Latest news with #GreenandGold
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawmakers want more films made in Wisconsin and hope tax credits will help
Sen. Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin) said SB 231 offers tax credits to encourage more films to be made in Wisconsin. (Screenshot via WisEye) Wisconsin Republicans advocated on Tuesday for a bill to encourage filmmaking in Wisconsin through tax credits and a state film office. Another bill would declare that 'gig workers' for app-based delivery services aren't employees of a company. During a Tuesday Senate Utilities and Tourism committee meeting, Sen. Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin) said SB 231 offers tax credits to encourage more films to be made in Wisconsin. Bradley described a recent movie called 'Green and Gold,' about a fourth-generation dairy farmer in Wisconsin who is on the verge of losing his farm and makes a bet on the Green Bay Packers to help save it. Bradley said the director of the film, Anders Lindwall, chose to make it in Wisconsin, but that decision meant a financial sacrifice as the director turned down a major studio offer to purchase his film. The studio wanted him to relocate production to Alabama — a state with film tax incentives. 'He turned down the offer to keep his project authentically Wisconsin,' Bradley said. Wisconsin had a film incentive for a brief time in 2010 under former Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle, though the Republican-led Legislature discontinued that program just a few years later. Now, Wisconsin is one of only four states in the country without a film office and one of 13 without any film tax incentives. The bill would create new tax credits including one for 30% of the total cost of the salaries paid to employees who reside in Wisconsin and work in Wisconsin, one for 30% of acquiring or improving property and one for 30% production costs paid by a company to produce a film, video, broadcast advertisement or television production. A person's total credits would be capped at $1 million for a fiscal year. The bill would also create a new State Film Office housed in the Department of Tourism that would implement the tax credits. Rep. David Armstrong (R-Rice Lake) said having the rate at 30% would put Wisconsin in the top tier of states offering film incentives. 'How many of you like me flinch when you see the Georgia peach logo in the credits after a movie or TV show?' Armstrong asked at the hearing. 'Do we want Illinois or Minnesota or Georgia to poach productions that could just as easily be shot in Wisconsin?' Bradley said the bill 'aims to make Wisconsin competitive by attracting filmmakers and productions through meaningful incentives, which in turn support local businesses, job creation, and increased tourism. Simply put, it would encourage filmmakers like Mr. Lindwall to choose Wisconsin, bringing their stories and economic activity to our state.' The bill has broad bipartisan support with cosponsors including Sens. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point), Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee), Romaine Quinn (R-Birchwood) and Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska). Sen. Melissa Ratcliff (D-Cottage Grove) expressed some concerns about whether the funding for the proposal would be included in the budget since it is not in the bill. Wisconsin lawmakers are in the progress of writing the next biennial budget and while Gov. Tony Evers included a similar proposal in his budget, it was pulled out along with more than 600 other items by Republican lawmakers on the committee. 'I have a motion to bring that back in,' Bradley told Ratcliff. 'But if we pass this bill, it does not include the funding?' Ratcliff asked. 'This bill does not have the funding. The funding would come through the budget… We're going to fight real hard to try to get that funded,' Bradley said. According to fiscal estimates, the cost to state revenues would be at max $10 million. The new office would require three new positions in the tourism agency and would cost about $199,300 in 2026 and $254,000 in 2027. Film stakeholders testified in favor of the bill during the hearing. Paulina Lule, a Milwaukee native and an actress who recently starred in the MGM+ series Emperor of Ocean Park and has been in other shows including The Good Place and Scandal, told lawmakers that the bill would help people who want to showcase Wisconsin as it is in real life. Lule said she has a film she has been working on called Sherman Park, which is about the neighborhood in Milwaukee. 'I have had producers who have been interested in making this film as long as I make it not in Sherman [Park],' Lule said. 'I don't want to, and so this film has sat unfilmed for 10 years.' Lule said she recently began shooting a short film version in the Milwaukee park and was proud to be able to include a shot of the neighborhood's name on a sign. She said that making films in Wisconsin would be a powerful way to promote the state and encourage people to visit. 'Show off Racine. We can show off the real Green Bay, not just the Packers. There's more to Green Bay than just the Packers as much as I love them,' Lule said. 'You're missing out on one of the broadest… ways of promoting the state is by having stories that are authentically about Wisconsin, made in Wisconsin… with actors in it that sound like they're from Wisconsin.' Michelle Maher, a River Falls movie theater owner, said that having movies filmed in the state would also provide an opportunity for local theaters. She noted that the movie Sinners, a vampire movie set in the Jim Crow South directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, was filmed on-site in Clarksville, Mississippi. 