Today is
Saturday November 23, 2024
AUSTIN – During a legislative hearing that featured clips of television shows filmed in Texas and testimony from movie stars like Dennis Quaid, lawmakers considered whether to overhaul a film incentive program that has lured hit productions like “Yellowstone†and “Friday Night Lights†to the state.
Professionals in the film industry told lawmakers that Texas offers creative professionals an ideal setting to film because of its varied topography and low cost of living. But they said better incentives in other states pull their projects away from Texas, hurting their projects and costing the state millions in possible returns.
“One of my great frustrations was that I wrote ‘Hell or High Water,’ and they filmed the darn thing in New Mexico,†said writer and director Taylor Sheridan. “My love story to Texas was shot west of where it should have been shot.â€
The 17-year old program created under former Gov. Rick Perry attracts television, film, commercial, and video game production to Texas by offering grants on eligible expenditures, including the cost of hiring Texas workers and renting film space. Movie and television projects filmed in Texas receive a 5 to 20% rebate — but only until the program runs out of money each budget cycle.
The Legislature has funded the program in varying amounts over the years. Last year, lawmakers injected a historic sum of $200 million over a two-year period, a significant increase from the $45 million over the previous biennium.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick charged the Senate Finance Committee with reviewing how effective that investment was in stimulating local economies and promoting job creation. The committee is also tasked with reviewing other states’ programs and determining how to make Texas’ program more competitive. Lawmakers expressed pride in the program’s return on investment and an interest in making the program work better for filmmakers.
But they noted that because Texas does not have a state income tax or a state property tax, a tax break would not necessarily make sense. The state would need to consider a different model that would create a long-term funding plan.
But some Senators worried that increasing Texas’ incentive might produce a bargaining war.
“I just think we are being naive,†said Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, adding that states who are “threatened†by Texas may try to institute a stronger incentive. “We have to be cognizant of that.
The current incentives have produced a 469% return on investment, according to Adriana Cruz, executive director of the Texas Economic Development and Tourism division of the governor’s office. That means that for every dollar spent on the program, $4.69 is in turn spent in Texas. The program has also generated more than 189,000 jobs and more than $2.5 billion in state spending, Cruz said.
New Mexico has one of the largest incentive programs in the country, offering 25 to 40% reimbursement. Other states with robust programs include Georgia, which offers a 30% tax credit that has no cap.
Other projects have reportedly been pulled from Texas because of better incentives elsewhere, including Richard Linklater’s “Hit Man†that filmed in Louisiana and “Fear the Walking Dead†that got moved to Georgia.
“Not knowing how much incentive will exist in year three makes it really hard,†Sheridan said. “What would be very helpful is some clarity and understanding and some assurance that this thing isn’t going to go away.â€
John Fleming, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication at Texas State University, noted that 70% of graduates from the school’s film program said they left Texas because of a lack of job prospects in the state. And 96% of those graduates said they would want to return to the state.
Chase Musslewhite, a Texas film producer who co-founded Media for Texas to advocate for the film industry, said experts have found that incentives above 45% are not viable. She suggested the state consider a franchise tax credit or a constitutional amendment to create a dedicated fund, similar to the Texas Energy Fund.
This story was originally published by The Texas Tribune and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.
BULLARD – The shooting death of two children and an adult woman was confirmed as a murder-suicide after a month and a week since it was reported as a triple homicide by the Bullard Police Department. According to our news partner KETK, police were dispatched on Sept. 1 to Guinn Street and found 25-year-old Tatyanna Smith and her two children Madilynn Evans, 4, and Maison Evans, 2, dead and a 10-month-old injured.
“After a comprehensive review of evidence, witness interviews, and forensic analysis, investigators have determined that no additional persons were involved, and the case is being reclassified as an isolated incident of a double murder/suicide,†the police department said.
Bullard PD said the child was released from the hospital and is with family.
