The Show Must Go On: What Hochul’s Entertainment Union Endorsements Reveal About New York’s Economic Future

The recent endorsements from three major entertainment unions - Actors’ Equity Association, IATSE, and American Federation of Musicians Local 802 - in Governor Kathy Hochul’s reelection bid demonstrate her commitment to the state’s creative economy. These unions have long recognized that a thriving arts sector is essential to New York’s economic vitality.

The Broadway tax credit, continued by Hochul in the latest state budget, has been a key factor in this endorsement. By preserving this incentive, Hochul has signaled that New York remains committed to cultivating its reputation as the entertainment capital of the world.

Hochul’s expansion of film and television tax incentives is another significant development. By increasing the cap on state subsidies to $800 million, she has adapted to changing economic realities and demonstrated a willingness to support industries in flux. This shift towards more flexible and targeted support mechanisms suggests that Hochul understands the need for New York’s economy to diversify and become more agile.

Hochul’s record on arts funding is also noteworthy. She has consistently increased state allocations for arts initiatives, promoting live arts across the state. According to Al Vincent, Jr., executive director of Actors’ Equity Association, “Governor Hochul has time and again justified our faith in her” by supporting these programs. This trend speaks to a broader democratization of culture in New York, where public funding is being used to support arts nonprofits and make creative activities more accessible.

However, this shift also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of these programs. Can Hochul’s administration ensure that increased funding for arts initiatives translates into tangible benefits for working artists? Or will these efforts perpetuate a system where a select few benefit from government largesse?

The endorsements from IATSE and Local 802 AFM highlight the importance of unionization in protecting workers’ rights within the entertainment industry. As the landscape shifts towards more precarious work arrangements, these unions are fighting to preserve fair wages, safe workplaces, and collective bargaining power.

Hochul’s relationship with organized labor will be closely watched as she navigates the complexities of economic development. Will her administration prioritize issues like COBRA premium assistance and health care benefits for union members? Or will the governor’s focus on economic growth lead to compromises that undermine these gains?

In many ways, Hochul’s endorsements from the entertainment unions represent a moment of validation for her economic strategy. She has positioned herself as a champion of the creative economy, one who understands its unique needs and challenges.

However, this focus on the entertainment industry also raises questions about the broader implications of Hochul’s policies. Is she inadvertently creating a system where certain industries are prioritized over others? Will New York’s economic future be shaped by the whims of Hollywood producers or Broadway investors rather than the needs of the state as a whole?

As Hochul prepares to face Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman and Working Families Party candidate Amy Taylor in the general election, her endorsement from the entertainment unions will undoubtedly remain a central issue. But beyond the politics, these endorsements offer a fascinating glimpse into New York’s economic future.

Will Hochul’s focus on the creative economy translate into tangible benefits for working artists? Can she balance the needs of different industries and sectors within the state? As we watch this show unfold, one thing is clear: the entertainment unions’ endorsement of Hochul represents more than just a nod to her party affiliation - it’s a vote for an economic strategy that will shape New York’s future for years to come.