Larry talking to Congressman Buck McKeon and Mattie Duppler about defense spending.

Both Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan have decried defense cuts which were put in place by a Congressional supercommittee designed originally to handle the debt ceiling crisis. These cuts are scheduled to go into effect in January 2 with layoff notifications to go out 45 days ahead of time unless overturned by Congress.

The cuts, known as “sequestration,” are designed to cut $500 billion from the Department of Defense over the next ten years. The first casualties are likely to be jobs in the federal workforce, rather than defense contractors, research and development or weapons procurement, as those budget outlays have already been made. Romney and Ryan have suggested that, if elected, they’ll fast-track Republican legislation that shifts the burden of cuts to other programs. But the candidates have been silent on the fact that Ryan – along with 173 other Republicans - voted for the Budget Control Act that included the defense trigger cuts.

Rather, the campaign has focused on the inherent peril the nation faces in reducing defense programs, and the massive blow it will deal to the economy. How will the GOP address defense spending in their platform? If elected, will Romney be able to reverse the trajectory of sequestration that Congress voted into effect? What will he put on the chopping block instead?

Guests:

Congressman Buck McKeon, (R), 25th District, Santa Clarita Valley, Antelope Valley, San Bernardino, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee

Mattie Duppler, Director of Budget & Regulatory Policy, Americans for Tax Reform

Richard Grenell sits down for an interview with Larry Mantle at the 2012 Republican National Convention. Credit: Lauren Osen/KPCC

A Southern California native, Richard Grenell has been active in politics for years. He has served as a consultant to former New York Governor George Pataki, as well as the Director of Communications and Public Diplomacy for the previous four U.S. ambassadors to the United Nations.

His most recent role was on Mitt Romney’s campaign, working as the Republican nominee’s national security spokesman. However, that stint lasted less than a week as conservatives concerned with traditional marriage and family values pressured Grenell, an openly gay man, to resign. He acquisced, and Romney accepted his resignation.

What does this mean for those who are openly gay within the Republican Party? How does Grenell feel about his decision to leave the campaign now?

Guest:

Richard Grenell, spokesman for the last 4 US ambassadors to the UN; he also briefly served as Mitt Romney's national security spokesman

Tampa, FL Mayor Bob Buckhorn speaks during the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Even with seasonal weather patterns threatening to dampen the RNC, the city of Tampa Bay and its Mayor Bob Buckhorn have delivered on their promises.

In a briefing earlier today, Mayor Buckhorn expressed all the positive remarks his team and his city has received from delegates across the country saying “I can’t tell you how many delegates and staffers have stopped me and told me this is the most welcoming, warmest, friendliest city they’ve ever been too.” Hyperbole aside, getting the RNC to this point alone was an accomplishment considering the cancellation of Monday’s events due to now Hurricane Isaac.

In the Mayor’s welcoming speech yesterday, he was thankful and gracious that the GOP could put their faith and trust into his city, addressing them as his ‘Fellow Americans’ as the Mayor is a Democrat. Party affiliation and threatening storms aside, Tampa Bay is ready to finish the rest of the week strong and make Tampa Bay a true political player.

How important is the host city to voters? Is it safer to set up camp in a true base city? How big is the economic impact of hosting a convention of this size?

Guest:

Bob Buckhorn, Mayor; City of Tampa Bay

US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney disembarks from his campaign plane upon arriving in Tampa, Florida, on August 29, 2012. Credit: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images

As the Republican National Convention comes to a close, the electricity is building toward its final moments.

Mitt Romney will formally accept the Republican Party’s nomination nod for president tonight.. It’s the last major chance for the Republicans and Romney to put forth their four-year plan for America to the public before the debates, so there’s obviously a lot riding on the night. Politicos on both sides of the aisle are buzzing with excitement.

But in addition to outlining policy and highlighting President Obama’s failures, Mitt Romney has a somewhat unique challenge to overcome. Ever since he ran for president in 2008, Romney has been dogged by the perception that he is stiff, disconnected and doesn’t fully understand what it means to live as a regular citizen making a modest, let alone meager, income. The campaign is hoping that by presenting Romney’s biography in the right light, he will come across as accessible and down-to-earth enough for voters to support him. This could prove to be the most important speech of Romney’s entire life.

What will the tone of his rhetoric be? What types of policies will Romney highlight, and how will he distance himself from Barack Obama? What moments from his own life could be used to personalize his campaign? What are you personally looking for from this man who is asking to be Commander-in-chief for the next four years?