“In conclusion, The Bullard Police Department is kindly asking the community to respect the privacy of the families during this difficult time,†Bullard PD said. “Your understanding and support are greatly appreciated.â€
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Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s west coast Wednesday night as a Category 3 hurricane. The monster storm roared ashore with life-threatening storm surge, powerful winds and flooding rains.
Here’s how the news is developing.
4 killed in tornadoes in St. Lucie County
Four people were killed by tornadoes in St. Lucie County on Florida’s east coast, county officials said.
“Numerous homes” have “suffered significant damage,” officials added.
25 minutes ago
Roof of Tropicana Field rips off
Wind gusts climbed to 97 mph in Tampa and 102 mph at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport as Milton slammed the coast.
Milton’s powerful winds even ripped part of the roof off of Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays.
A drone image above Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, show the shredded roof of the dome an…
Tampa Bay Times/ZUMA Press Wire via Shutterstock
View of the damaged roof of Tropicana Field stadium, the home of Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays…
Octavio Jones/Reuters
Tampa hit with 1 foot of rain
Hurricane Milton’s heavy rains sparked a flash-flood emergency for the Tampa Bay area.
Tampa has recorded 1 foot of rain, while Lakeland — about 35 miles inland from Tampa — saw 10 inches of rain.
Fifteen people, including young children, were rescued from a Tampa home Wednesday night when a tree fell on top of the house and water rushed inside, Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor on Thursday is urging residents to stay inside and off the roads, warning, “It’s not over.”
Over 2,200 flights canceled, at least 6 airports closed
Over 2,200 flights have been canceled across the country on Thurssday as Hurricane Milton pummels Florida.
The St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, Tampa International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Orlando Sanford International Airport, Palm Beach International Airport and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport all closed for the storm.
The Florida Division of Emergency Services said it has partnered with Uber to provide free rides to and from shelters.
Daytona Beach, Cape Canaveral experiencing flash flooding
More than 8 inches of rain pummeled Daytona Beach on Florida’s east coast overnight, causing flash flooding Thursday morning.
The flooding and hurricane-force wind gusts are ongoing from Daytona Beach to Cape Canaveral.
At least 36 tornadoes reported
At least 36 tornadoes were reported across Florida on Wednesday as Hurricane Milton came ashore.
There were 133 tornado warnings issued in South Florida — the most on record for the state and the second-highest for any state in one day.
Multiple fatalities were reported at a St. Lucie County retirement community following a suspected tornado, Sheriff Keith Pearson told ABC News.
Across the state, at least 125 homes have been destroyed, according to Kevin Guthrie, the head of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
A damaged home after a tornado touched down before Hurricane Milton’s arrival, Oct. 9, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida.
WZVN
More than 3 million without power in Florida
More than 3 million customers were without power in Florida Thursday morning.
Milton passing into Atlantic Ocean
Hurricane Milton is now heading out into the Atlantic Ocean as a Category 1 hurricane, having completed its swing across Florida.
The eye of the storm is now passing past Cape Canaveral, having taken less than eight hours to make its way across the Florida peninsula.
Wind speed remains at around 85 mph, with movement northeast at 18 mph.
-ABC News’ Kenton Gewecke
MARSHALL – The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Hallsville man after a search revealed that he was in possession of child pornography. According to our news partner KETK, arrested was 43-year-old Keven Barnett. HCSO detectives received information from the Terrell Police Department about a tip from the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) taskforce that warned of juvenile exploitation in Harrison County. The ICAC and sheriff’s office reviewed the tip and identified Barnett, as being in possession of “multiple videos containing child pornography.†A warrant was issued for Barnett Monday. He was arrested and booked into the Harrison County Jail. Barnett was charged with possession of child pornography and aggravated sexual assault of a child with a bond set at $350,000.
TYLER – With hot weather and lack of rain, a fire hazard can be created easily. More counties in East Texas have issued burn bans. You can see the list provided from our news partner KETK with this link.
WILLS POINT – A Wills Point animal control officer was arrested on Thursday after admitting to a Van Zandt County deputy of shooting his own dog. According to our news partner KETK, Michael Goggans, with Wills Point Animal Control, was taken into custody and charged with cruelty and torture to a non-livestock animal.
