New Jersey's nixed tax credit forces Law & Order: SVU to leave the state

Yesterday, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's budget reform package was approved by a state panel and is expected to pass an upcoming vote by both houses this coming Monday. Pending the approval of the budget, New Jersey will be suspending its film and TV production tax credit, which according to estimates, provides nearly $500 million in wages annually to some 7,000 New Jersey production workers. An additional $508 million is earned annually by 3,000 small businesses who supply film and TV productions in the state.

The show has been one of the highest profile TV series based in the state for over a decade. Sets for the show are in NBC's Central Archives building in North Bergen. Due to the sudden cancellation of the original Law & Order series, space has opened at the studio in Chelsea Piers that could be the potential new home for the cast and crew. The relationship between the Piers and Law & Order has become such a staple in the filming of the original series that a road leading to Pier 62 was renamed Law & Order Way back in 2004.

Facing the elimination of the 20% tax incentive, shows in addition to SVU could become homeless as well. Many fear that SVU's exit, and potentially many others, from The Garden State will have a detrimental impact on the local filmmaking community when many of the crew members lose their jobs if the show transfers across the Hudson. Stay tuned for the important votes on Monday.