Joint Statement on Updated New York Film & TV Credit in Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget

The New York Film & Television Union Coalition and the New York State AFL-CIO, representing tensof thousands of union workers in New York, applauds  Governor Hochul and the Legislature for their continued support of the film and television production industry. The enacted NY State Budget for FY 2026 strengthens the existing film production and post-production incentives and introduces new enhancements designed at attracting more production to New York.

This budget recognizes the industry’s critical role in New York’s economic development and strategically addresses the current global decline in film and television production. During this period of contraction, thousands of union workers have lost jobs because of the decline in production. The Film & Television Union Coalition is especially grateful that the Governor and Legislature continue to support the only entertainment-specific COBRA subsidy program in the country. This program has proven vital in helping our members maintain employment-based health coverage until production activity picks up.

With the newly enacted changes to the incentive program, the State not only recognizes the current challenges in the industry but also takes bold, innovative steps to position New York to attract a greater share of film and television production going forward.

It is important to note that New York’s film and television industry is highly unionized and creates jobs with excellent wages and benefits. A study by HR&A, published on March 7, found that the industry creates high-quality jobs with an average annual salary of $146,000 – 45% higher than the statewide average across all industries. Utilizing an “ecosystem” approach, the study further estimated that 294,100 jobs were generated within the broader industry between 2018 and 2022, figures that predate the global downturn in production.

The Film & Television Union Coalition recognizes that this industry continues to undergo significant changes in production, marketing, and distribution, all of which impact motion picture and television budgets and production decisions. Since the inception of the tax credit program in 2004, the Coalition has worked closely with Albany policymakers to ensure the program remains an effective tool for attracting production to New York while maintaining its long-term sustainability. Our advocacy has helped shape the tax program through its various iterations – creating thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity across a variety of industries, from hospitality and restaurants to direct employment.

We once again express our sincere thanks to the Governor and Legislature for their steadfast support ofour industry.

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