My name is Evan Luzi, and I am a resident of Fairfax County. I work in Virginia’s film and television production industry as a camera operator and am writing today in support of budget amendment Item 101 #2s, an increase to the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund. Thank you for including an increase to the grant in your proposed budget! I ask that you please consider the Senate's proposed $2.5 budget amendment as a stopgap to support the Virginia film industry and its workforce. The House version of the amendment, item 101 #1h, fulfills a past production obligation. The Senate version provides funds to incentivize production coming to the Commonwealth. The current incentive program is depleted until 2026 according to the Virginia Film Office, as all the tax credits and grant money have been allotted to work that has already occurred. I, and several of my colleagues, must figure out other means of income and health insurance that our work provides. As a constituent, I urge you to support budget amendment 101 #2s as a stop gap to increase funds to support the film and television industry. As a film industry professional, my livelihood depends on these incentives. Without the incentives, the film industry will not come to Virginia. Without a stop gap, the Virginia film workforce that took several years to develop, will not be able to sustain. Thank you for your time and consideration.

As a resident of Chesapeake and a Screen Actors Guild member , I'm asking you to support any and all film industry efforts in Virginia. As you know, numerous entertainers have been bread and born right here in Virginia; however, they are forced to leave the area because the opportunities are slim to none. Local actors, like me, are missing out on numerous opportunities and Virginia is missing out on increased revenue. Please do your part to turn this around.

I'm Rachel Atkinson, a resident of the City of Richmond, and writing in support of budget amendment 101 #2s in HB1600. As a film production professional, my livelihood depends on film productions coming to Virginia. The unfortunate truth is that while our Commonwealth provides wonderful locations and a strong crew base, most other states have incentives for luring productions. We know productions provide jobs and revenue. Productions spend millions on salaries, rentals, housing, food services, and many other supporting industries. Additionally, each paycheck to a crew member like me has VA state taxes withheld. Without a paycheck, I'm also cutting back on all my expenses that support our local and state economy. We need this stop-gap measure to increase the Governor's Motion Picture Opportunity fund - amendment 101 #2s - in order to keep this vital industry competitive and to keep constituents like me contributing to our economy. Seems win-win to me. Thank you.

My name is Jeanne Bishop, I'm a resident of Henrico County. I work in Virginia's film and television production in the Costume Dept. as a Costumer. I strongly support Budget amendment Item 101 #2s in HB1600. This increase to the Governer's Motion Picture Opportunity Fund is a vital stopgap to increase funds to bringing productions back to Virginia and our film crew workers and vendors across the state. The House version of the amendment, item 101 #1h, fulfills a past production obligation. The Senate version provides funds to incentivize production coming to Virginia. The current incentive program is depleted until 2026 according to the Virginia Film Office. All the tax credits and grant money has been to work thats already been done. As a constituent I urge you to help keep our industry continue bringing good paying jobs, health insurance benefits to our Virginia film workers and revenue to the many local businesses we make a point of using during production. Thank you for your time, All the best to you and the Commonwealth Jeanne Bishop

Good Morning - My name is Susan Sutphin and I am an Art Department Coordinator in television and film in Chesterfield County VA. I am reaching out today in support of budget amendment Item 101 #2s, an increase to the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund. We appreciate that this amount has been included into the budget this session. We ask that you please consider the Senate's proposed $2.5 budget amendment as a stopgap to support the Virginia film industry and its workforce. The House version of the amendment, item 101 #1h, fulfills a past production obligation which would keep our coffers at $0. The Senate version provides and amount that will fund new production coming to the Commonwealth. I, and several of my colleagues, must figure out other means of income and health insurance that our work provides. As a constituent, I urge you to support budget amendment 101 #2s as a stop gap to increase funds to support the film and television industry. As a film industry professionals, my husband and I both have livelihoods dependent on this grant. Without the GMPOF, the film industry will not come to Virginia. Without a stop gap, the Virginia film workforce that took several years to develop, will not be able to sustain. Thank you for your time and consideration. ~ The Sutphins

