mention any other possible ongoing subsidies from the Michigan Film Incentive, I'm not sure the owner is accurate. There is a way that the …

Special Deals Yield Far Fewer Jobs Than Projected

… 'Willful Neglect' Is the Rule at Embattled State Agency Analysis of Michigan Film Subsidies: Two Years, $117m — and No Film Job Growth State Websites Give History a Rewrite

No Free Lunch: 'Taxing Teens at Taco Bell'

… Capitalism Fewer People Employed in Michigan Movie Industry Than Before Film Tax Credits Began Roger Redux: Michael Moore's contradictions are old news Sorry — Your Film Office Success Story Was Not Found

This Week In Michigan, July 4

… House committee has unanimously approved new public disclosure rules for film tax credits. Livingston Daily Press & Argus - This will shed more light on movie money. LivingstonDaily.com - Another film office 'success story' doesn't survive scrutiny Grand Rapids Press - Should …

Charge Filed in Hangar42 Case Shows Greater Need for Transparency in State Government, Center Analyst Says

Investigation begun by Mackinac Center leads to felony charge

… criminal charge announced today in connection with a proposed Grand Rapids-area film studio, Mackinac Center Fiscal Policy Director Michael D. LaFaive called … investigative video posted May 20. At issue was the value of the proposed film studio, which those involved said was worth $40 million, even though it …

Weekly Roundup - August 7

… Benishek holds a one vote lead.   WZZM13 - The primary investor for Hangar 42 film studio is charged with a felony. ...while contractors sue for back pay. … built in the U.S. than Japan. Daily Caller - "Michigan tax incentives for film production produces uncertain results, corruption, and political dispute." …

Moore Wants More: Filmmaker Wants Increased Funds For Flint Schools But District Spends 'More Money Than Ever'

… Town Police Chief Michael Moore's 'Greed' Message Doesn't Apply to His Film's Financiers Michael Moore Urged to Withdraw Film Subsidy Application Michael Moore and Subsidies: A Love-Hate Story

Pure Michigan’s Bid For More Tax Money

… justify government spending on everything from public transportation to film subsidies. Multiplier analyses take some economic activity and estimate …  51x Early Childhood Education  16x Earned Income Tax Credit  1.67x  Film Subsidies  6x  Tourism Advertising  40x  Transit Spending  4x   While …

Screening of 'Poverty, Inc.'

… "Poverty, Inc." and founding team member of PovertyCure, as he introduces the film and fields audience Q&A. The West has positioned itself as the protagonist … produced and wrote the feature documentary Strong Bodies Fight, which earned 20 film festival honors and coverage on NBC, ESPN, and FOX. An avid traveler and …

Rep. Sam Singh Says He Opposes Corporate Giveaways; His Voting Record Says Otherwise

Out of dozens of votes, it’s hard to find the Democrat opposing favoritism for select companies

… these subsidies. Singh voted twice against repealing cash subsidies to film producers in 2015. He was joined by 44 of 46 House Democrats and every Senate Democrat in voting to keep handing out the film subsidies. Singh also supported dozens of other bills that expanded corporate …

Mackinac in the Media

Detroit Free Press Film incentives aren’t worth the cost. Don’t bring them back to Michigan “Film producers, not state economies, are the winners from the subsidies.” James …

A Movie No One Should Miss

… "Amazing Grace is just such a film. Mark this on your calendar: … very event featured in the film’s climax, the momentous vote … 1807. Last October, I saw the film twice in one day at a festival … of human contrivances. The film’s central figure is Wilberforce. … this must-see Michael Apted film. Its message is an inspiration …

Should 'An Inconvenient Truth' be shown in science class? Yes.

Let students analyze the evidence

… Inconvenient Truth," the documentary film about climate change, specifically … devices. The purpose of the film is to educate the public about … knowledge on this topic. The film does not contain "scientific … controversial nature of this film does not lie in its scientific … based on the evidence. The film is an opportunity to view some …

Program Reductions and Improved Transparency

… eliminates MEGA or the Michigan Film Incentive, it should take steps … Preventing the use of the Michigan Film Incentive's refundable tax … the "refundable" part of the film incentive tax credit. Tax credits … wishing to participate in the Film Incentive program agree to … received published by the Michigan Film Office in its required annual …

Michigan Economic Dysfunction Corporation

… questionable. Consider the Michigan film incentive, the country's largest … incentive last year by giving film and television producers up … still break even. Since the film incentive's creation last year, … number of jobs the Michigan Film Office claims to have created … MBDA, MEGA and the Michigan film incentive to improve Michigan's …