Latest news with #Ciresi
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
What is Pennsylvania's state song? Rep. looks to nominate new music with bill
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Did you know that Pennsylvania has a state song? It's true – the state song is 'Pennsylvania' by Eddie Khoury and Ronnie Bonner, which was adopted in 1990. State law established that song as the official song of the Commonwealth for all public purposes, and the music is often performed at public events. Now, State Representative Joe Ciresi (D – Montgomery) is looking to change the song with his new legislation. Ciresi argued that it has been more than three decades since the state song was adopted and that it is time to consider updating the music to better 'embody the spirit of our great state.' 'State symbols bring us together,' The legislation reads. 'When we see our state flag and hear our state song, we should be able to share our commonality and celebrate our heritage as fellow Pennsylvanians.' Ciresi's legislation is a re-introduction of a resolution that looks to establish an independent commission to study the history of the state song, solicit submissions from the public and recommend changes to the state song. Legislators would then have the option of passing the change based on the commission's recommendation. Previously, in February, Senator Judith Schwank (D – Berks), introduced a bill that aimed to change the state song from the aforementioned 'Pennsylvania' to 'My Pennsylvania Home' by David Kline. Schwank noted in her legislation that Kline, a born and raised Pennsylvanian composer, has served as an international music ambassador for Pennsylvania for more than three decades. Ciresi's bipartisan legislation is co-sponsored by eight other Pennsylvania House Representatives. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bill aims to bring Hollywood to Pennsylvania with bigger tax credit: ‘Economic benefits'
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — A soon-to-be introduced bill in Pennsylvania would increase film tax credits in hopes of bringing more filming — and economic boosts — to the Commonwealth. Joe Ciresi (D-Montgomery County) plans to introduce legislation that will raise the tax cap for filming from $100 million to $125 million. 'The countless economic benefits of film production have heightened competition among states looking to attract filmmaking,' Ciresi penned in a memorandum. 'Because the state's current tax credit level is capped at $100 million, projects are turned away each year due to lack of funding. An untold number of film products – even projects that are set in Pennsylvania but filmed elsewhere – are lost to other states that are enjoying the economic advantages of this industry.' The PA Department of Community and Economic Development told Ciresi that since the inception of PA's film production tax credit in 2007 through the end of fiscal year 2023-24, 592 projects were approved for tax credits — injecting over $4 billion into the state's economy. Peeps vs. Hershey Kiss: What should be the next Pennsylvania candy While many movies have been filmed in Pennsylvania, including most of M. Night Shyamalan's films, others take place in Pennsylvania but were filmed in other states due to the budget, Ciresi added. Most notably, Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray, which takes place in Punxsutawney, was mostly filmed in Illinois, including the outdoor scenes around town.'An untold number of film products – even projects that are set in Pennsylvania but filmed elsewhere – are lost to other states that are enjoying the economic advantages of this industry,' Ciresi wrote. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Proposed bill aims to bring film production to Pennsylvania
(WHTM)– A Pennsylvania lawmaker proposed a bill to increase the limit for the state's Film Production Tax Credit to bring more projects to the state. The bill, proposed by State Representative Joe Ciresi (D-Montgomery), aims to bring film production back to the commonwealth by expanding the film production tax credit. The memo said that a lack of funding causes Pennsylvania to turn film projects away because the state's tax credit level is capped at $100 million. 25 movies filmed in Pennsylvania According to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, 592 projects have been approved for tax credits, which have pumped $4 billion back into the state's economy. Ciresi argues that filming in Pennsylvania generates jobs and economic activity in communities. The legislation would expand the limit for the Film Production Tax Credit to $125 million. Ciresi says that this would be a first step in meeting the needs of the film production industry. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Additionally, bringing film production back to the state could potentially increase opportunities for tourism. 'Greater availability of these tax credits will bring more projects to the state, leading to more jobs and economic impact, more opportunities for tourism, and more hometowns spotlighted for the world to see and for us to take pride in,' said Ciresi. The Hershey Company revealed earlier in April that a 'major motion picture' featuring Milton and Catherine Hershey will begin production next month in Pennsylvania, including Lancaster and Hershey. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