My name is Max Fischer, and I am a resident of the City of Richmond. I work in Virginia’s film and television production industry as a Cinematographer, and am writing today in support of budget amendment Item 101 #2s, an increase to the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund. Thank you for including an increase to the grant in your proposed budget! I ask that you please consider the Senate's proposed $2.5 budget amendment as a stopgap to support the Virginia film industry and its workforce. The House version of the amendment, item 101 #1h, fulfills a past production obligation. The Senate version provides funds to incentivize production coming to the Commonwealth. The current incentive program is depleted until 2026 according to the Virginia Film Office, as all the tax credits and grant money have been allotted to work that has already occurred. I, and several of my colleagues, must figure out other means of income and health insurance that our work provides. As a constituent, I urge you to support budget amendment 101 #2s as a stop gap to increase funds to support the film and television industry. As a film industry professional, my livelihood depends on these incentives. Without the incentives, the film industry will not come to Virginia. Without a stop gap, the Virginia film workforce that took several years to develop, will not be able to sustain. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I write in support of increased funding for the Governor's Motion Picture Opportunity Fund. I am the current President of the Virginia Production Alliance. We champion film and television industry growth in Virginia. This industry supports thousands of jobs and an increasing number of Virginia business. Increasing this funding will only encourage growth in jobs and business opportunities in our Commonwealth.

Resident of Fairfax County and Screen Actors Guild member asking you to please please please support any and all measures in support of the film industry in Virginia. We need big productions like “Lincoln” and “Harriet” filmed in this beautiful state.

I am writing in support of HB1600 and budget amendment Item 101 #2s to increase funding for the film and television industry to the Senate’s proposed amount of $2.5 million. This urgent action is needed to keep film jobs in Virginia and strengthen the film industry in our great state. According to the Virginia Film Office, Virginia currently has no film incentive funding available until 2026 since all of the tax credits have been allotted to work that has already occured. The current lack of tax incentives means that film productions are moving to nearby states like Maryland and North Carolina. We have several major productions interested in filming here soon – productions that would create thousands of jobs in every corner of the Commonwealth. Without competitive incentives, these opportunities will elect to go elsewhere. Productions are making decisions now about where to film in 2025 and 2026. With your support, we can bring these jobs and investments to Virginia communities. On a personal note, members of my household have worked on acclaimed projects such as Loving, Homeland, Good Lord Bird, Dopesick and Swagger. We are not millionaire producers or executives. We are hard-working Virginians who prefer to work here rather travelling to neighboring states where film projects are more readily available. Making Virginia's film industry stronger will help fellow residents like me and my family while also boosting our economy. As a life-long Virginia resident and constituent, I thank you for your consideration.

As a lifelong Virginia resident working in film I support HB 1600. Thank you for your consideration.

Hello. I am a Virginia resident and a member of the film industry in the DMV area. I am writing to support for Budget Amendment 101 #2s to increase funding for the film and television industry to the Senate’s proposed amount of $2.5 million. We need more jobs here in VA and are losing out time and time again in the Southeast to Atlanta. To secure the most impactful investment in Virginia’s film industry, I urge support the higher funding allocation of $2.5 million with Budget Amendment 101 #2 to the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund (while a similar allocation is in the House, the Senate's proposal could help attract a new production to Virginia, whereas the House’s allocation would only cover an obligation to a past production.) Thank you.

My name is Jhonny Taylor, and I am a resident of Henrico. I work in Virginia’s film and television production industry as a Craft Services member, and am writing today in support of budget amendment Item 101 #2s, an increase to the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund. Thank you for including an increase to the grant in your proposed budget! I ask that you please consider the Senate's proposed $2.5 budget amendment as a stopgap to support the Virginia film industry and its workforce. The House version of the amendment, item 101 #1h, fulfills a past production obligation. The Senate version provides funds to incentivize production coming to the Commonwealth. The current incentive program is depleted until 2026 according to the Virginia Film Office, as all the tax credits and grant money have been allotted to work that has already occurred. I, and several of my colleagues, must figure out other means of income and health insurance that our work provides. As a constituent, I urge you to support budget amendment 101 #2s as a stop gap to increase funds to support the film and television industry. As a film industry professional, my livelihood depends on these incentives. Without the incentives, the film industry will not come to Virginia. Without a stop gap, the Virginia film workforce that took several years to develop, will not be able to sustain. Thank you for your time and consideration.