Guests:

Vince Haley, Campaign Manager for Newt Gingrich’s nomination run for 2012; “Dean” of Newt University, a series of public policy workshops for RNC delegates in Tampa; Haley has also served as a speechwriter for Gingrich

Mary Kate Cary, former White House speechwriter for President George H.W. Bush, former Deputy Director of Communications at the Republican National Committee

GOP Vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan gives the thumbs-up during a sound check at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, on August 29, 2012. Credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

Last night, vice-presidential nominee Paul Ryan and Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice took the podium at the Republican National Convention.

Rice delivered an articulate and stirring speech. She exhibited the foreign policy knowledge that many believe Romney lack and spoke seriously and skillfully about the problems facing America. Unlike Ryan’s, her statements have garnered little criticism.

Last night marked the congressman from Wisconsin’s first foray into the campaign in front of millions of potential voters simultaneously. His genuine ambition and enthusiasm for what he does couldn’t help but shine through. He spoke about his budget plan and discussed at length Romney’s successes in business, Olympic planning and governorship. He also paid particular attention to his much discussed plan for Medicare. The speech was very well received by the audience at the convention. His personal story was interwoven with a strong critique against Obama that riled up the crowd and earned praise from Republicans at the convention and across the country. No one can deny his rhetorical skill and the effectiveness of the speech.

However, critics note a determined lack of accuracy and use of subtly twisted truths. Factually, they argue, the speech just didn’t cut it. Among their concerns is the blame he puts on Obama for closing a General Motors factory in his hometown in Wisconsin, when actually the plant was closed in June 2008 under the Bush administration. Obama did neglect to reopen the plant, but that distinction, among other factual inaccuracies, has upset many.

Have the inaccuracies irrevocably hurt the campaign? Did he successfully sell his ideas, or did he give you reason to pause? How well did this noted policy wonk do at reaching out and connecting on a personal level? Has your opinion of the man changed? What about his discussion of his budget proposal and Medicare? How will he stack up against “say it ain’t so” Joe Biden come debate season?

Guests:

Lou Jacobson, Senior Writer for Politifact and the Tampa Bay Times

Mark Barabak, Political Correspondent, Los Angeles Times

Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park Credit: Kevin Moore/flickr

California is blessed with a wealth of wildly divergent outdoor experiences: from hiking to off-roading, from surfing to bird-watching to rock climbing. If you’ve ever been to Yosemite, Big Sur, Hearst Castle or Lake Tahoe, you know some of the beauty and diversity of California’s state parks. But do you know their history?

In a new two-part documentary, California Forever, producers David Vassar and Sally Kaplan delve into the beginnings of our vast state park system. The discovery of the giant Sequoias by Augustus T. Dowd in 1852 gave birth to Yosemite, California’s first state park. Since then, it’s grown to nearly 300 parks, encompassing 1.4 million acres, 280 miles of coastline and 3,000 miles of trails. California Forever explores the efforts of the visionaries who worked to ensure the preservation of our beaches, woods, lakes and deserts for all generations.

Lately, however, the future of California’s state parks has been threatened by overuse, growing urban density, lack of funding and bitter conflicts between preservationists and recreationists. The film delves into those challenges as well. As summer winds down, treat yourself to an exploration of California’s as yet unspoiled wilderness.

Guests:

David Vassar, writer/director/co-producer of California Forever; Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning film and television writer, director and producer.

Sally Kaplan, co-producer of California Forever; writer, director, producer for numerous programs and series for Lifetime, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and others.

Elizabeth Goldstein, president, California State Parks Foundation

Republican Presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

In his nomination acceptance speech, George H.W. Bush famously promised voters “no new taxes.” Mitt Romney has a different promise: keeping Bush-era tax cuts in place, and adding even more, across all income levels.

How to make up the difference? By limiting deductions and exemptions and simplifying the code overall, closing loopholes and hopefully giving a break to small businesses. But in a recent study, the Tax Policy Center tested the plan and found it didn’t add up. Is this a math problem that just needs to go back to the whiteboard? Or is the overall plan flawed, as many believe?

It’s clear that Romney’s proposed cuts will be welcomed by those in the higher tax brackets, but what will this overhaul mean to middle and lower-class taxpayers?

Guests:

Senator Ron Johnson, (R-WI) Member of the Senate Committees on the Budget and Appropriations

Representative Dennis A. Ross, (FL-12) Republican Congressman serving Polk, Hillsborough and Osceola Counties

William Gale, co-director, Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center and Arjay and Frances Miller Chair in Federal Economic Policy in the Economic Studies Program at Brookings

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) joins Larry Mantle on AirTalk at the Republican National Convention on Aug. 30, 2012. Credit: Lauren Osen/KPCC

Guest:

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Congresswoman from Florida’s 20th district and chair of Democratic National Committee

A sign stands in front of California Public Employees' Retirement System building in Sacramento, California. C Credit: Max Whittaker/Getty Images

While the economy is undoubtedly the biggest issue in this election, one issue which has proven to be incredibly significant as well is that of pension reform.

