BY JAKE NEHER
Michigan Public Radio Network
The state would not cut its film incentives under a budget bill adopted Tuesday in the state Senate. The measure would set aside 50 million dollars for the film industry.
Negotiations in Lansing over how much money should available for filmmakers will start with three very different numbers. Governor Rick Snyder wants to cut the incentives in half to 25 million dollars. The state House's budget would get rid of the incentives altogether.
Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville said either of those plans would drive the industry out of the state.
"I just think that's it's really important that in order to sustain the industry today, 50 million dollars is, it's not the maximum to me, it's the minimum." Richardville said.
Richardville fought similar plans to cut the incentives last year.
The House and Senate will negotiate a final amount in the coming weeks.
Copyright 2013, MPRN