In an ongoing effort to spend as much taxpayer money as they can before adjournment, the House  takes up the Film Credit Bill tonight that increases the tax credit from 15 percent to 25 percent for film and television production companies.

Representing New Hanover County a.k.a. Hollywood East, Rep Danny McComas R and Sandra Hughes D support the bill and speak of the wonders of the movie industry, jobs created and boosts to the ecomony by giving Tom Cruise taxpayers’ money.

Rep Marilyn Avila, R Wake argues that the motion picture and recording industries have been stagnant for the last eight to ten years, asks why North Carolina taxpayers should support the likes of Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise and confronts McComas on the true cost of the credits.

Some members speak in favor of the incentives saying we need them to bring industry and jobs. Others argue it’s not a good use of taxpayer money and the government shouldn’t pick winners and losers.  Who’s right?  Who’s wrong? Coletti settles it here.

The bill passes with a 78-26 vote.