'It was a town similar to the size of the town that I live in, River Falls,' Maher said. 'Unfortunately, that town doesn't have the movie theater that I have in my town… [Coogler and Jordan] got together and said, we are going to make sure this movie shows in this town, so they brought in a crew to be able to show that movie locally to the town that it was filmed at. What if there was a movie filmed in River Falls? Not only would I have a huge premiere for a regional area, I would have an annual event built in that would generate huge tourism opportunities and other ways to invent and reinvent that same wheel.' Lawmakers also considered SB 256, which would declare delivery drivers for app-based companies, including Uber and Doordash, are not employees of the company for the purposes of compensation insurance, minimum wage laws and unemployment insurance. The bill would allow 'portable benefits' for those workers. Bradley, the coauthor of the proposal, said the legislation is needed so that companies can provide benefits to workers without changing their 'independent contractor' status. Under this type of benefit system, accounts are linked to a worker rather than the employer, meaning the benefits follow workers to other employment opportunities, and companies and workers would both be able to contribute. 'The gig economy is here to stay, and with it, the flexibility that many workers value and desire,' Bradley said. 'Unfortunately, current laws prevent drivers from accessing crucial benefits. These include health care, paid leave and retirement savings. That's the problem SB 256 aims to address. This legislation creates portable benefit accounts funded through contributions from the platforms based on drivers' earnings. These accounts can be used by drivers to pay for a range of expenses, including health care, retirement, or coverage of loss of wages due to illness or an accident.' Lawmakers have considered the proposal before, including last session. The bill passed the Senate but never came up for a vote in the Assembly. The bill specifies that if an app-based delivery company doesn't prescribe dates, times of day or a minimum number of hours during which someone must work; terminate the contract of the driver for not accepting a specific request for transportation or delivery service request; allow drivers to work for other companies; or restrict the driver from working in any other lawful occupation or business, then a driver is not considered an employee or agent of the company. 'Previous versions of this legislation have garnered bipartisan support, and that support is only growing,' Bradley said. 'It's time we modernize our policies to meet the realities faced by thousands of Wisconsin workers.' Sen. Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) said he found it 'embarrassing, disappointing' that the committee was considering the proposal. He said there is an 'independent contractor travesty in this country.' 'As an independent contractor, these workers know what they're signing up for,' Rep. Alex Dallman (R-Markesan) said. 'They understand that they're on an independent contractor basis. They understand that they want to remain independent contractors.' Katie Franger, public affairs manager for Uber, told lawmakers that flexibility is the 'fundamental reason' people choose the company's platform for work. She said that the legislation would fit with this by allowing workers to have flexibility in benefits as well. 'Portable benefits allow each individual to choose what truly matters to them, ensuring resources are directed where they're most needed,' Franger said. When Smith asked about why they couldn't provide the benefits already, Addison DiSesa, legislative policy advisor for DoorDash, said 'providing the benefits proactively jeopardizes the independence of these workers' and that the bill 'empowers workers to get access to the benefits that they want while protecting their independence.' Maliki Krieski, a Ripon mother and Doordash worker, told lawmakers that she supports the bill because she wants to keep the flexibility that is part of the work currently. She said it allows her to take care of her child, who has diabetes. 'Our state system is outdated…,' Krieski said. 'The one thing that stands between us and any form of health care incentive, retirement plan… The only thing that stands between us and that is the state law.' Stephanie Bloomingdale, president for the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, cautioned that the bill seeks to create an exemption to current law and could be harmful to workers, who depending on the situation might qualify for certain benefits. She also pointed out that it doesn't require companies to provide access to any benefits. 'It exempts app-based delivery drivers from settled Wisconsin law concerning our workers compensation, minimum wage and unemployment insurance laws,' Bloomingdale said. Bloomingdale noted that to be considered an 'independent contractor,' when it comes to worker's compensation, workers have to meet a nine-part test, otherwise a worker is automatically considered an employee. The bill would replace this with the four-part test, which she said would be quite 'minimal.' She noted that depending on the situation some workers could potentially qualify for worker's compensation. A legislative council representative explained that 'the default is that you're an employee, and then there's a nine factored test and that leads to a determination that you might be an independent contractor.' The bill, he said, would implement a 'route that's more streamlined for these app-based drivers.' 