Illinois Film Tax Credit Legislation Signed

Teamster Supported Bill Helps Create Union Jobs

The Teamsters joined Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich on May 27 as he signed legislation that renews the Illinois Film Tax Credit.  The tax credit encourages revenue and jobs to the state by offering a 20 percent tax credit to filmmakers for money spent on Illinois good and services. 

John T. Coli, Teamsters Joint Council 25 President, emphasized the importance of the Film Tax Credit legislation during a press conference at the Italian Village Restaurant in Chicago.

“The Teamsters have supported this bill from the beginning because of the great things it does for the working men and women of this state,” said John T. Coli, Teamsters Joint Council 25 President.  “The credit makes Illinois competitive in a very lucrative industry that brings jobs and business to the state.  Illinois has a lot to offer Hollywood, and the Teamsters will continue to work with Gov. Blagojevich to enhance this legislation in the coming years.”

Gov. Blagojevich enacted the Illinois Film Tax Credit in 2003 after Illinois began losing film work to other states with incentive programs.  Since then, the Illinois film industry has rebounded.  In 2007, the film industry reached an all-time record of approximately  $155 million in profits and 26,000 job hires. 

“The Film Tax Credit put Illinois back on the film industry’s map and helped Illinois achieve record revenues,” Gov. Blagojevich said.  “By renewing this tax credit, we’re holding onto our competitive position and ensuring that filmmakers will continue coming here to make their movies.”

State Sen. Rickey Hendon (D-Chicago) and state Reps. Ken Dunkin (D-Chicago) and Angelo Saviano (R-River Grove) sponsored the Film Tax Credit bill.

Teamsters Joint Council 25 is the governing body of 22 local unions in the greater Chicagoland area.  The Joint Council assists its locals in coordinating Teamster activities, solving problems and organizing. 

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