My 2 Cents: Film Rebate Extension

I understand and respect all efforts at the state capitol to limit the spending of taxpayers money, but there are times when I think you need to spend money to make money.

State lawmakers only need to step out on the South steps of the capitol and look toward downtown Oklahoma City to see what happens when you invest in your future. Yes, even take a reasonable risk like Oklahoma City residents did when they passed Maps the first time, the second time and now a third time.

That's why I'm surprised the House didn't muster enough votes today to extend the state's film rebate. The vote was 48-43 for the rebate, but they need 51 to pass it, and it will be reconsidered.

A Senate version has already passed.

It lures producers to make movies in Oklahoma by refunding them a dollar for basically every three dollars they spend here while making their films.

Some of the most vocal opponents just don't like the kind of movies Hollywood makes. I don't like a lot of them either, but the jobs they create here make our economy stronger and will ultimately give us more leverage when dealing with outside companies.

It just seems shortsighted to me, to turn your back on a profitable industry because you don't like the products they occasionally churn out.