May 2025 – Supporting Pro-worker Film & Television Tax Legislation
Brothers and Sisters,
It’s not a secret that the last few years have not been as busy as we would like for productions. That’s why it’s more important than ever to pay attention to what’s happening in Sacramento and Carson City—because the choices lawmakers make can either bring work back or push it further away.
Right now, there are two tax incentive bills in play that could have a real impact on our Local.
The first is a proposed update to the California Film & Television Tax Credit. This bill would help keep productions in California by making our state more competitive with places like Georgia and New York. If passed, it could go into effect before the end of the year, bringing more work back to our stages, shops, and lots. We need Hollywood to stay in Hollywood, and this bill is a step in the right direction.
The second bill is AB 238 out of Nevada. This bill would create new tax incentives for productions and support the development of a major new studio in Summerlin, backed by Warner Bros. and Sony. We’ve already started conversations with IBEW Local 357 in Las Vegas, and if this project moves forward, it could open the door for more Union jobs. Right now, we are monitoring this to ensure that we do everything we can to include Local 40 is part of that expansion.
At the federal level, we are monitoring the GOP’s Big, Beautiful Bill. Packaged in the tax bill is a halt to renewable energy development killing tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, including many held by IBEW members.
These bills show that what happens in politics directly affects our day-to-day work. The decisions made in Sacramento, Carson City and D.C. directly affect the livelihoods of our members and our industry. That’s why we must remain engaged, informed, and supportive of the lawmakers who support us.
But while we work to protect our jobs, we are also preparing for how our jobs are changing. Clean technology is being rolled out in nearly every aspect of our lives. In the last few years, we have seen new technology, such as battery energy storage systems, show up on sets and studio lots. While these new systems aren’t widely used yet, we need to be ready, trained, and out in front. It is our members who have been doing this work for over 100 years, and for the next 100 years, we will continue to be the ones installing, maintaining, and operating this equipment.
Lastly, I want to remind everyone that our annual golf tournament is coming up in just a few weeks. Don’t miss your chance to come out for a day of golf, contests, and more as we have added more fun to this year’s tournament. Additionally, we have partnered with our So. Cal Electrical Workers Minority Caucus and the proceeds will be going to help our fellow brothers and sisters in the IBEW.
Have a Safe and Happy Memorial Day!
In Solidarity,
Stephan Davis
Business Manager
Financial Secretary
