Tab covers 2009 season costs under state film tax credit
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The cast of "The Jersey Shore" shown at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, are being helped out by N.J. taxpayers, who are paying the show's inaugural season's production costs. TRENTON — New Jersey residents got their bar tab today from the cast of the hit television show the "Jersey Shore" — and it was a big one.
Taxpayers will be picking up to $420,000 of the production costs from the show’s inaugural 2009 season under a state film tax credit approved today by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.
The approval was part of the first round of film tax credits awarded by the EDA since Gov. Chris Christie suspended the program in 2010 to close budget deficit, and state officials said it was based on a set of strict guidelines that is blind to the show’s content.
But, news of the award drew sharp criticism from some the state’s biggest critics of the tax incentive program.
"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," said Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth). "This is a great investment for the taxpayers, as if they can make a show called ‘Jersey Shore’ anywhere else."
Christie has made a number of headlines criticizing the uber-tanned, hair-gelled stars of the hit MTV show, saying they are poor representatives of New Jersey . His office reiterated those comments today.
"The Governor’s opinions about Jersey Shore and its New Yorker cast are well-known," said Christie spokesman Michael Drewniak. "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."
But Seaside Heights Mayor P. Kenneth Hershey said the state investment pays big local dividends, which is the goal of the tax credit.
"The boost to the economy certainly shows, when they are here this place is busy," said Hershey, "A lot of the business folks here appreciate that."
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