Several people have inquired as to the status of the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program.  It is imperative to note that the legislation that supports the renewal of the program, Senate Bill No. 5539, is not dead.  You will recall that an extension of the program passed the Senate with a sizable margin in 2011, but failed to make it to the floor of the House for a vote in the waning hours of last year’s legislative session.

At the end of a legislative session, bills that do not get voted on go back to their point of origin.  In the case of the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program, that would be the Senate.  SB 5539 is now in the Senate Rules Committee, as a result, action on renewal will take place first in the Senate.  We are told to look for movement within the next week or two.

Since we will expect a vote first in the Washington State Senate, we strongly encourage you to write your Senators in support of the program.

Get informed.  Get involved.  Get renewed.