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News from the NYS Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Sports Development |
Sheldon Silver, Speaker Joseph D. Morelle, Chair November 2003 |
Dear Friends: The 2003 Legislative Session was marked by difficult budget negotiations and an historic bipartisan budget agreement. Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding our State Budget, the Assembly ensured that the needs of New York’s working families and our children’s education were met. As Chairman of the Tourism, Arts and Sports Development Committee, I am proud to say that the Committee had many notable accomplishments this session and I am pleased to provide for you this brief update, which highlights much of our important work. Please enjoy this newsletter, and continue to stay involved. I encourage you to contact my office with your ideas, concerns and suggestions, and I look forward to continuing to work for you and the benefit of all New Yorkers.
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The Tourism Economic Development Fund concept has undergone several improvements. The current bill
dedicates a portion of the revenue received pursuant to the tribal-state casino gaming compacts. This legislation
would result in major increases in the amounts of money appropriated annually for the Local Tourism Matching
Grants, which is allocated to the 62 counties for tourism promotion. The State’s "I
The Tourism Committee understands that, contrary to the governor’s attempts to slash tourism promotion funding in the budget, it is necessary for New York to make significant increases for tourism marketing in order to further increase travel to our State. Assembly bill 3556B serves to provide that mechanism, and will help ensure that New York State’s economy can grow under these trying times.
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New York City, and State, continue to suffer from the decisions of major motion picture producers to film in other countries. Feature productions choosing to film in Canada, for instance, can enjoy tax credits of up to 30% of labor costs. Additional financial incentives, when coupled with favorable exchange rates, have resulted in a virtual exodus of feature films from the United States. New York’s economy has been severely impacted by this disturbing trend. The roundtable featured an unprecedented gathering of film executives, studio owners, labor groups, commercial and television producers, and the State and City film offices. Assemblyman Morelle chaired the roundtable, which examined not only the runaway film phenomenon, but also the strengths of New York’s television and media industry.
Assemblyman Morelle said that the roundtable is a step in the right direction for the film industry. He added that "the creation of a climate for film in New York State will be vital to our economy, and is certainly a priority for me in the upcoming session." |
The effort is the first of its kind for an arts specific proposal that will be implemented statewide. The meetings were designed to afford any concerned organization an opportunity to shape legislation that is expected in the 2004 legislative session. The bill, one of several drafts being studied, will seek to provide local governments with the ability to identify specific geographic areas within a locality that would benefit from enhancements to the local arts community. Essentially, tax incentives would be supplied to those qualifying arts businesses within the Culture Zone, which would allow localities to assist in the development of an arts community in areas of need with the locality. These newly created Culture Zones would be useful in catalyzing economic development in areas in need. Further, the legislation will provide tax incentives to encourage the development of artist housing, galleries and other facilities necessary to support and maintain a vibrant arts and cultural community. Input from local arts groups and community organizations will be critical in helping to shape the final version of the bill. "The meetings I attended were informative, and will prove influential on the finished product," said Assemblyman Morelle. "I am excited to see the Tourism Committee and our statewide arts constituency working in partnership to create a unique and much needed program." |
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This important legislation also creates a maximum price cap of $5 or 20% over the ticket face value for which tickets can be legally resold. Additionally, the Act protects consumers and venues from ticket scalpers by establishing a 1,500 foot buffer around venues in which scalpers cannot operate.
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The Act also ensures that colleges and universities have a private right of action against an athlete agent in violation of this act in order to protect the school’s NCAA status.
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Among the Committee’s priorities are these major initiatives: Motion Picture Investment – As it has for the past two years, the Committee will again make a budget recommendation for the establishment of a Motion Picture Investment Fund. This proposal seeks to obtain a total of $10 million over three years to help create a "climate for film" in New York State. While not directly focused on major motion picture development, the plan will ensure that independent film production remains in New York. By providing grants of up to $250,000 for independent films, and $250,000 annually for increased marketing, the bill will provide filmmakers incentive to remain in New York. The Committee also plans to continue the progress made towards commissioning a film study for New York State, and to push several other tax-related measures for the film industry. The Assembly plans to work diligently in order to lure more film production to New York, and preserve and enhance our industry strengths. Tourism Economic Development Fund – Facing difficult financial times, it is crucial for New York to find creative ways to increase revenue. This legislative plan calls for using casino revenues, which often are byproducts of increased tourism, to help increase New York’s ability to market itself and compete for travelers. Culture Zones – A key economic development initiative, the Committee plans to continue working on the development of this groundbreaking proposal. Working in conjunction with the arts community, the Tourism Committee hopes to develop comprehensive legislation to the benefit of local artists, communities and the State. |
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Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle Chairman, Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts & Sports Development Room 716 LOB Albany, New York 12248 518.455.5373 morellj@assembly.state.ny.us |
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