U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) reintroduced the Promoting Local Arts and Creative Economy Workforce (PLACE) Act, legislation that would support workers and small businesses in creative industries by increasing federal resources and expanding federal benefits for those using creativity and skill in their employment.
"Creative workers support local arts and innovation, help different cultures tell their stories and bring people together as a society," Schatz said in a Feb. 2 Facebook post. "We need to invest in the work they do and help their industries thrive. That's why I'm introducing legislation to increase federal resources and expand federal benefits for workers in these fields. Our bill will support creative workers while creating jobs, helping small businesses and growing our economy."
The creative economy adds $919.7 billion a year to the nation's Gross Domestic Product, as of 2019, according to Schatz's website.
"We applaud the introduction of the PLACE Act, which will help restore tax fairness for hard-working, middle-class creative professionals, including members of DPE's affiliate unions in the arts and entertainment industries, by updating the Qualified Performing Artist deduction," Jennifer Dorning, president of the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO, said, according to Schatz's website.
The PLACE Act supports job creation through creative economy wage subsidy and apprenticeship grants.
The PLACE Act is supported by Paliku Theatre, Hawaii Thespians, Maui Academy of Performing Arts, Maui Community Theater, Maui Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, The Actors' Group, Olelo Community Media, Akaku Maui Community Media, Hoike Kauai Community Television, Etsy, eBay and many more.
"The PLACE Act will open doors and channel more investments at the local and national level for America's creative entrepreneurs," Jeffrey Zubricki, head of Americas Public Policy and Advocacy at Etsy, told Schatz's website.