My name is Paul W. Thomas, and I am a resident of PowhatanCounty. I work in Virginia’s film and television production industry as a career Lighting Technician. I'm writing today in support of budget amendment Items  HB1600 ans SB800, an increase to the Governor’s Motion Fund. Without these funds, the industry, we've worked so hard and sacrificed so much to build and make a success, will not survive. The impressive list of award winning movies and television programs filmed in the great Commonwealth of Virginia were made by crews of mostly Virginia residents. All of us want to continue to build this industry in the place we love and call home. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely Paul W. Thomas

My name is Paul W. Thomas, and I am a resident of PowhatanCounty. I work in Virginia’s film and television production industry as a career Lighting Technician. I'm writing today in support of budget amendment Item HB1600, an increase to the Governor’s Motion Fund. Without these funds, the industry, we've worked so hard and sacrificed so much to build and make a success, will not survive. The impressive list of award winning movies and television programs filmed in the great Commonwealth of Virginia were made by crews of mostly Virginia residents. All of us want to continue to build this industry in the place we love and call home. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely Paul W. Thomas

Hello - my name is John Christian Druitt, and I am a resident of Fairfax County. I work in Virginia’s film and television production industry as a gaffer and union grip (lighting department), and am writing today in support of budget amendment Item 101 #2s, an increase to the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund. Thank you for including an increase to the grant in your proposed budget! I ask that you please consider the Senate's proposed $2.5 budget amendment as a stopgap to support the Virginia film industry and its workforce. The House version of the amendment, item 101 #1h, fulfills a past production obligation. The Senate version provides funds to incentivize production coming to the Commonwealth. There are producers in L.A. who have told confidants of mine, that they will take their productions wherever it makes sense to do so - and who want to avoid the overcrowded and expensive L.A. production market. These producers command vast production budgets to be spent on local labor, food, housing, building materials, transportation and fuel, equipment rental, and more. There is real money ready to be injected into our local economy in the near future. And we would be leaving all of that money on the table without addressing production incentives. The current incentive program is depleted until 2026 according to the Virginia Film Office, as all the tax credits and grant money have been allotted to work that has already occurred. I, and several of my colleagues, must figure out other means of income and health insurance that our work provides. We have a small army of experienced industry professionals with the knowledge, tools, and connections to attract larger productions to our area and greatly boost our local economies! But many of my colleagues are considering picking up and leaving for places like Atlanta, GA. We have a real chance to remain competitive to some degree - but if only past obligations are fulfilled, and production here is not further incentivized until 2026 or later - we will lose much of our local network and production infrastructure, and thus close ourselves off to further economic opportunities in 2026 and beyond. As a constituent, I urge you to support budget amendment 101 #2s as a stop gap to increase funds to support the film and television industry. As a film industry professional, my livelihood depends on these incentives. Without the incentives, the film industry will not come to Virginia. Without a stop gap, the Virginia film workforce that took several years to develop, will not be able to sustain. Thank you for your time and consideration.

My name is Somer Mojica, and I am a resident of the city of Richmond. I work in Virginia’s film and television production industry as a camera assistant, and am writing today in support of budget amendment Item 101 #2s, an increase to the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund. Thank you for including an increase to the grant in your proposed budget! I ask that you please consider the Senate's proposed $2.5 budget amendment as a stopgap to support the Virginia film industry and its workforce. The House version of the amendment, item 101 #1h, fulfills a past production obligation. The Senate version provides funds to incentivize production coming to the Commonwealth. The current incentive program is depleted until 2026 according to the Virginia Film Office, as all the tax credits and grant money have been allotted to work that has already occurred. I, and several of my colleagues, must figure out other means of income and health insurance that our work provides. As a constituent, I urge you to support budget amendment 101 #2s as a stop gap to increase funds to support the film and television industry. As a film industry professional, my livelihood depends on these incentives. Without the incentives, the film industry will not come to Virginia. Without a stop gap, the Virginia film workforce that took several years to develop, will not be able to sustain. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I strongly support HB1600 and SB800, both of which have inclusions to incentivize film production in the state of Virginia. Please consider supporting this much-needed funding. There are many dedicated , highly skilled workers across the state who will suffer if they have to wait until 2026 to (possibly) reignite our film industry. Thank you.

