We did it!  Thanks to the calls and emails of Mountainkeeper activists and others, Governor Cuomo signed the bill expanding the Empire State Film Production Tax Credit to the Catskills and Hudson Valley into law. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Governor Cuomo, and the bill sponsors Senator Amedore and Assemblywoman Gunther. Additional thanks to Ulster County Executive, Mike Hein; Laurent Rejto, Commissioner of the Hudson Valley Film Commission; Sullivan County Legislative Chairman, Luis Alvarez; City of Middletown Mayor, Joe DeStefano; and Assembly Speaker, Carl Heastie.

This law will encourage film companies to take advantage of our region’s extraordinary natural beauty, historic architecture, and creative talent, bringing critical new dollars into our economy and creating jobs and supporting local businesses of all kinds. Please take a moment to call Governor Cuomo and thank him at 518-474-8390.

Mountainkeeper believes that a healthy economy is a diverse economy that embraces, rather than exploits, our natural resources; and this new law to increase film production here will do just that.

Mountainkeeper and our activist supporters have been strong and persistent advocates for this bill from the very start. Earlier this year, Mountainkeeper submitted a letter to the Governor requesting the Tax Credit expansion signed by over 30 entertainment professionals including Chevy Chase, Natalie Merchant, Debra Winger, Mary-Stuart Masterson, Mark Ruffalo, Jon Bowermaster, and Aidan Quinn.

The bill wouldn’t have become law without you, and without Governor Cuomo’s leadership on the issue. Please take a minute to call and thank him today at 518-474-8390 (press 2 to leave a voice message.)

Many thanks, as always, for the support of Mountainkeeper activists who make all our work possible.