‘Jersey Shore’ tax credit approved; NJ taxpayers angry they’re paying for Snooki, The Situation
Lukas I. Alpert, DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
It's a situation sure to irk New Jersey taxpayers.
The state Economic Development Authority has approved covering a $420,000 tax credit for production costs from the "Jersey Shore's" first season.
That means tax dollars will be used to offset the cost of all the club hopping, fist-pumping and fake tanning from the hit reality show's 2009 season.
The irony that New Jersey residents will be forced to foot the bill for a show that many view as an affront to the state's self-image is not lost on some.
"I can't believe we are paying for fake tanning for 'Snooki' and 'The Situation', and I am not even sure $420,000 covers that," Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon told The Star-Ledger of Newark.
Gov. Chris Christie's office said, while Christie doesn't like the show and opposed the tax credit, he has no control over the authority's decision.
The show centers on the cast living it up along the beach and boardwalk in Seaside Heights, N.J.
Seaside Heights Mayor P. Kenneth Hershey said he was in favor of the tax credit because the production's presence in town gives a big boost to the local economy.