Film industry tax credit passes Ohio House

Thursday, March 5, 2009 12:09 AM EST

By John Arthur Hutchison JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Legislation to provide tax credits to the film industry passed the Ohio House of Representatives in Columbus.

House Bill 6 was approved Tuesday by a 83-14 margin. The measure is sponsored by state Reps. Mark Schneider, D-Mentor, and Matt Patten, D-Strongsville.

Schneider said the bill was the first to pass the House during this two-year session of the Ohio General Assembly.

Under H.B. 6, filmmakers who come to Ohio would receive a refundable tax credit based on 25 percent of their eligible expenditures, Schneider said.

The bill caps the credit at $20 million during the biennium and $5 million per production.

Schneider said bipartisan support of the legislation was important to its success in the Ohio House.

"The fact that it was supported by members of both sides of the aisle is an honor," he said. "It sends a message to Ohio that our General Assembly will aggressively pursue all areas to find investment and jobs for Ohioans." Read the full article