Editor’s note: The following letter was sent by actress Jane Kaczmarek, a Milwaukee native, and her husband, Bradley Whitford, a Madison native, to Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle. They are trying to convince Doyle to drop his plan to eliminate state tax credits to support the film industry in Wisconsin. What do you think about this issue? You can vote now in the BizTimes Poll at www.biztimes.com.
Dear Governor Doyle:
We were so happy to see our close friend and fellow Wisconsin native Tony Shalhoub return to his home state to film the independent feature, "Feed the Fish" in Door County. We understand the film provided a nice economic boost to the community in February, traditionally one of the slowest months for economic activity in that county.
As you may know, we both proudly hail from the Badger State (Brad, Madison; Jane, Milwaukee). We’re also proud members of the Screen Actors Guild and support the many trade unions that comprise the hard-working men and women of the entertainment industry and whose membership includes thousands in Wisconsin.
As strong believers in the power of the creative economy to build jobs and keep creative people in Wisconsin, we were surprised to learn that you are proposing to eliminate the film and television tax credits that you so strongly supported just two years ago and that only took effect Jan. 1, 2008. We were also under the belief that you shared our commitment in building a stronger arts and cultural community in Wisconsin. That’s why we were so surprised to hear this news.
One year hardly seems like a sufficient time to make an informed determination on whether the incentives should be discontinued. I hope you will reconsider that decision, look at the many economic impacts that go beyond the immediate dollars reported by the Commerce Department, work with the parties involved on possible "modifications" to the legislation and continue Wisconsin’s tradition of "Forward" in building this clean, green, 21st century manufacturing sector for the state.
We would like nothing more than to find a film or television project that would bring us "home" to work in Wisconsin – and pay a portion of our income taxes back to our home state! Sadly, that will not happen unless you continue your commitment to grow a film and television industry for the state.
Respectfully,
Jane Kaczmarek & Bradley Whitford
