Yikes: Ohio to subsidize Hollywood

Joe Kristan wrote today about a troubling development in Ohio, my current state of residence: "The insane desire of states to subsidize Hollywood has spread to Ohio, where lawmakers are poised to subsidize 25% of the cost of films shot there. That's precisely half as stupid as Iowa's 50% tax-credit subsidy."

Why, as Joe asks, are we using taxpayer dollars to subsidize the film industry?

I realize the film industry employs a lot of people who are not famous or rich, including crew members, costumers, set builders, etc. But doesn't virtually every industry employ people who are not famous or rich? Why should all these others be forced to support the film industry?

If the film folks are not making money under current conditions, they need to deal with it. Try something new, call it quits, whatever. But don't demand taxpayer dollars.

I'm not being hypocritical in arguing that industries should adapt to the realities of the market. I recently posted about the misconception so many people have about tax professionals: that we all oppose tax simplification because complexity means job security. (The Wandering Tax Pro, Robert Flach, recently posted about this as well.)

The President has promised to simplify the tax code, and he set up an advisory board. Under the "let's save any industry in trouble" philosophy, I need to go to my legislatures and demand a "tax professionals credit" if the President is successful in making the tax law simpler.

Any lobbyists out there who want to help save the tax professionals? If you're not too busy getting film credits for Hollywood, that is.