'We oppose the bill because it does not guarantee any more or less flexibility for workers. It does not guarantee good wages and it does not guarantee benefits for workers in the gig economy. It does none of these things because the bill eliminates employee status for these workers and all the rights that come with that status,' Bloomingdale said. 'The bill does not guarantee or require that these tech giants provide any benefits, portable or fixed.' Bloomingdale said the bill would instead just 'create special exemption for these powerful corporations at the expense of Wisconsin's working men and women' and called the bill a 'slippery slope.' 'If this bill passes, we will be back here as those who do the bidding on international corporations come to this legislative body to similarly carve out a certain class of workers to evade state law and reclassify each group of workers one by one,' Bloomingdale said. 'If these companies succeed in passing this bill, their low-pay, no-protection business model could expand in virtually every industry.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Culver's Donating up to $100,000 to Agricultural Support Organizations as "Green and Gold" Makes Streaming Debut
Movie starring Craig T. Nelson and sponsored by Culver's now on streaming platforms PRAIRIE DU SAC, Wis., April 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- After sponsoring the theatrical release of the acclaimed movie "Green and Gold," Culver's is now pledging additional support for the agricultural community to celebrate its streaming debut. The Wisconsin-based restaurant chain has announced a donation of $1 per stream of the film up to $100,000, with funds benefiting three organizations that work to support family farmers and agriculture education. Culver's will be donating $1 per rental and early digital purchase of the film (up to a total of $100,000) to three organizations: Farmer Angel Network, the Farm Foundation-led Farm Family Wellness Alliance and FFA. Each organization provides crucial programming and assistance for farmers and the next generation of leaders in agriculture. With the donations, Culver's aims to continue spotlighting the irreplaceable role of farmers and agriculture in the world while providing them with resources that help them achieve success. "Culver's has always had a heart for agriculture, and 'Green and Gold' tells the story of so many of the hardworking, dedicated family farmers responsible for feeding our guests at Culver's and people everywhere," said Alison Demmer, Culver's senior marketing and public relations manager. "It's been an honor to help shine light on the unique experience of the farming community through this movie, and we're proud to support three organizations doing incredible work to uplift farmers around the country." Directed by Anders Lindwall and filmed in Door County, Wisconsin, "Green and Gold" follows the heartfelt story of a Wisconsin dairy farmer named Buck (Craig T. Nelson) and explores the topics of family, pursuing dreams, overcoming hardship and taking risks—including a major bet on the 1993 Green Bay Packers. The film is available for early digital purchase now through April 14 on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Apple TV, Fandango at Home and Google Play. Beginning April 15, "Green and Gold" will be available for rental and digital purchase on platforms everywhere. To learn more about "Green and Gold," visit To learn more about Culver's commitment to supporting the agricultural community and advancing the future of agriculture through the Thank You Farmers® Project, visit About Culver's:For over 40 years, Culver's guests have been treated to cooked-to-order food made with farm-fresh ingredients and served with a smile. The ever-expanding franchise system now numbers over 1,000 family-owned and operated restaurants in 26 states. The restaurants' nationally recognized customer service is based on small-town, Midwestern values, genuine friendliness and an unwavering commitment to quality. Signature items include the award-winning ButterBurger, made from fresh, never frozen beef, and Fresh Frozen Custard, including the famous Flavor of the Day program. For more information, visit or connect with Culver's on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. CONTACTNathan Dupontndupont@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Culver's Sign in to access your portfolio
BBC News
08-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Seabrook, Haffar & Logan to leave Northampton Saints
Northampton Saints trio Tom Seabrook, Tarek Haffar and Reuben Logan will leave the club at the end of the Seabrook, 26, has made 28 appearances since signing from Gloucester in the summer of 2023, scoring 15 tries including a hat-trick in a victory over Munster in Haffar has played 24 times since his move from London Irish, and back-rower Logan, 19, has made two senior appearances for the the son of BBC Sport presenter Gabby and her husband Kenny, a former Scotland international, is set to join Sale., external"All three players have made valuable contributions across their two seasons at Saints, both during our title-winning campaign last year, and also this term as well," said director of rugby Phil Dowson."We thank them for all their efforts in a Black, Green and Gold jersey so far, and when the time comes in the summer for them to move on, we'll give them a proper send-off."But for now they are firmly focused on putting their best foot forward for the team to be successful again this season."
