If you're involved in or support film in New Mexico, read on without delay. There's a Senate bill afoot that could seriously impair the NM film incentives, and you need to act now.
Senator John Arthur Smith (D) has sponsored SB235 that would place significant financial caps on our film incentives, seriously stunting, if not ending, the growth of film in our state. It could take New Mexico from one of the world's leading film destinations to a small fraction in the production equation.
And it would be effective July 1, 2010.
While the bill has many significant legislative hurdles to contend with to become a reality, it's a critical time to show how wide the support is for film in New Mexico, and do everything we can to insure our future.
So, what can you do?
Contact the members of the Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee, who will most likely be hearing the bill THIS FRIDAY, February 5th. While recognizing the difficult task they face in passing a balanced budget, ask for their support in defeating SB235.
Below are form letters you can use. If you deviate from these letters (feel free, but keep it succinct), be gracious and polite and explain how important film is to you, your business, family, or career.
We've only got a few days left to protect an industry that sustains so many New Mexicans, and we appreciate you taking action RIGHT NOW.
Spread the word, and thank you for all of your continued support.
Daniel Taras
Founder
crewnewmexico.com
daniel@crewnewmexico.com
(505) 930-0443
________________________________________________________________
Choose the letter that suits your place in the industry - or write your own! If you're emailing, be sure the Subject line states your opinion, ie: "Support the NM Film Industry," or "Vote No on SB235," etc.
For Business Owners/Film Vendors:
Dear
I am a New Mexico business owner who provides goods and services to the New Mexico film industry, and I ask for your support in defeating Senate Bill 235.
While I understand there are difficult budget decisions to be made, the film program has proven time and again to be a successful economic engine for New Mexico. Capping the incentive program would be a major blow to an industry that employs thousands, and my company would also suffer as a result.
If you have been a supporter of the industry in the past, I would like to thank you, and encourage your continued support. If you are in favor of 235, I would like to ask that you please evaluate the significant impact your position would have on one of New Mexico's most productive and economically viable industries, and vote against this bill.
I welcome and appreciate your support on this critical matter.
Respectfully,
or
For Film Crew/Actors, or Others Employed in Film:
Dear
I am a New Mexico resident employed in the film industry, and I ask for your support in defeating Senate Bill 235. Film is an integral and important part of the New Mexico economy, and my livelihood.
Senate Bill 235 would place an untimely burden on my career, and significantly harm a dynamic and economically productive industry. While I understand there are difficult budget decisions to be made this session, the film program has proven time and again to be a successful economic engine in New Mexico. Capping the incentive program would be a major blow to an industry that employs thousands, myself included.
If you have been a supporter of the industry in the past, I would like to thank you, and encourage your continued support. If you are in favor of 235, I would like to ask that you please evaluate the significant impact your position would have on one of New Mexico's most productive and economically viable industries, and please vote against this bill.
I welcome and appreciate your support on this critical matter.
Respectfully,
or
For Film Students:
Dear
I am a New Mexico film student, and I ask for your support in defeating Senate Bill 235. Film is an integral and important part of the New Mexico economy, and I am relying on it for my career.
Senate Bill 235 would shortcut all that I am studying for, and put a heavy burden on all those in New Mexico who benefit from this dynamic industry.
If you have been a supporter of film in the past, I would like to thank you, and encourage your continued support. If you are in favor of 235, I would like to ask that you please evaluate the significant impact your position would have on one of New Mexico's most productive and economically viable industries, and please vote against this bill.
I welcome and appreciate your support on this critical matter.
Respectfully,
****
Contact the members of the Corporations and Transportation Committee - they will be hearing the bill this week! Email, Fax, Call! Be Nice!
Senator Phil Griego (D)
senatorgriego@yahoo.com
Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4861
Office Phone: (505) 983-6383
Fax (505) 986-4610
Senator Lynda Lovejoy (D)
lynda.lovejoy@nmlegis.gov
Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4310
Office Phone: (505) 352-0967
Fax (505) 986-4610
Senator Kent Cravens (R)
klcravens@alphagraphics.com
Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4391
Office Phone: (505) 888-2679
Fax: (505) 986-4610
Senator Dianna Duran (R)
dianna.duran@nmlegis.gov
Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4701
Office Phone: (575) 585-9896
Fax (505) 986-4610
Senator Timothy Keller (D)
tk@timkellerfornewmexico.com
Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4260
Office Phone: (505) 332-9441
Fax (505) 986-4610
Senator George Munoz (D)
munozgeo@gmail.com
Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4387
Office Phone: (505) 722-6570
Fax (505) 986-4610
Senator John Sapien (D)
john.sapien@nmlegis.gov
Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4371
Fax (505) 986-4610
Senator Wiliam Sharer (R)
bill@williamsharer.com
Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4381
Office Phone: (505) 325-5055
Fax (505) 986-4610
Senator David Ulibarri (D)
david.ulibarri@nmlegis.gov
Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4265
Fax (505) 986-4610
Senator Mark Boitano (R)
boitanom@aol.com
Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4366
Office Phone: (505) 798-1092
Fax (505) 986-4610
And here's all their emails in one swoop if you intend or wish to do one mail - just copy paste!
senatorgriego@yahoo.com, linda.lovejoy@nmlegis.gov, klcravens@alphagraphics.com,dianna.duran@nmlegis.gov, tk@timkellerfornewmexico.com, munozgeo@gmail.com, john.sapien@nmlegis.gov, bill@williamsharer.com, david.ulibarri@nmlegis.gov,boitanom@aol.com
