Encourage States to Incorporate Support for Racial Inclusion and Economic Access within Provisions to Extend Media and Film Production Tax Credits

WHEREAS, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ("NAACP") encourages states to include diversity goals with film and television production tax credits; and 

WHEREAS, SkyQuest Analysis valued the global entertainment market at $84.62 billion in 2021 and expects the market value to expand to $169.6 billion by 2030; and 

WHEREAS, Many state governments offer tax incentives and credits in an effort to lure film and television productions away from their Hollywood base; and 

WHEREAS, States offering tax credits have rebated more than twenty-five billion dollars over the past two decades to producers, in an effort to invigorate local spending, increase employment, and stimulate the economy; and 

WHEREAS, The tax incentives offered to producers are derived the public trust and supported by contributions made by diverse taxpayers within the incentivizing states; and 

WHEREAS, At least 40 states and territories offer some form of film and television tax incentive/credit program, according to National Conference of State Legislatures; and 

WHEREAS, Only two states, California and New York, have incorporated a diversity plan eligibility requirement to qualify for film and television tax credits; and 

WHEREAS, Equitable opportunity and authentic representations in entertainment industry, helps to offset stereotypes, promote cross-cultural understanding, and create economic opportunities for marginalized individuals and businesses; and 

WHEREAS, Multicultural inclusion counter-balances media distortions and helps to remediate the falsity of media's influence on identity. 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP advocates for the inclusion of diversity plan requirements to be incorporated into state regulations governing the extension of film and television tax credits, ensuring jobs and other economic opportunities for all taxpayers, including diverse workers and minority owned businesses.