I support these budget bills that will help bring business to the commonwealth. The added budget will allow more films to come in to Virginia and also help with more jobs and increased revenue across the state.

My name is Alicia Ayoub, and I am a resident of the City of Richmond. I work in the Locations Department of Virginia’s film and television production industry, and am writing today in support of budget amendment Item 101 #2s, an increase to the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund. Thank you for including an increase to the grant in your proposed budget! I ask that you please consider the Senate's proposed $2.5 budget amendment as a stopgap to support the Virginia film industry and its workforce. The House version of the amendment, item 101 #1h, fulfills a past production obligation. The Senate version provides funds to incentivize production coming to the Commonwealth. The current incentive program is depleted until 2026 according to the Virginia Film Office, as all the tax credits and grant money have been allotted to work that has already occurred. I, and several of my colleagues, must figure out other means of income and health insurance that our work provides. As a constituent, I urge you to support budget amendment 101 #2s as a stop gap to increase funds to support the film and television industry. As a film industry professional, my livelihood depends on these incentives. Without the incentives, the film industry will not come to Virginia. Without a stop gap, the Virginia film workforce that took several years to develop, will not be able to sustain. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I strongly support HB1600, Item 315 #1h. A funded registry would provide crucial data to help researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers better understand the prevalence and impact of dementia across the state. By improving data collection, we can enhance early detection, support services, and resource allocation, ultimately leading to better care for individuals and families affected by dementia. This initiative is a vital step in addressing the growing public health challenge posed by dementia and ensuring that Virginia remains proactive in supporting its aging population.

Please support item HB1600, Item 315 #1h "The Virginia Memory Project"

See Attached Letter in support of HB1600 Item 315 #1h "The Virginia Memory Project"

The Virginia Memory Project is a critical resource for all Virginians, especially in light of the looming age-related dementia wave and the underfunded and under-appreciated health care associated with an aging population.

Support the Virginia Memory Project. As someone deeply involved with education for the elderly I am well aware of the threat ADRD pose to an aging population. The Virginia Memory project is a critical tool to help understand the extent of that threat and to help meet it effectively.

I urge you to support the VMP. Fueled by our aging population, we are seeing a huge upswing of dementia cases in the state. Policymakers at all levels of government in Virginia need data — consistent, trustworthy, and comprehensive data, to make effective plans for managing downstream issues around caring for and managing the wave of new dementia cases we expect in the next few years. As a single repository consolidating siloed data sources, the VMP is uniquely situated to make these data available to all decision makers throughout the state. Please support and fund the VMP.