In fact, it was so important in Wisconsin that it helped to spur a recall election for the governorship. When Governor Scott Walker won reelection, it showed Republicans in other states and on the federal level that pension reform for public employees can be achieved without losing political capital. And while it may not be popular with the traditional labor forces, it also plays an important role in slashing government budgets, which seems to be a fairly desirable objective these days no matter what one’s political persuasion.

What is the current state of public pensions? What effect are they having on their respective budgets? Is there a compromise that can be reached between lawmakers, workers and companies? Is “pension reform” just coded language for taking down unions? With California’s budget still in limbo, how is this debate playing out in the Golden State? How would a Mitt Romney presidency (and a Paul Ryan vice presidency) affect public pension programs across the country?

Guests:

Congressman Devin Nunes U.S. Representative for California's 21st congressional district, serving since 2003. The 21st district is Fresno and Tulare counties, including most of the city of Fresno

David Spady, California Director, Americans for Prosperity

Dave Low, Chair of Californians for Retirement Security, a coalition group that represents 1.5 million public employees

California delegates Bill Jones and Briana Bilbray sit down for an interview with Larry Mantle at the 2012 Republican National Convention. Credit: Gina Delvac/KPCC

If the name Briana Bilbray sounds familiar, that’s probably because you’re thinking of her father. Brian Bilbray is a Republican representing California’s 50th district of northern San Diego County in congress. This year, Briana is serving as the youngest California delegate attending the Republican National Convention.

As a 25-year-old female, she may not appear to be the typical Republican. Beyond that, she also supports the use of medical marijuana and dispensaries for the drug. She even signed on as a plaintiff in a lawsuit against the federal government to stop the Drug Enforcement Agency from shutting down dispensaries which turn a profit. Both Briana and her father are skin cancer survivors, although the elder Bilbray does not share his daughter’s view on marijuana.

What, beyond her family ties, influenced her decision to serve as a delegate? What are Mitt Romney and the Republican Party doing to garner that elusive youth vote? Are they succeeding?

Also on AirTalk we have Bill Jones, former California Secretary of State from 1995 to 2003, as well as gubernatorial and senate candidate. How does Jones, who has been around the political block a few more times than Bilbray, rate the Romney campaign and this year’s Republican convention?

Guests:

Briana Bilbray, California Delegate pledged to Mitt Romney; youngest delegate in California’s delegation; daughter of Congressman Brian Bilbray (CA-50)

Bill Jones, California delegate, former Secretary of State for California (1995-2003)

View from inside the Republican National Convention as VP candidate Paul Ryan delivered his speech on Aug. 29, 2012. Credit: Gina Delvac/KPCC

Sweep up the red, white and blue confetti. Take down the banners. Deflate the balloons. The Republican National Convention is over. The politicians are clearing the stage and headed back to Washington or the campaign trail.

But now that they’re out of the way, we want to turn our attention to you. What did you think of Mitt Romney’s performance last night? What about the other speakers you saw throughout the week? And what about the convention overall?

Were you impressed with the Republicans and their general message? Did they succeed in contrasting their vision of America with President Barack Obama’s and the Democrats? Did anything over the past few days change the way you think about the election? Call in and let us know.

Guest:

David Mark, Editor-in-Chief for Politix.com and author of Going Dirty: The Art of Negative Campaigning

AirTalk producer Karen Fritsche snapped a pic of a car with a stuffed dog in a cage, apparently in reference to Mitt Romney's method of traveling with his family dog. Credit: Karen Fritsche/KPCC

With the Republican National Convention coming to a close, the election will be ratcheting it up over the next few months. Attacks will get more intense. Debates will show voters how the men running for their votes defend and present their own ideas.

Since the convention kicked off in Tampa, you can bet Democratic political consultants were drawing up plans in the war room for the Obama campaign. And with the Democratic National Convention launching on Tuesday in Charlotte, North Carolina, the media gurus and event planners are making sure to respond to the speeches and performances at the RNC with effective rebuttals.

Besides, this is the Obama’s campaign last major chance to reframe itself to the American people before the debates.

How will what happened at the RNC affect the DNC? What issues arose this week that will certainly play out as talking points on the campaign trail? What strategies will the two parties and campaigns be employing until the big day in November?

Guests:

Frank Stoltze, KPCC Reporter

Jonathan Wilcox, Republican strategist and former speech writer for Governor Pete Wilson

Darry A. Sragow, Attorney and longtime democratic strategist

Lauren Osen, KPCC producer

Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney waves on stage during the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 30, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Credit: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Last night was the moment Republicans had been fretting over since the end of the primary season. Mitt Romney delivered his case for the presidency not just to the GOP base, but also to the widest audience of potential voters yet. Well, how did he do?

