NJ gov shoots down 'Jersey Shore' tax credit
TRENTON, N.J. - September 26, 2011
Christie on Monday blocked a $420,000 film credit that was
approved for the show last week by the state Economic Development
Authority.
The money was supposed to cover production costs for the hit
reality series' inaugural 2009 season.
Christie suspended the film tax credit program in 2010 to close
a budget deficit, but the 2009 season still qualified for the
credit.
"I have no interest in policing the content of such projects,"
he said in a statement. "However, as chief executive I am
duty-bound to ensure that taxpayers are not footing a $420,000 bill
for a project which does nothing more than perpetuate
misconceptions about the State and its citizens."
The show's production company, 495 Productions, based in
Burbank, Calif., declined comment. MTV spokeswoman Noelle Llewellyn
said she wouldn't comment on the tax issue but wanted to reassure
the show's fans. "`Jersey Shore' itself will not be affected,"
she said.
The show centers on the cast living and partying along the beach
and boardwalk in Seaside Heights. "Jersey Shore" has made stars
of its cast - 20-somethings with nicknames like Snooki and The
Situation - and tourist destinations of their haunts. But it's been
bashed by officials who are sensitive about New Jersey's image
since it debuted nearly two years ago.
Lawmakers have expressed outrage about the credit since the
Statehouse Bureau of The Star-Ledger of Newark and The Record first
reported on it earlier this month.
But New Jersey Policy Perspective, a liberal think-tank, says
some of the anger may be misplaced: The group says other businesses
are getting millions in tax credits through the Economic
Development Authority and aren't necessarily bringing jobs to the
state in return.