Ciresi, James introduce bill to expand entertainment tax credit, attract more Broadway tour launches to Pennsylvania
Southeast Delegation July 22, 2026 | 4:23 PM
HARRISBURG, July 22 – State Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Lee James, R-Venango/Crawford, have introduced House Bill 2709 to increase annual funding for Pennsylvania's Entertainment Economic Enhancement Program (EEEP) by $2 million, from $24 million to $26 million, to attract more touring Broadway productions to the commonwealth.
According to Ciresi and James, touring Broadway productions require weeks of technical rehearsals and tour preparations, resulting in extended stays for visiting artists, crew and staff. These long stays generate significant business for local hospitality, restaurant and service businesses. Productions also create new jobs for Pennsylvania workers, including union stagehands, truck drivers, technicians, and other support staff.
The EEEP currently provides a tax credit equal to 35% of qualified Pennsylvania expenditures for show design, construction, and operations. If enacted, House Bill 2709 would increase funding to enable venues like the Pittsburgh Cultural District and the Kimmel Center to host more Broadway tour launches. Each production can bring in more than 100 visiting artists and staff where they would work alongside local crews for several weeks.
Ciresi and James point to Ohio as an example of the bill’s potential impact. In 2025, Ohio invested $3.5 million in tax incentives to attract four Broadway tours. The funded projects are expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs, generate $150 million in eligible production spending, and produce $196 million in production-related expenses statewide.
“Pennsylvania is home to world-class venues like the Pittsburgh Cultural District and the Kimmel Center, as well as an experienced workforce, making it an ideal destination for these touring Broadway productions,” Ciresi said. “But we're losing opportunities to states like Ohio and New York that offer stronger tax incentives.
“Investing in our arts and entertainment is an investment in Pennsylvania's long-term economic growth. Rep. James and I believe this modest increase in EEEP funding will help attract Broadway tour launches that support Pennsylvania workers, drive tourism, strengthen local businesses, and establish the commonwealth as a premier cultural destination."
“Pennsylvania’s rich history, blended with our unique heritage, make the commonwealth a perfect destination for world-class cultural events,” said James. “By leaning into our strengths, we can boost the economy, support businesses, promote tourism and showcase everything we have to offer. I am grateful to partner with Rep. Ciresi on this bipartisan effort, and I look forward to the work ahead on having this vision become a reality.”
Prior to entering the legislature, Ciresi served as advertising director for the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, which gave him firsthand knowledge of how performing arts venues generate major economic activity. He is a current member of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the state's principal agency for supporting the arts. His legislative priorities include arts-related economic development in Pennsylvania.