Well, well, well. Who would have thought that Amazon’s film and TV arm would receive more than a hundred million dollars in state tax credits? Not this guy! But don’t worry, folks, the left hasn’t raised their voice against it. Because, you know, why would they? It’s only a hundred million dollars. Such a small and insignificant amount in the grand scheme of things.

And where does this money come from, you ask? It’s from a beautiful state program that gifts hundreds of millions of dollars each year in tax incentives to producers in the film and television industry. It’s so generous that Amazon has been able to expand its studios in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Westchester County. Talk about being blessed with a golden goose!

Now, hold onto your hats, readers, because Governor Kathy Hochul is pushing to expand the program by nearly 70 percent. That’s right! She plans to shower the industry with as much as $7.7 billion in tax credits over the next 11 years. This is one shower that everyone is looking forward to, except for the taxpayers who might have to foot the bill.

As it stands, the subsidy offered by the state is the most generous compared to any other offered, according to our watchdog group friend Reinvent Albany. And the plot thickens as the proposed expansion to $700 million a year from $420 million has raised concerns among critics who argue that the program has been a bad deal for taxpayers.

But let’s not forget one important thing, dear readers. This proposed expansion shows what is possible when powerful political and economic forces align in Albany. And states continue to compete with each other for prestigious jobs. So what’s the big deal? It’s all about competition, right? May the best state win!

Serious News: nytimes