January 29, 2025 Respected Legislators: I am writing to state my utmost support for passage of the 2025 Virginia House of Delegates Bill HB1600, Item 315 #1h. I am most hopeful that passage of this bill will provide critical operating funds for the Virginia Memory Project (VMP). To be sure, the VMP is a population-based, statewide Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) registry, 1 of 4 in the nation. Benefits are multiple, first as a means of examining ADRD distribution and determinants, and second by offering crucial insights on unmet needs for purposes of planning of medical and social services, examining ADRD-related socio-demographic disparities, and supporting ADRD research. Moreover, the VMP goes above and beyond the ‘usual’ registry” functions noted above. In its intentional design to allow self-reporting by ADRD caregivers and persons with undiagnosed cognition issues, it gives voice to constituencies that would otherwise be overlooked. These are people whose needs and suffering cannot be ignored. With its linkages to education, support, and access to care, the VMP is of immediate benefit and help to its enrollees, thereby becoming the first and only “ADRD registry with a heart”. With the emergence over this past year of promising therapeutic innovations wherein earlier diagnosis is crucial to best outcomes, the VMP holds promise for helping Virginians benefit from these scientific advances. The VMP offers further, less tangible, but nonetheless valuable benefits. First, under the leadership of the VMP’s director, Dr Annie Rhodes, the VMP has achieved national recognition through publication of its accomplishments in Alzheimer’s and Dementia, one of the 3 top scientific journals in Dementia studies. This accomplishment, which required competitive and critical review of dementia experts, brings credit to our State and its institutions. Second, the VMP has become a forum wherein stakeholders of diverse personal and professional backgrounds can come together to exchange ideas, derive energy, and present a untied front in the battle to provide best practice care and services to persons with ADRD and those who care about and love them. As you can tell from my comments, I am passionate about the VMP. To be sure, national and statewide data on ADRD incidence, prevalence, and cost is chilling. More personally, as a Geriatrician, I have cared for many Virginia patients and families with ADRD. I thus have seen over and over the suffering these devastating disorders inflict. I see the VMP as a leader and a cutting edge innovation in Virginia’s battle against ADRD. Although there is excellent return on investment, the VMP needs monetary support-for staff, consultants, infrastructure for data entry and management, structures and processes to ensure accuracy and confidentiality, and the capacity to generate accurate and timely reports. That such support would be forthcoming for the VMP via HB 1600, Item 315 #1h would indeed be a huge win for this Commonwealth. Sincerely, Daniel Bluestein MD, MS, CMD-R, AGSF-R, Certificate Added Qualifications-Geriatrics Adjunct Professor, Virginia Geriatric Education Center/Virginia Center on Aging Virginia Commonwealth University College of Health Professions Professor Emeritus Department of Family & Community Medicine Eastern Virginia Medical School

Comments Document

Please support the VMP! It's important to me that people with degenerative brain diseases in Virginia get the help and funding they need.

Comments Document

Item 315 #1h, The Virginia Memory Project, is very important to me because dementia runs on both sides of my family and I’m watching it take both of my grandmothers. I want to be able to stop it before it takes too much of my mom. Attachment: VMP overview document

am reaching out to share an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by neurodegenerative disorders in Virginia. The Virginia Memory Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing critical services, support, and resources to those living with conditions like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other memory-related illnesses, as well as their caregivers. The Virginia Memory Project is currently seeking $150,000 to fund a groundbreaking initiative that will: Track critical data to inform policy decisions and improve healthcare systems. Project future healthcare demands to ensure resources are allocated effectively. Deliver enhanced support services to improve outcomes for patients and caregivers alike. This funding will enable the organization to create a lasting impact by addressing the growing need for specialized care and support in our community. With neurodegenerative disorders on the rise, the work of the Virginia Memory Project is more important than ever. By contributing to this effort, you will be helping to: Empower caregivers with the tools and resources they need to provide the best possible care. Advocate for policy changes that prioritize the needs of those affected by memory disorders. Improve quality of life for individuals and families navigating these challenging conditions. Every dollar raised will go directly toward supporting this vital work. Together, we can ensure that no one faces the challenges of neurodegenerative disorders alone. Thank you for considering this opportunity to support a cause that touches so many lives in our community. Your generosity will help create a brighter future for those affected by memory disorders and their caregivers. With gratitude, Catherine Rhodes

Please support HB1600, item 315#1, as the dementia Registry allows the Commonwealth to fight dementia in a more effective way.

Please keep this amendment it provides the VRS $138,500 from the nongeneral fund pursuant to the passage of House Bill 1563 which adds local E-911 dispatchers on the list of local employees eligible to receive enhanced retirement benefits. The localities would have the option of electing to make the enhanced benefit retroactive or just prospective. A 911 Dispatcher can Job performance can vastly affect the safety of members of the public and other employees that could diminish with age. A JLARC from Oct 2023 study showed that 911 Dispatchers have the same level of public safety responsibility as State Troopers, Local Police, Deputy Sheriff’s, Capital Police Officers, Firefighters, EMT’s, and Jail staff.