Culver statement on Film Office

Governor Chet Culver granted an interview to The Des Moines Register yesterday about the Film Office debacle. He issued this written statement late yesterdayL

“Information brought to my attention in recent days regarding the Iowa film tax credit program has prompted me to take immediate steps to protect the taxpayers of Iowa.

“My first act was to freeze state funding for this program until all questions have been resolved and adequate oversight has been resumed. In addition to this temporary suspension of the program we have dismissed the manager of the film office, and accepted the resignation of the top two employees at the Department of Economic Development. Finally, I have asked Attorney General Miller and Auditor Vaudt to help review the film tax credit program and to provide advice and recommendations on how best to proceed with the program.

“My actions are intended to protect the best interest of Iowans, and not to harm the growing film and television industry in our state. This program should continue only after we have the controls, oversight, and due diligence in place to assure that it operates properly.”