Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1498689
84 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2023 | sagaftra.org On Location Opening Day at the Hawaii Legislature O n Jan. 18, officers of the Hawaii Local Board and staff participated in the Opening Day ceremonies at the Hawaii State Legislature. Advocating for a stable film tax incentive, strengthening workforce development in the creative industries, and other issues important to the film/TV industry, the group connected with many legislators, commissioners and government officials. From left, Hawaii Local Secretary Scott Swartz, Hawaii Local Vice President and Chair of the Hawaii Legislative Committee Charles Uyehara, state Sen. Glenn Wakai, SAG-AFTRA Hawaii Local President Andy Sikkink and Hawaii Local Board member Lisa Romano. Hawaii RHONDA LAIZER Members Engage at Industry Event New Orleans Local members Wayne Douglas Morgan, left, and Rhonda Laizer attended the second annual Art of The Film: Louisiana Film Industry Expo in Slidell on Jan. 20–21. Laizer presented an acting workshop and shared information about union membership and contracts. New Orleans New England Call to Expand Connecticut Film Tax Credits S AG-AFTRA Local New England member Cynthia Clancy, right, and member Chase W. Dillon, center, along with Chase's mom Metashar Dillon, joined many SAG-AFTRA members, producers and state legislators on Feb. 8 for a press conference at the Connecticut State Capitol to champion the expansion of the state's film tax credit program. The incentive program, which was created in 2006, laid the groundwork for the production ecosystem in Connecticut. Now industry advocates hope the spotlight will entice lawmakers to make the state's incentive program even more appealing for TV, film and commercial production. Members from both the New England and New York locals rallied together for change in Connecticut. CYNTHIA CLANCY