And good for him for avoiding even the appearance of unethical behavior.
The House sponsor of a bill that would tax pornography said Thursday he’s pulling his bill because it was linked to film industry incentive legislation.
Rep. Jack Williams, R-Birmingham, said the linkage creates a potential conflict of interest for him because the film industry bill is supported by his wife, a University of Alabama film professor.
The Alabama Education Association linked passage of the film industry incentive bill to passage of Williams’ pornography tax bill. The AEA wants proposed tax breaks that would cause a funding loss for schools to be replaced by another tax.
Y’all know I think the porn tax is a stupid idea, but in a state where we’ve been conditioned to believe that a tax increase is a worse crime than murder, legislators are stuck raising revenue from constituencies that can’t squawk too loudly. The good, church-goin’ people of Alabama aren’t going to rise up in protest over a 30% tax on something they’d never admit to buying.
As for the film industry incentives, I think it would be cool to have a thriving industry here in the state. But why does it require big incentives? Don’t we pride ourselves on our low cost of living? Not to mention the biodiversity and natural beauty of the state. Industries should be clamoring to come here. What are we missing? In my opinion, it’s a highly educated populace that would attract potential employers.
Maybe instead of offering incentives targeting specific industries we should use the funding at our disposal to fully fund programs like the Alabama Reading Initiative and the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative. Just a thought.
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ETA: h/t Doc’s Political Parlor
Well, if we succeed in attracting the film industry, we can make millions with the puffy directing pant tax.
I thought at one time that we might be on the road to developing at least locations for movies to be filmed here. I recall two movies that were at least partially filmed in and around Wetumpka — The Grass Harp in 1995 and Big Fish in 2003. Both times the activity was a boost to the local economy as well as civic pride.
Don, I remember my brother talking about the filming of Big Fish. I think it would be great to have more filming done here. Particularly this time of year, I get outside and see yet again how beautiful it is around Birmingham. And we have everything from mountains to gorgeous beaches in the state. You’d think that would attract the visual arts.
Del, we could also tax those canvas chairs with the stars’ names on the back.
OK, I’m confused. Is the AEA for porn or against it?