As legislators in Texas consider expanding financial incentives for game developers and other producers of entertainment media, ESA boss Michael Gallagher weighs in with an op-ed in the Austin American-Statesman:
With over 90 development companies in Texas, the video game industry accounted for more than one-third of the moving media industry's $345 million investment in the state in 2007. In addition to the more than 7,500 jobs that the industry currently supports in Texas, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts found in a recent report that video games "have a ripple-effect and spread technological innovations to other industries..."
The opportunity now falls on the Texas state legislature, however, to pass the bills that will keep the industry's momentum in the Lone Star State going. Texas currently risks falling behind several states in economic incentive programs for the entertainment industry. This year alone, thirteen states are actively considering legislation that will either create or significantly expand their existing incentive program for digital interactive media development and production...
While economic incentives for the video game industry are a sound investment for Texas' cultural legacy, they are an even better investment for the people of Texas.
Comments
Re: ESA Lobbies for Bigger Tax Breaks in Texas
Keep in mindTexas is not a Democratic Party Controlled state so vast unemployment and businesses leaving going overseas doesn't happen that much at all in Texas
Everyone there is friendly and very welcoming and the only taxes you have to worry about being raised is the Federal taxes when the Democratic Party is in control of the Federal Government. Great place to live and like most Republican controlled states they are doing well in a recession.
Close my account, thanks
Re: ESA Lobbies for Bigger Tax Breaks in Texas
Makes me glad I live in mid-East Texas, away enough from the southern border drug wars, hurricanes, and big city sleaze (I am looking at you Austin, Houston and Dallas)
Re: ESA Lobbies for Bigger Tax Breaks in Texas
Double post edit... my bad.
Re: ESA Lobbies for Bigger Tax Breaks in Texas
I think they'll get a bigger tax break in a state like Texas.
I'm curious as to what the rules are for companies outsourcing jobs to other countries. I believe it would be fair to add a stipulation saying only companies that employ individuals in this country or even the state of Texas can apply for the tax break.
Re: ESA Lobbies for Bigger Tax Breaks in Texas
For most of the tax breaks around the country, they have to have a certain percentage of employees who are residents of the state. I think in Texas it is 50% of the Work force has to be located in Texas.
E. Zachary Knight
E. Zachary Knight
Divine Knight Gaming
Random Tower: Game News and Commentary
Re: ESA Lobbies for Bigger Tax Breaks in Texas
50% has to be in Texas, but what about the other 50%, do they at least have to be in the United States?
Re: ESA Lobbies for Bigger Tax Breaks in Texas
Don't push your luck ESA, your lucky any goverment would give you a tax break.
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