Read more: State, Politics, Business
SPRINGFIELD, ILL. (AP) -- From Chicago, it's the "Oprah Winfrey Show," brought to you with a little help from Illinois taxpayers.
A measure advancing at the state Capitol could make that a reality this year.
Some Chicago Democrats are pushing to expand a tax break for movie productions filming in Illinois to include talk shows that spend at least $5 million on their productions here.
That would include shows like Oprah's and Jerry Springer's that already film here and any other big-budget shows looking to start up or relocate in the Windy City or elsewhere.
Supporters say the goal is to encourage development in a weak economy and bring longer-lasting jobs than temporary film employment.
But critics say Illinois would benefit more from putting that money into other tax credits or key needs such as education funding and infrastructure improvements.
(Copyright ©2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
