April 2, 2013
* PLEASE feel free to ask questions, thanks!
"Dear Texas music industry professional:
I am Terry Lickona, producer for the past 36 years of the PBS program
"Austin City Limits", but today I am writing solely as a Texan working
in the music industry. I ask that you contact your state legislator in
support of 3 bills critical to the growth and vitality of Texas music.
Senate Bill 1179, introduced by Sen. Deuell
relating to a reduction in the mixed beverage tax for certain venues that present live music; authorizing a fee.
Senate Bill 1498, introduced by Sen. Deuell
relating to a sales tax exemption for certain items sold to or used by certain venues that present live music.
"House Bill 3095, introduced by Rep. Strama (which combines SB 1498 and SB 1179)
relating to a reduction in the mixed beverage tax for certain venues that present live music; authorizing a fee.
The recording industry has decreased nearly 60 percent since 1999,
leaving musicians and music businesses with less opportunities for
income. Live music has since emerged as the industry’s primary business
driver. There are several financial barriers that venue owners such as
nightclubs, dancehalls, restaurants and bars face in presenting live
music, including start-up costs, high taxes and copyright fees.
Currently there are no incentives by law for presenting live music.
The intent of these bills is to create an incentive for venues to book
more live music, thus contributing to the economy and culture of our
state. These bills will also boost sales of sound and lighting equipment
and the associated labor used to present live music. They will cut in
half the TABC tax on music venue alcohol sales if a venue presents live
music four or more times each week. They will amend the exemption
authorized by Section 151.3185 of the tax code for producers of audio
recordings to include an exemption for these venues that present live
music 4 or more times a week, and exempt them from paying sales tax on
certain items related to the performance of live music such as sound and
lighting equipment and labor related to music-related equipment or
materials including sound mitigation.
I urge you to contact your legislator to express support for these
bills.
To find out your representative's and senator's phone number, go
to
http://www.capitol.state.tx.
Thanks for your time.
Sincerely,
Terry Lickona