Senator Ernie Chambers has started introducing random amendments and repeating himself as he stalls a bill to give cash rebates for film productions.

The measure passed first-round debate but is stuck in the second round.

Chambers calls the bill (LB235) an “atrocity’’ and is criticizing an amendment from Senator Danielle Nantkes.
Senators on Friday approved Nantkes’ amendment to lower an annual cap on rebates to $2.5 million, from the original $5 million. She says she’s trying to compromise, but Chambers argues that if the purpose is to help Nebraska attract films, it can’t compete with a lower cap.

The bill provides for a cash rebate of up to 25 percent of production costs for films, commercials and television programs.

By The Associated Press
Friday, Feb 01, 2008 - 01:34:49 pm CST

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COMMENTS FROM JOURNALSTAR ARE HILARIOUS AND SAD

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Dano wrote on February 1, 2008 2:19 pm:
" Never thought I would say this, but ernie may actually be right for a change. Who is paying for this rebate? I surely don't want to. I am not against film or production of it, but to give back 255 of something's cost just to make it here, seems a bit agressive. I am not sure how you spend 10 million on a film, but no one is filming here now and i am not sure there is or ever will be a great demand for it. Sounds like a bad idea and I am usually for any kind of job or industry expansion. "

ReadingComprehension wrote on February 1, 2008 3:44 pm:
" Reread the article. Ernie wants the rebate to be higher which means we would eat more of the cost. "

I agree wrote on February 1, 2008 6:06 pm:
" Dano is right on the money. Nantkes is a flake - all her bills are giving away tax payer dollars "

az husker fan wrote on February 1, 2008 8:26 pm:
" Hey, when is this guy going to retire? People have been laughing at him and his antics long enough. Lets move on... "

Dave wrote on February 1, 2008 8:42 pm:
" A 25% rebate of what? "The bill provides for a cash rebate of up to 25 percent of production costs for films, commercials and television programs." Who is doing the bookkeeping? Yep, All the Hollywood blockbusters will be filmed in Nebraska. Can we all say, Little Art films, for her buds. This is totally bogus. I say Move a long. "

Hang on... wrote on February 1, 2008 10:51 pm:
" Nebraskans - this is the last year or Ernie's nonsense and he's going to be all or nothing as he attempts to attract attention to himself and feed his ego! "

Robbie K. Slein wrote on February 2, 2008 1:36 am:
" Tell me again why we need to GIVE money away to film makers when the actors earn millions? Couldn't the actors just cut their fees and that would call it good? Has every dang blasted Nebraskan lost her mind? "

Jim wrote on February 2, 2008 9:03 am:
" There's a lot more than just lack of money-based incentives going into movies not being produced here. Lincoln's overall wannabe-smalltown attitude doesn't help. For instance, ever seen a skycraper in Lincoln? No, the downtown bank doesn't count as a skycraper. There will never be one in Lincoln, because of the stupid law that says no building can overshadow the captital building. Big city atmosphere, more than anything else, contributes directly to a movie producer wanting to film on location. As long as you have non-growth people in charge, and a non-growth vocal community, this town is sunk... "