OperationRedNovember

This past Wednesday, the production company of MTV's "Jersey Shore" was given a $420K tax credit.  This tax credit has angered State Senator Joe Vitale (D-Middlesex) and the National Coalition of Italian Americans.  Sen. Vitale is a supporter of tax credits for films produced in New Jersey, but is against the show getting the tax credit because he feels it depicts New Jersey negatively.  The National Coalition of Italian Americans has similar sentiments saying that the show "stereotyps Italian Americans and promotes violence." Governor Christie is also not a fan of the show, but his spokespeople stated that there was no way for the Governor to stop the tax credit request because it was made before his administration.  The law that allows film tax credits is carried out on a first come first serve basis and does not award tax credits based on the content of the film.  Meaning that the producers of "Jersey Shore" got their request in early & cannot be denied the credit based on what the show displays.

While many legislators and people in New Jersey are not fans of the show, the Mayor of Seaside Heights (the location of the show) is in favor of the tax credit because it gives large local dividends to the community.  Also Republican Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon (R-Monmouth) feels this is a great investment for taxpayers citing that the show could not have been shot anywhere else (until they went to Miami & Italy).  

Unfortunately for the show's haters, this tax credit has already been awarded so MTV will continue to make a pretty penny on the show.  At least until they find other people willing to act like there are no boundaries in life.