Ben Affleck
Will Michigan put an end to its film incentive program that has brought some big name movies and stars to Detroit over the years?
Mara MacDonald of WDIV suggests that just might happen.
She reports that Lansing lawmakers are likely to approve funding this year for $50 million to $60 million.
She said next year, it could be $0.
Why?
She says because Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville will be out of office next year and "Richardville is the only champion of the incentive with the political clout to make it happen."
The program has provided funding for such films as the "Ides of March." Last year, it approved $35 million in funding for the filming of a Superman-Batman film, starring Ben Affleck. It also provided funding for the AMC show "Low Winter Sun," which lasted only one season.
Some say the program has helped stimulate the local economy and created jobs.
But some have argued that it cost too much to create local jobs, particularly ones that aren't permanent. -- Allan Lengel
