TRENTON, New Jersey (AP) — MTV’s reality show "Jersey
Shore" won’t get a tax break from New Jersey because Gov. Chris Christie
says the show hurts the state’s image.
Christie on Monday blocked
a $420,000 film credit that was approved for the show last week by the
state Economic Development Authority.
The money was supposed to cover production costs for the hit reality series’ inaugural 2009 season.
Christie
suspended the film tax credit program in 2010 to close a budget
deficit, but the 2009 season still qualified for the credit.
"I
have no interest in policing the content of such projects," Christie
said in a statement. "However, as chief executive I am duty-bound to
ensure that taxpayers are not footing a $420,000 bill for a project
which does nothing more than perpetuate misconceptions about the State
and its citizens."
The show’s production company, 495 Productions,
based in Burbank, California, declined to comment. MTV spokeswoman
Noelle Llewellyn said she wouldn’t comment on the tax issue but wanted
to reassure the show’s fans. "’Jersey Shore’ itself will not be
affected," she said.
The Italian-American themed show centers on
the cast living and partying along the beach and boardwalk in Seaside
Heights. "Jersey Shore" has made stars of its cast — 20-somethings with
nicknames like Snooki and The Situation — and tourist destinations of
their haunts. But it’s been bashed by officials who are sensitive about
New Jersey’s image since it debuted nearly two years ago.
Lawmakers
have expressed outrage about the credit since the Statehouse Bureau of
The Star-Ledger of Newark and The Record newspapers first reported on it
earlier this month.
But New Jersey Policy Perspective, a liberal
think-tank, says some of the anger may be misplaced: The group says
other businesses are getting millions in tax credits through the
Economic Development Authority and aren’t necessarily bringing jobs to
the state in return.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.