Written by Urvi Sakurikar
Democratic Assemblymember Mike Gipson from Los Angeles has introduced legislation that would give up to $200 million in tax credits to any independent productions that are owned by minorities, and have a majority non-white cast, along with a 40% subsidy on production costs.
Not only does this law waste an unnecessary amount of money on an industry that receives more than enough subsidization from California, it is blatant racial discrimination.
The idea that any production company should receive such a substantial proportion of taxpayer money just for being majority “non-white” is ridiculous and provides monetary incentive for filmmakers to favor certain groups over others.
In addition to the racially charged aspect, the legislation would also provide benefits for a developer project backed by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, who is sponsoring the bill. The developer has given $15,600 to Ma’s reelection campaign.
If the racism of the bill is not enough to push it out of the picture, the clear conflict of interest with Treasurer Ma should be.
In all aspects, Assemblymember Gipson’s bill is contributing to an already growing trend of racial discrimination and politicians using Hollywood for their own gain and benefit.
The hard-earned tax dollars of Californians should help the people of the state who genuinely have a need, rather than the rich and powerful people of Hollywood.
Photo via Briana Jackson/iStock via Getty Images/San Diego News Desk Illustrator
