Included in a sweeping bill recently signed by Gov. Perdue creating, extending or expanding targeted tax breaks and credits to several politically-favored industries was an increase in North Carolina’s tax break for the movie and TV filming industry.
Gov. Perdue, however, is apparently not satisfied with the bill. Why? Because it doesn’t give large enough tax breaks to wealthy movie stars.
Afterwards, she clarified for reporters that the area where the film incentives are lacking is the salary cap that it imposes. “I think the people of North Carolina understand that when you bring in an Academy Award winner as an actor or an actress, you’ve got to pay them,” she said.
Who is the “you” Perdue is referring to? That would be working North Carolinians and small business owners forced to pay for the nearly $1.4 billion in new taxes (estimated tax increase for FY 2010-11) she approved in last year’s budget. She approved hikes on sales, corporate and income taxes; along with taxes on alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, online click-through sales and digital downloads.
But filthy rich movie stars? The Guv says give them a break. What an advocate for “the little guy.”
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