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One of the coolest lobbying attempts you’ll ever see

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It’s not every day that Broadway comes to state government.

But Wednesday, a group of Broadway in Chicago performers brought the old razzle dazzle to a House committee hearing on state tax credits that are set to expire soon.

The Bilandic Building performance was part of a pitch from the theater industry asking lawmakers to extend the life of the theater tax credit. It’s set to expire June 1. Backers say it helps lure more shows to Chicago, create jobs and boost the city’s reputation.

Performers serenaded a legislative panel with a variation on the song “On Broadway,” changing the lyrics to highlight hotel and restaurant business that the live shows attract.

“We want to thank you for all you’ve done on Randolph and Monroe Street,” they sang. “You make the neon lights so bright in Chicago.”

Click here to watch the video clip supplied by our good friends at BlueRoomStream.com.

Some of the performers had been sitting in the hearing room and then rose one by one to join in the song. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it.

Yesterday’s hearing was subject matter only, by the way. There were no votes on the credits.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Apr 13, 17 @ 9:33 am

Comments

Beats the usual Bad Opera in Springfield. Never understood why legislators and trial lawyers believe they’re talented public performers. As a rule, they’re cringeworthy.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Apr 13, 17 @ 9:40 am
This is where that city of Chicago earnings tax would come in so handy. Come on Rahm, show us that Chicago progressives aren’t all talk, but are willing to lead with their wallets.

Comment by blue dog dem Thursday, Apr 13, 17 @ 9:42 am
So as the meeting was being called to order did they sing Send in the Clowns?

Comment by DuPage Saint Thursday, Apr 13, 17 @ 9:47 am
In Chicago professional theater many of the personnel, both on stage and off stage are members of various unions. The tax credits do create jobs in Illinois but will Rauner want to sign a bill to help retain or create union jobs?

Comment by Hit or Miss Thursday, Apr 13, 17 @ 9:48 am
I saw Mike Zalewski’s tweet about this but didn’t click on it. I thought he was making a joke out of whatever the subject matter was. Looks like it was actually a serious post. My bad.

Comment by Been There Thursday, Apr 13, 17 @ 9:52 am
“will Rauner want to sign a bill to help retain or create union jobs?”

Probably he will veto it just to hurt Chicago, but yeah hurting unions is an added bonus.

Comment by Nick Name Thursday, Apr 13, 17 @ 9:54 am
Finally, harmony!

Comment by Dome Gnome Thursday, Apr 13, 17 @ 10:03 am
Well, in Springfield, the usual theatre is Kabuki.

Comment by Newsclown Thursday, Apr 13, 17 @ 10:09 am
That was very cool. But for the best ever testimony by a legislator, check out this link of how Mister Rogers got PBS funding restored follwoing his testimony before a grizzled, tight-fisted Senator.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yXEuEUQIP3Q

Comment by Emmanuel Can't Thursday, Apr 13, 17 @ 10:10 am
I think people, in general, me included, forget what the arts can bring, let alone the financial impact on a downtown, city, and state.

You want to be as memorable as you can when lobbying, try to leave legislators, governors, whomever with them remembering and thinking about your presentation.

Sorry I missed it… live

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Apr 13, 17 @ 11:53 am
This is pretty cool

Comment by Boone's is back Thursday, Apr 13, 17 @ 1:25 pm
When Republicans do it they call it an incentive. When Democrats do it they call it a tax break.

Comment by Not It Thursday, Apr 13, 17 @ 1:52 pm
Former Rep. John Bradley is their lobbyist. He can be seen in the back of the room in the video. His comments to the Southern about how the tax credit for Broadway in Chicago will help Southern Illinois are great spin. http://thesouthern.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/senate-bill-seeks-cooling-off-period-for-transition-from-legislator/article_664f897e-616a-5bd9-8145-43293cce7180.html

Comment by Southside Markie Thursday, Apr 13, 17 @ 3:00 pm
Cool.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Apr 13, 17 @ 3:40 pm