Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/308664
SAGAFTRA.org | Spring 2014 | SAG-AFTRA 47 LOCAL FIGHTS FOR FILM, TV TAX INCENTIVES T he fight to retain or grow film and TV tax incentive programs across the Washington-Mid Atlantic region continues. Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe recently signed into law legislation allocating $13 million for film and TV tax credits. Virginia is currently home to the AMC series Turn, and in recent years has been a popular location for period dramas such as HBO's John Adams, Spielberg's Lincoln and the National Geographic Channel's Killing Lincoln. In North Carolina, film advocates are working to maintain that state's attractive program by extending or liing the expiration on the legislation — a measure the General Assembly is expected to take up in May. North Carolina is home to hit shows such as Sleepy Hollow, Under the Dome and Banshee, as well as numerous recent movies, including Iron Man 3, Safe Haven and We're the Millers. And in Maryland, the existing tax credit program remains in place, with the administration and legislature having identified additional funds from elsewhere in the budget in hopes of securing the return of the Netflix blockbuster House of Cards for its third season, in addition to HBO's hit comedy Veep. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT GROUP ENLISTS SAG-AFTRA BOARD MEMBER N ational Board member and AFTRA Health and Retirement Trustee Denny Delk has been appointed to the Investment Management Committee of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. e foundation is an organization that provides educational opportunities and legislative leverage for pension and health plans in the United States and Canada. Delk is also being appointed to a yet-to-be-named resource group for that organization. His charge is to work with fellow committee members to provide training and educational resources for trustees from many Employee Retirement Income Security Act and multiemployer pension and health plans. Delk has been an AFTRA H&R trustee for more than 20 years, where he serves as co-chair of the investment committee. Meanwhile, the AFTRA Health Fund and the SAG-Producers Health Fund trustees continue their talks to provide health coverage for members whose earnings are divided between the two legacy unions' contracts (see story, page 11). Washington- Mid Atlantic SAG-AFTRA members and staff attend the Maryland House Ways and Means Committee hearing on film and TV tax incentives in Annapolis on Feb. 14. From left, SAG-AFTRA members Jack Jenkins and Duke Stokes, WMA Associate Executive Director Jane Love, and members Rick Kain and Sig Libowitz, who is also a former vice president for acquisitions at Paramount Pictures and a filmmaker. San Francisco- Northern California VOLUNTEERS READ ACROSS AMERICA N early 20 SAG-AFTRA Philadelphia Local members participated in the National Education Association's Read Across America annual reading motivation program on March 10. e event brought volunteers to Sharon Hill School in Pennsylvania to read to students in celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday. Members selected Dr. Seuss books from the school library before donning red-and- white striped top hats and red bow ties. Sharon Hill students enjoyed the occasion, eagerly listening to members, said Dan Hunt, a former local board member who organized the event. "e students loved it and were really engaged," said Hunt. "Reading to kids opens them to a world of knowledge and imagination, and helps foster a lifelong love of reading." KPBS STAFFERS START NEGOTIATIONS FOR 1ST CONTRACT I n November, 55 public media professionals who produce, report, host and present content for television, radio and the Internet at KPBS in San Diego voted to join SAG-AFTRA. Negotiations for a first contract began Feb. 12–13, and were attended by SAG-AFTRA-covered workers at KPBS as well as by union staff. Chief Broadcast Officer Mary Cavallaro is the lead negotiator. "KPBS provides a unique and valuable service to the San Diego community. We look forward to a role in decision-making," said KPBS Evening Edition host Peggy Pico. Arizona-Utah NEGOTIATIONS FOR 1ST CONTRACT San Diego Philadelphia 42-47_OnLoc_F.indd 47 4/23/14 4:43 PM