Tourism Matters to Montana
Tourism Matters to Montana
Talking Points for HB 340 - STRONGLY SUPPORT

Talking Points for HB 340 - STRONGLY SUPPORT

HB 340 Media Act Talking Points

On July 1, 2019, the Montana Economic Development Industry Advancement (MEDIA) Act went into effect. It offers a 20% income tax credit on production expenditures in the state with additional amounts that can increase the credit up to 35% of the production company’s base investment in the tax year. This highly successful Act has led to over $100 million in direct spending and an estimated $25 million in incremental state tax revenue since its enactment. HB 340 would expand the scope of the MEDIA Act through increasing the potential annual transferrable production tax incentive to $250 million, while also providing significant incentives for employment of Montana residents.

  • With the current incentive cap of $10,000,000, Montana has a seasonal, import/export film industry, which is only capable of supporting one large, location-based production per year and cannot sustain a full-time labor force.
  • HB 340 is a jobs bill that will cultivate a sustainable, high-growth media and film production industry in the State.
  • It will create thousands of new jobs for Montanans with average salaries substantially over $50,000/year. And it will generate business startups to support a growing industry.
  • It will attract millions in private infrastructure investment to development media production facilities, and industry vendors will establish local offices and build/rent industrial warehouses within the State, all employing Montana contractors and tradespeople.
  • It will generate returns on investment of over 28% on the taxpayer dollar from new out-of-state money and significantly increase the tax base. Well before any tax credits are issued, production expenditures cycle through the economy generating increased tax revenue across the State. The vast majority of this money funnels directly into the Montana economy through wages for resident labor/crew, lodging, local retain/restaurant purchases, equipment rentals, gasoline, real estate leases, and much more. These expenditures support small business across the State of Montana, encompassing small, out of the way towns, and larger urban centers.
  • Passage of HB 340 will also generate a new tourism market for Montana. Film tourism is increasing - a prominent film can increase tourism in its location from 25-300% and that increase will last 3-4 years for popular films.
  • For more information on the HB 340, visit Montana Film Coalition's webpage.
This graphic was created for the original version of HB 340 which was requesting no tax cap - the bill has since been amended to have a $250 million tax cap compared to the current $10 million in the MEDIA Act..
This graphic was created for the original version of HB 340 which was requesting no tax cap - the bill has since been amended to have a $250 million tax cap compared to the current $10 million in the MEDIA Act.

Sample Letter of Support

Letter of Support for HB 340 in Montana

JOB CREATION & EXPANSION OF THE STATE’S MEDIA PRODUCTION INDUSTRY

RE:  Support HB 340 and the Creation of a Robust Media Production Industry in MT

Dear Senator _____________:

On April 8, 2021, HB 340 was passed and transmitted to the Senate by the House of Representatives. As a registered voter and <INSERT POSITION/TITLE> of <INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME>, I am asking you to support HB 340, bringing high-paying jobs and a vibrant new industry to the state.

This bill would expand the scope of the highly successful MEDIA Act, which has already led to over $100 million in direct spending and an estimated $25 million in incremental state tax revenue since its enactment in 2019. HB 340 increases the potential annual transferable production tax incentive to $250 million, while providing significant incentives for employment of resident Montanans.  

Rather than a handout – the state never writes a check - this incentive will become among the leading revenue sources for the state. To achieve full utilization of a $250 million tax cap, production expenditures within the state would need to reach $1 billion annually. The vast majority of this goes directly into the Montana economy through wages for resident labor/crew, lodging, local retail/restaurant purchases, equipment rentals, gasoline, and real estate leases.

At its heart, the HB 340 amendment is a jobs bill. that will cultivate a sustainable, high-growth media & film production industry in the state and will not only attract significant private infrastructure investment and direct spending to the state, but also incentivize the creation of new jobs for Montanans with average salaries well over $50,000 a year. 

House Bill 340 will:

  • Generate returns of >28% on the taxpayer dollar and significantly increase the tax base.
  • Create thousands of new jobs at average income levels >50% higher than state median salary.
  • Deliver the development of >$50 million industry infrastructure.
  • Fill the treasury, helping to fund other meaningful programs for the state.

A vote for HB 340 is a vote for job creation, a vote for a higher statewide median income, a vote for Montana’s small businesses and a vote for a more vibrant economic future for the state.

Thank you for your time, your service, and your consideration of this opportunity on behalf of all Montanans.

(your legal name)
(any organizational affiliations you wish to include)
(your address)

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