The Harvey Weinstein scandal in Hollywood has had an interesting impact in Texas, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
The widespread sexual misconduct by Weinstein and other Hollywood moguls has prompted State Rep. Matt Shaheen (R-Plano) to renew his call to abolish the Texas Film Commission.
"Is it appropriate for the State of Texas to take tax dollars and give it to Hollywood producers to produce movies in the State of Texas," Shaheen asked.
And he says using tax dollars for that purpose is absolutely creepy considering what the people who receive that money are accused of doing.
"It is even more inappropriate in my eyes that we would take tax money from Texans, many of whom are victims of sexual assault, and give that to Hollywood."
The Film Commission provides incentives for Hollywood producers to make movies and TV shows in the state, claiming that it is a good way to advertise Texas culture and natural beauty. Many supporters point to the side benefits of having your state showcased by a popular movie or TV show. They say tourism to Norway doubled due solely to the scenery shown on the TV series 'Vikings.'
But Shaheen says in addition to throwing money at wealthy Hollywood producers and actors, what as been referred to as 'welfare for Tom Cruise,' the impact of a movie on the Texas economy is limited, because most of the jobs film production creates are short tem jobs with no benefits.