Van Zandt County deputies reportedly told Goggans that he needed to keep his dog confined after separate calls of his dog running loose were reported on June 12 and June 13. A deputy warned Goggans that if the dog was not properly confined, a citation would be issued.
In a release from the the SPCA, “Goggans responded to the deputy’s warning by informing him of his intent to kill the dog. He contacted the deputy again to inform him that he had killed it and that the dog was in the front yard of his residence.â€
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CHANDLER – With Veterans Day coming in November, the City of Chandler was honored with the Purple Heart City designation. According to our news partner KETK, this is given to communities that honor and recognize sacrifices of military personnel who were wounded or killed in combat.
Mayor Cy Ditzler said there are many Chandler residents that are Purple Heart recipients. The city council will declare Nov. 11 as Purple Heart Day.
“Each city that is designated, they put a sign on either end of town that declares them as a Purple Heart City,†Ditzler said. “So that you recognize veterans that were injured or gave their lives in combat.â€
The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration still in use.
TYLER – The Tyler Parks and Recreation Department will host it’s annual Fall Family Fun Festival on Thursday, Oct. 24. The festival will be held at the Glass Recreation Center from 4 to 7 p.m. A release from the city explains, admission is free. Activities for the day will include face painting, games, a costume contest and food trucks will be on hand.
For more information on the Fall Family Fun Festival, visit the Tyler Parks and Recreation website, their Facebook page or call the Glass Recreation Center at (903) 595-7271.Â
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LONGVIEW – Ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, several Longview Fire Department members are traveling to assist. According to our news partner KETK, the fire department said six of their water rescue team members were activated on Monday to travel to Alabama and assist the Texas Task Force. Officials added that two others from the LFD are on stand-by for the Emergency Medical Task Force.
According to the Associated Press, Milton, a current category four hurricane, is on the path to directly hit Tampa Bay and is expected to make landfall on Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning.
“Please keep these members in your thoughts and prayers for a safe deployment as well as the citizens in the affected area,†Longview FD said.
BULLARD – The City of Bullard has hired a new city manager. According to our news partner KETK, the new city manager is Pam Frederick. Frederick is not unknown to city hall. She was formerly the mayor and a city council member from 2003-2022. Frederick is currently the Smith County Commissioner for precinct 1.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to continue serving our community,†Frederick said. “The experience, knowledge, and relationships I will bring with me to this position will have a positive impact on Bullard as we continue to grow.â€
According to a release from the city , the previous city manager, David Hartman, accepted a role for the City of Henderson. Frederick will assume her position as city manager Nov. 12.
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NACOGDOCHES – The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has awarded Stephen F. Austin University a $250,000 grant to enhance its nursing program. According to our news partner KETK, SFA was selected out of 26 other institutions to receive the Student Success Acceleration Program 2.0 grant in order to help address the shortfall of nurses nationwide.
Dr. Marc Guidry, associate provost for the Division of Academic Affairs said in a release, “This grant supports two of SFA’s marquee programs at once, nursing and social work. I am especially pleased that all the money goes to students in the form of scholarships, stipends and supplies. The resources provided by this grant will enable more of our nursing students to persist and graduate with their registered nurse license while providing hands-on training for our graduate social work majors. It is a double-win for SFA and the state of Texas.â€
RUSK – Rusk ISD schools briefly were on lockdown status Monday morning after an accused murderer reportedly escaped from Rusk State Hospital. According to our news partner KETK, Juan Carlos Vasquez Rojas has been at the hospital since September after he was arrested for felony murder in Harris County. Rojas reportedly escaped while being taken from one part of the hospital to another.
Schools in the area went on lockdown while the Rusk and Cherokee County law enforcement searched the area. Rojas was captured not long after and the lockdown was lifted. Liberty County district court sent Rojas to Rusk State Hospital for a competency assessment before he can stand trial for the murder charge.