Gov. Martinez talks about TV bill
Posted at: 02/11/2013 6:02 PM
By: Stuart Dyson, KOB Eyewitness News 4
Gov. Susana Martinez is offering some cautious words of support for the "Breaking Bad Bill" that would sweeten the deal for TV shows shot in New Mexico.
The bill got a brief hearing Monday before the powerful House Taxation and Revenue Committee. Lawmakers on that panel are planning to make some changes to the bill later this week, but Gov. Martinez warns them to be careful.
Martinez likes the bill the way it is right now, with the state giving back 30 cents to TV producers for every dollar they spend shooting shows here. Movies would still get 25 cents back, and the state would keep its $50 million annual limit on the whole deal.
"There's still a lot of time for it to change," Martinez said at the Capitol Monday afternoon. "That's my big concern - that there's lots of time. We're halfway through the session, so four more weeks - lots could happen to the bill."
Some lawmakers want to lift the $50 million cap entirely. Others want to raise it, to maybe $100 million as an incentive to attract film-makers and TV producers to the state. Among leaders, the emphasis is on finding a compromise that Martinez would sign into law.
The House Taxation and revenue Committee plans to make some technical changes to the bill, but they are not expected to tinker with its main features. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Moe Maestas, an Albuquerque Democrat.
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