|
Creating creative jobsLegislation aims at increasing jobs in the ‘creative’ economic sector Peter Marcus, DDN Staff WriterWednesday, January 6, 2010 | |
Gov. Bill Ritter and lawmakers yesterday unveiled three pieces of legislation that aims at expanding Colorado’s “creative” industries.
The three bills that are expected to be introduced in the coming legislative session would merge three existing arts programs within the Office of Economic Development and International Trade; require that 1 percent of new capital construction project budgets include public art; and make it easier for producers to earn tax credits for filming in Colorado by removing the requirement that 75 percent of a film’s non-payroll budget be spent in Colorado.
At a news conference at the Newell Design Studio in Denver’s River North Arts District, supporters of the legislation pointed out that a recent study showed that Colorado’s creative industries have created or sustained about 186,000 jobs, making it the state’s fifth-largest economic sector.
“Today’s proposals will allow us to continue making progress by capitalizing on the creative industry sector’s immense potential for innovation, creativity and growth,” said Ritter.
Of the proposals, easing rules and restrictions on the film industry would likely have the greatest impact. Rep. Tom Massey, R-Poncha Springs, intends on introducing the legislation in the coming weeks. The bill would also clarify that incentives may be used for commercial and video game productions as well. Supporters believe the bill would allow the state’s $300,000 film incentive funds to be spent quickly, creating jobs across the state.
Supporters acknowledge that the three bills would not likely create jobs immediately. But they say the legislation would pave the way for an expanded creative industry in Colorado that over time would create jobs.
“This legislation allows us to coordinate efforts, so that creative industries like film, art and design will only grow stronger and have an even greater impact on Colorado’s economy,” said Rep. Joe Rice, D-Littleton, who intends on co-sponsoring the bill addressing public art installations.
The proposals stem from a panel established by Ritter, co-chaired by Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien and Economic Development Director Don Marostica, which has been working to draft recommendations to expand the creative sector.
“Colorado’s visual and performing arts, film industries and heritage sites are as well-known as our mountains and natural beauty,” said O’Brien. “We are announcing new legislation that will make it easier for our state’s fifth-largest industry to grow, leveraging the sector’s innovation and creativity to bring more good jobs to Colorado.”
|