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Josh Tongue laps up moment to impress England as Nottinghamshire beat Durham
Josh Tongue put himself firmly in the England frame on a belated Nottinghamshire debut as his five-wicket haul secured a Rothesay County Championship victory over Durham. Tongue's Nottinghamshire baptism was delayed by a full season because of injuries following his 2023 move from Worcestershire, with a pectoral problem the main issue. But with bowling trio Mark Wood, Olly Stone and Brydon Carse sidelined by injuries, Tongue made the most of his first opportunity this season to impress the England selectors. It's all gone Josh Tongue 💚💛#NOTvDUR — Nottinghamshire CCC (@TrentBridge) April 7, 2025 Tongue, who made a career-best 55 with the bat in Nottinghamshire's first innings, took five for 66. A devastating final spell claimed four wickets in 12 deliveries, including the vital scalp of Graham Clark for 62, from a ball right at the end of its 80-over match lifespan. Colin Ackermann, the South African-born Netherlands international, made 124 to go with his first-innings 116 as Durham, 201 behind on first innings, sought to salvage a Trent Bridge draw. Durham lost their last five wickets for 21 runs, leaving Nottinghamshire needing 89 to win from 40 overs remaining in the match. 📹 Josh Tongue bags his second consecutive double-wicket over to claim his first five-fer in Green and Gold. Raine is bowled for nought before centurion Ackermann is lbw. Durham are 280-9, leading by 79.#NOTvDUR | 📺 — Nottinghamshire CCC (@TrentBridge) April 7, 2025 Skipper Haseeb Hameed (39 not out ) and Joe Clarke 35 (not out) shared an unbroken partnership of 50 as Nottinghamshire reached their target in 17.1 overs. Surrey's bid for a fourth successive title started with a draw against Essex at Chelmsford. Essex enjoyed the better of the game after making 582 for six declared and forcing the champions to follow on. Surrey resumed on nine without loss and 208 runs adrift on day four, and dug in to avoid defeat after two wickets in seven balls early on gave Essex brief hopes of victory. We shake hands with Surrey 219/6. 🤝 We take 11 points from the opening match of the 2025 season. 🤎 | #SurreyCricket — Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) April 7, 2025 Dom Sibley (66) and Ben Foakes (50) provided the backbone to Surrey's resistance, the pair putting on a painstaking 101 in 41 overs. Former England opener Sibley faced 221 balls in his innings before falling to Noah Thain just after tea. Foakes completed his second fifty of the match after making 92 in the first innings and Surrey finished on 219 for six.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Shea Langeliers' two-run home run
Athletics' Rooker blasts two-run homer in third inning vs. Cubs Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker hit a two-run home run in the third inning to get the Green and Gold on the board against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday afternoon at Sutter Health Rooker blasts two-run homer in third inning vs. Cubs originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area 0:30 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
