Governor Phil Murphy

Governor Murphy Conditionally Vetoes Senate Bill No. 122

05/30/2018

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today conditionally vetoed Senate Bill No. 122, the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act, which provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for expenses incurred as part of the production of certain films and digital media content. 

“I want to thank the Legislature for passing the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act, which will help revitalize the film and media industries in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “Filming movies and TV shows in New Jersey creates good-paying jobs, generates economic growth, and centers our state as a home for 21st-century growth industries.”

“This is why I’m eager to work with the Legislature to strengthen the legislation by adding incentives for diverse hiring in the film industry and extending eligibility for certain reality TV shows that invest in New Jersey’s economy and promote tourism to the Garden State.”

“A vibrant TV and film industry in New Jersey will create jobs, spur economic activity and bolster the State’s cultural identity,” said Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg. “I was happy to work with the Governor on this important legislation because we all recognize the value of the film industry to New Jersey, and I believe that his suggested changes will advance our shared goals of supporting and promoting an industry that is important to New Jersey.”

“I support Governor Murphy’s proposed changes to the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act,” said Assemblyman Gordon Johnson. “By encouraging diversity within the television and film industry, we will ensure that the economic benefits created by bringing these productions back to New Jersey reach every community in our state.”   
“We support the revisions recommended by the Governor because they will advance our objective of reinvigorating the film and digital media industries in New Jersey,” said Senator Paul Sarlo. “This new program will ensure that New Jersey is able to compete with our neighbors for high-paying technology-based jobs that are crucial to our evolving 21st century economy.”

“Film credits are a strategic investment for New Jersey, making us a leader in this industry and creating long-term jobs throughout our state. Governor Murphy’s proposed changes to the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act will stimulate our state’s economy and bring new life and diversity to the birthplace of the film industry,” said Majority Leader Louis Greenwald

“Governor Murphy’s changes are reasonable and appropriate, and I look forward to the jobs and economic activity this legislation will create,” said Assemblyman Paul Moriarty

“The Governor has taken an excellent piece of legislation and made it even better,” said Michael Uslan, Chairman of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission

“Thousands of union members employed in the film and television industry work in New Jersey and this is the incentive program they have been hoping for,” said David Smith, Vice Chairman of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission. “It allows them to work in their home state.” 

Copy of message on S122.