News Summary
During a recent legislative session, the Kentucky Senate focused on initiatives to enhance the state’s film industry and lower income tax rates. Senate Bill 1 seeks to create the Kentucky Film Office to promote film production in the state, alongside bipartisan support for reducing the income tax from 4% to 3.5%. The initiatives reflect a concerted effort to stimulate economic growth and improve state services.
Frankfort, Kentucky – In its recent legislative session, the Kentucky Senate prioritized economic initiatives aimed at bolstering the state’s film industry and reducing income tax rates. Senate President Robert Stivers recognized the session’s challenges of fitting multiple initiatives into a 30-day timeframe, referring to it as a productive period. Central to the discussions was the introduction of Senate Bill 1, which seeks to establish the Kentucky Film Office to promote the state as a viable location for film and television production.
Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Sen. Phillip Wheeler from Pikeville and supported by Stivers, includes provisions for marketing incentives and coordination efforts designed to attract film projects. A committee meeting is scheduled for the following week, where a press conference might also take place to further discuss the film office initiative, which aims to consolidate Kentucky’s efforts to become a recognized hub for the film industry.
The newly proposed Kentucky Film Office will be associated with the Cabinet for Economic Development and will manage the Kentucky Film Council, comprised of secretaries from various cabinets and four governor-appointed members. This council will determine the eligibility for film tax incentives and assist in hiring the office’s executive director. Additionally, the Film Office is expected to create a “one-stop portal” for producers, offering comprehensive information about studios, local commissions, personnel, filming locations, and more.
Currently, Kentucky’s existing Entertainment Incentive program, designed to promote similar objectives, is budgeted for annual tax breaks totaling up to $75 million, with a request of $68 million for 2024. The state budget has allocated $450,000 to support the staffing and operations of this program, which includes efforts to capture more filming projects in the state. Kentucky has not traditionally been a filming hotspot compared to states like California and New York, although recent productions such as “Killing of a Sacred Deer,” “Rust Creek,” and “Bones and All” have commenced in the region.
During the Kentucky Chamber Day Dinner, Stivers and House Speaker David Osborne outlined legislative efforts to bolster the state’s economy, which include the successful passage of income tax reduction measures. House Bill 1 received bipartisan support, advocating for a reduction of the state’s income tax rate from 4% to 3.5%, starting January 1, 2026. This marks a significant shift, especially following Governor Andy Beshear’s prior veto of tax cuts in 2022. Stivers assured that the Senate is prepared to approve the income tax reduction bill when lawmakers reconvene in February.
The Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee is expected to review the income tax bill soon, with a vote anticipated next month. Stivers reiterated his commitment to revising policies from the Beshear administration that may increase business costs.
Additionally, lawmakers engaged in discussions about the possibility of halting taxpayer funding for gender-affirming surgeries for incarcerated individuals, reflecting recent guidance on this sensitive issue. In the realm of education, Governor Beshear aims to enhance the state’s education systems, advocating for increased funding and stronger support for educators. In response, Osborne defended the Republican legislature’s dedication to educational funding, critiquing Democratic leaders’ focus on simply increasing funding without addressing systemic reforms.
Democratic legislative leaders, including Representative Pam Stevenson and Senator Gerald Neal, called for a collaborative approach to improving state services. They highlighted successful bipartisan initiatives, such as the “Momnibus” bill, while expressing concerns surrounding potential broader impacts of proposed income tax elimination. Overall, the legislative session’s initiatives reflect a concerted effort by Kentucky lawmakers to stimulate economic growth and enhance services across various sectors.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hollywood Casting Calls Announced in Lexington, KY
Casting Opportunities for Aspiring Actors in Lexington
Lexington’s Film Scene Thrives with New Casting Calls
Lexington Commemorates Life of Shirley Ardell Mason
Chanel Minnifield: From Lexington to Hollywood Success
Additional Resources
- WKYT: Kentucky Newsmakers with Senate President Robert Stivers
- Kentucky.com: Senate President Previews Veto Override Period
- Fox 56 News: Kentucky Senate President Looks Ahead to 2025
- McClatchy DC: Kentucky’s Economic Legislative Efforts
- Kentucky.com: Kentucky’s Income Tax Reduction Proposal
- Google Search: Kentucky Film Office
- Wikipedia: Economy of Kentucky
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky
- Google News: Kentucky Politics
