Illinois extends tax credits to producers working in state

CHICAGO – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation extending tax credits for film production through 2026, a move he says will attract more industry jobs to the state.

The incentives, which give companies 30% tax credits on production costs and on salaries up to $100,000, were set to expire in 2021.

Dick Wolf, the producer of three television shows filmed in Chicago, was at Thursday’s bill signing and said was “vastly relieved.”

Wolf said he wants “Chicago Fire,” ”Chicago P.D.” and “Chicago Med” to be on the air as long as his earlier creations. “Law & Order” ran for 20 seasons, and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” is entering its 21st season.

Wolf said he previously told Pritzker that “if the tax credit goes, we have to go.”