A Department of Revenue report showing the state loses 84 cents for every dollar spent on tax credits for the movie industry was not the forceful rebuke it has been portrayed to be by critics of the credits, according to Rep. Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). "What we have done in Massachusetts is create the embryonic film industry that has had almost 2,000 jobs created over the last 3 years," he said.

Mariano, who is hoping that several movie soundstages will be built in his district over the summer, said the report highlighted the importance of investing in a permanent infrastructure for the industry. "This is the logical extension," he said, speaking on behalf of a bill (H 2826) he said would allow the film industry to "expand at a greater and faster rate" in Massachusetts.

Critics have argued that tax credits simply subsidize the salaries of wealthy movie stars, are unaffordable at a time of deep cuts in human services, and that film industry executives will pick up and move to whichever state offers the most lucrative credits, regardless of the permanent infrastructure.