Government may soon decide whether a major multinational corporation should pay no taxes on a chip-making plant planned for the Austin area, stirring concerns that economic development programs are being abused. Samsung Semiconductor plans to build a new plant, and Austin, where it already has facilities, is on the short list. But Samsung is requesting...
One year ago, on March 5, I became an American citizen, just a few miles away from the Alamo. It is only fitting that this special milestone in my life also happened just three days after the anniversary of Texas’ Independence, because I found in Texas what I was looking for in America. To me,...
Despite the many studies that found problems yet little positive effects from state film incentives, “just an old sweet song” keeps Georgia’s program on our mind. Georgia, we are told, has created tremendous growth for its film industry by offering a very generous tax credit, so much so that it is now called the new...
We should always celebrate more freedom in our lives. December 5 is no different. Eighty-six years ago, Prohibition was repealed. This year, Texas can celebrate its own version of Repeal Day. This December marks three months since another kind of prohibition was abolished—on beer to go. On September 1, Texans were finally allowed to buy...
A recent study on state film incentives (SFIs) examined their effects on filming location for TV series and feature films, employment, establishments, wages, and related industries—hotels, caterers, costumes, buildings, and transportation rentals. The study’s results indicate that the taxpayer dollars handed out to TV and movie productions to generate economic development could have little to no...
We’ve all known the disappointment of a television series that ends badly. Whether a truncated season wrapped up with a too-tidy bow (Game of Thrones) or an ambiguous fade-to-black (The Sopranos), we can sometimes feel the time we invested in a show was misspent. That’s a little like the Texas Legislature. With just days left...
HB 2806 would create the Music Incubator Rebate program to be administered by the Music, Film, Television, and Multimedia Office in the Office of the Governor. The program would consist of some tax revenues from the mixed beverage gross receipt tax and from the sales tax on the sale of beer and wine that would...
TPPF Senior Managing Editor and Policy Analyst Carine Martinez took her Oath of Allegiance on Tuesday, making her an official American (and proud Texan). The journey that led to raising her right hand in a San Antonio naturalization ceremony began in Paris. “But it was after I started learning more about U.S. history—after reading the...
The Beacon Center of Tennessee just released a policy brief on Tennessee’s film incentive program. The report—Calling Cut on Film Incentives—highlights how the program is a poor investment for Tennessee taxpayers. Many of the projects financially supported by the film incentive program with taxpayer money performed poorly commercially. According to the report, 40 percent of...
As an economic engine for the country, Texas attracts not only businesses and migrants, but also visitors from everywhere. In 2016, Texas welcomed 266 million visitors who generated more than $69 billion in direct travel spending. Many visitors come to enjoy the state’s pristine landscapes, historical landmarks, delicious food and vibrant music scene. Visitors also...
Cities charge municipal right of way fees—or franchise fees—to certain utilities for the use of the public right of way. Like taxes on businesses, these fees are passed on to customers. Texas’ Local Government Code stipulates that these fees should be “consistent with the burdens on municipalities created by the incursion of certificated telecommunications providers...
Imagine: You own a business. You love what you do, the opportunity to employ people, and satisfying customers. But the cost of doing business is escalating as local property taxes increase. Down the road, a large corporation started construction of a new building. They considered other locations before choosing your community. That corporation received...