New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has made it clear he’s not a fan of “Jersey Shore,” and now he has even more reason to hate the MTV show.
According to a report on the NJ.com news site, the state’s taxpayers will foot the bill for as much as $420,000 in production costs from the show’s 2009 first season. The tab reportedly comes as a result of the state’s film tax credits.
The article quotes Michael Drewniak, spokesman for Gov. Christie, saying: "The governor’s opinions about ‘Jersey Shore’ and its New Yorker cast are well-known: They are phonies and the show is a false portrayal of New Jersey and our shore communities. He has also been clear about his belief that film tax credit programs are not the most effective way to spur economic growth throughout the state."
Another critic of the tax credit, and apparently of the show, is Republican State Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon, who added: "I can’t believe we are paying for fake tanning for Snooki and The Situation, and I am not even sure $420,000 covers that. This is a great investment for the taxpayers, as if they can make a show called ‘Jersey Shore’ anywhere else."
The article did uncover one apparent fan of the arrangement. Seaside Heights, N.J., Mayor P. Kenneth Hershey is quoted as saying: "The boost to the economy certainly shows — when they are here this place is busy. A lot of the business folks here appreciate that."
Lets clear up some confusion on this article, because it’s very misleading.
This tax break isn’t for the stars of the program, this Tax incentive is for the hundreds of production personnel, locations, and crew that the show uses. The show brings millions of dollars into the state through hiring of crew, rental/purchase of equipment, rental of locations, use of facilities, and much more. The economic benefit of film and television production has been well documented by many. The actors on screen are not benefiting from this incentive; the state of New Jersey and the production crew are. These type of incentive help to bring productions into states all over the country because it provides work for hundreds of people, not just the six you see on screen. Like the show or not, it’s very popular, making money, and help bring visitors to the Jersey Shore which could account for millions in tax revenue for the state.
It is an ad for New Jersey. And it works. That is the only good thing I can say about the show which itself is trash.