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Health & Fitness

Tax Incentives, Jobs, and Veterans: Doing the right thing

Doing the right thing for Veterans and remedying California's job issues. A Republican candidate for Congress and two Democrat Assemblymen have found a way to bridge the aisle in an election year: JOBS for Americans & Veterans

Sometimes doing the right thing is missed in the midst of averting a crisis.  Creating, preserving, and bringing back  jobs which pay well  in California  is on the mind of many residents, taxpayers, and elected officials.  Most people know firsthand someone struggling to find a secure job or one with an employer offering opportunities to grow or at least keep up with the increased cost of living. 

An interesting conclusion came about unexpectedly at the 4-21-14 Monday “Government Affairs Committee Meeting“  held by the United Chambers of Commerce in Van Nuys, with 42 members and visitors present. 

Assemblymen Mike Gatto and Raul Bocanegra had approached the  UCC to support  AB1839, which they had  introduced in February 18, 2014,  offering an amendment last week to include the film industry.  The bill, intended to offer tax relief and thereby bring jobs into the area, is being heard in the State Assembly and expected to reach the Senate later this year.

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Why is this important for Los Angeles City and the San Fernando Valley?  A comment in a recent article by Dakota Smith of the Daily News is very telling:

 

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  “While officials contend they are taking a multipronged approach to runaway production, failure to pass AB 1839 would be a major blow to City Hall's agenda, experts say. Limited in their ability to create local entertainment jobs, officials are pinning their hopes on AB 1839, and awaiting scrutiny from the Senate and Gov. Jerry Brown on the bill.”

 The Assemblymen brought their facts, statistics, and plan to the UCC with the intention of getting a vote of approval and support.   Mark Reed, candidate for Congress in the 30th District and member of the UCC, spoke up and asked

 "Why not add a friendly amendment?    INCLUDE A TAX INCENTIVE FOR PRODUCTION COMPANIES HIRING VETERANS.  

He then reinforced his suggestion by citing other States which include the hiring of Veterans as a part of industry specific tax incentives.  The veterans have proven training and discipline highly beneficial for production companies.  Mark Reed added one more sobering fact: 

“DEMOGRAPHIC STATISTICS INDICATE VETERANS HAVE THE HIGHEST UNEMPLOYEMENT RATE”

Mark Reed has over 16 years  of knowledge and experience in the entertainment industry as a representative for American Indians and the Screen Actors Guild.  Mark has first-hand experience,  dealing with the networks and studios in their decision making process, and understands the pivotal importance of tax incentives  in the final determination of where to film.    

 CALIFORNIA and each City must ask the question:   Do you want the production company to spend  their projects’ multi-million dollar budget in your city and California?   How hungry are you?  Because, the business tax and tax on profits are minimal in the State the corporate offices are located.  HOWEVER, where the production budget, or project, is spent WILL generate state and local jobs,  growth,  and  tax revenues .

Mark has also been very outspoken to restore medical services at the Sepulveda Veterans facility and resist developers taking the land,  historically and specifically donated for Veterans at the massive Westwood site. He helped amass over 2.75 million citizens and veterans who opposed what Congressman Sherman and Waxman were doing behind closed doors:   Shut down the Valley’s last Veterans facility. Mark Reed has been recognized by the Neighborhood Council for his work and efforts to save the Sepulveda Veterans facility.

Some members of the community have inquired why the Film Industry is consistently singled out for  tax incentives over others.  What is often misunderstood,  or not pointed out, is the positive economic ripple effect on hundreds of other industries when the film industry has a strong and healthy labor presence here.

  A Motion was made, and seconded by Mark Reed to support AB1829.  The UCC passed the Motion to support the bill. 

 Curiously, only one member, a Republican running for State Assembly in the 45th  district, Susan Shelley joined the California Teachers Association & California School Association in their disapproval of the proposed bill. Shelley's disapproval continued even if the friendly amendment for Veterans was attached.   

Mark Reed is scheduled to meet with the Assemblymen to go over his suggestions and ideas to help Veterans while supporting the efforts to bring work and industry back to Southern California.

 Doing the right thing for Veterans and remedying California's job issues. A Republican candidate for Congress and two Democrat Assemblymen have found a way to bridge the aisle in an election year.  The elected and the candidate working to keep good jobs local for Americans and thank our Veterans.  

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