Newsom capitalizes on abortion sanctuary state status to lure film and TV projects back to California

California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom is using an extension of state tax credits for film and television production in an attempt to entice those businesses back from states that are imposing restrictions on abortion.

Newsom wrote in a paid political advertisement Wednesday, ''Over the past several years, the legislatures of states like Georgia and Oklahoma have waged a cruel assault on essential rights. Now in the wake of the Supreme Court's abhorrent decision overturning Roe v. Wade, those same states are quickly moving to stop reproductive freedom.''

Newsom said in the ad titled "Hollywood: Your Values, Your Choice" that the states, some of which include those that businesses have fled to from California, are ''causing pain'' in the ''communities they target.''

He added that California is a "freedom state" where the industry can "tell their stories" while accessing the healthcare services they need, including abortion.

Newsom offered ''robust tax credits and other incentives'' for companies if they come to the Golden State, including a bill that, if passed, provides an extension of tax credits and incentives that were scheduled to expire in 2030.

According to Variety, the legislation could provide up to $1.65 billion in tax credits and also includes approximately $420 million in incentives to produce content and build soundstages in the state, the article said.

Newsom told the outlet, ''As other states roll back people's rights, California will continue to protect fundamental freedoms for all and welcome businesses that stand up for their employees. 'Extending this program will help ensure California's world-renowned entertainment industry continues to drive economic growth with good jobs and a diverse, inclusive workforce.''

Colleen Bell, executive director of the California Film Commission, told Variety, ''The governor's announcement today speaks to the values held by so many people across the film and TV production industry. More than ever, California offers the best value and the best values. Working in and supporting a state that violates basic freedoms is antithetical to the industry's core values. It's also bad business.''

Newsom added the Variety article in the thread and said that production companies needed ''to choose'' whether to support anti-abortion states or California's abortion freedoms.

''Today, Hollywood will wake up to this ad. Time to choose. 'You can protect your workers or continue to support anti-abortion states that rule with hatred. We're here for you. We're extending tax credits for those that come home to the Golden State. Choose freedom. Choose [California]."