In 2023, studios got $7 million in rebates, and officials say in return Oklahomans made $58 million in wages from the productions while studios spent $118 million in the state.
The Oklahoma Incentive Evaluation Commission was established nearly a decade ago by lawmakers who wanted to keep track of costs and benefits of numerous incentives.
While the State Chamber, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and Tulsa Regional Chamber are all supportive of the Second Amendment and of gun owner rights, they’re also supportive of businesses in Oklahoma that choose to prohibit guns.
Free Market Friday: Hollywood bailout a waste of funds By: Jonathan Small Guest Columnist April 22, 2021
Jonathan Small
Let’s say you have a choice between two bills. One benefits children and education. The other benefits out-of-state film companies whose leaders oppose the values most Oklahomans embrace. Also, the bill benefiting kids generates a return on investment 10 times greater than the other bill.
Which bill would you support? The answer is obvious. But Oklahoma lawmakers may be poised to pass the second bill while leaving the pro-student measure sidelined.
This year, lawmakers have the chance to increase the size of the state’s tax-credit scholarship program, which has allowed many low-income students to escape bad public schools for excellent private schools. Independent analysis has shown the program saves state funding.