The main criticisms of Mr. Romney are typically that he is stiff and awkward and light on details for his policy plans, and his speech seemed an attempted remedy to that. Romney teared up twice when discussing his parents and children, giving voters a rare glimpse at the more personal side of the candidate. He even mentioned Mormonism by name, when in the past his campaign has avoided discussing his religion. His critiques of President Obama came in the form of relieving the public of their duty to vote for him, and he didn’t really offer concrete examples of how he’d change policy. So was it enough?

The other notable speech came from Florida Senator Marco Rubio who talked about American Exceptionalism and the opportunities this country affords all who live here. To illustrate, he spoke of his parents, both immigrants from Cuba, and even quoted his dad in Spanish. Did his message make any inroads with Latino voters, a group the Republican party needs to win over? How did both speakers fare when it comes to accuracy in their statements? Did Romney’s speech contain rhetorical fireworks, or was it more of a dud?

And what about Clint Eastwood’s surprise appearance? Some thought his “empty chair” bit was clever; others found it baffling. Did his performance help or harm Romney?

Guest:

David Mark, Editor-in-Chief for Politix.com and author of Going Dirty: The Art of Negative Campaigning

Glenn Kessler, Washington Post reporter who writes “The Fact Checker.”

Lisa Mascaro, Washington reporter for the Los Angeles Times

Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice speaks during the third day of the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 29, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice delivered a memorable speech at the RNC on Wednesday night, and while it didn’t shed much light on the specifics of Mitt Romney’s foreign policy, it did fuel speculation for Rice’s political future.

Rice has kept a relatively low profile, even during the Bush Administration. Though she has come out to endorse a few candidates, she’s mainly relegated herself to academia, book tours and the golf course, enjoying a slight media bump by becoming one of the first two women ever admitted to the all-male Augusta National Golf Club.

Whether you agree with her politics or not, most people can respect Rice for her political acumen and her ability to navigate political circles. Some Republican operatives are even talking about her running for office in 2016, including commentator Ron Nehring, the former chairman of the California Republican Party, who says she’d be a perfect fit to govern the Golden State.

"I'd love to see her run for governor," he said. "I think she has a lot to bring to the table, she's a compelling figure, and I think that all of those facts were on display during the convention."

Nehring said that he has not discussed the prospect with Rice and she has not given any indication she'll run, the idea has gained traction.

"By no means am I predicting that she would run for office, but that doesn't change the fact that, boy, there are many people in the party who would love to see her do it, and perhaps she could be persuaded," he continued.

Nehring posited that as a possible frontrunner for the Republican Party, Jerry Brown would face an "incredible challenge to the likes of which he has never seen before in public office."

According to him, Rice may appeal to independent voters because she harbors views contrary to the stereotypical Republican mindset, like immigration, for example.

"We must continue to welcome the world's most ambitious people to be a part of us. In that way, we must stay young and optimistic and determined. We need immigration laws that protect our borders, meet our economic needs, and yet, show that we are a compassionate nation of immigrants," she spoke at the Republican National Convention.

Open to a path of legalization during the Bush administration, Rice could be attractive to California's growing Latino electorate.

"The bottom line is that people want to see Condoleezza Rice continue to play a role in the Republican Party and in our government to the degree she is willing and able and interested to do so," Nehring said. "And that can take whatever form she's ultimately comfortable with and may not take at all. I think it would be a great loss to the party, as well as the country and the state, if a leader of her caliber is not engaged in public service in some way."

WEIGH IN:

While having a conservative back in the driver’s seat in California would be a dream come true for the GOP, is it a realistic possibility? With a dwindling Republican voter presence here, what fighting chance does a Republican have on the state level? In 2010, Jerry Brown defeated Meg Whitman by over 10 percentage points. What do Republicans need to do to recapture Sacramento? What characteristics comprise your ideal conservative candidate?

Guests:

Ron Nehring, Republican strategist and commentator, former Chairman of the California Republican party

Frank Stoltze, KPCC reporter

Spanish couple Mauro and Juan Carlos play with their new baby girls. Credit: STRDEL/AFP/Getty Images

With marriage equality comes “invasive personal question” equality. New brides and grooms have faced it for generations, now it’s grooms and grooms (or brides and brides) who have to put on a cheery face in response to the query “When are you planning to have children?”

It’s a thoroughly modern dilemma; committed same-sex couples of past generations could hardly hope to start a family together. For most, it was never an option. Now, adoption and surrogacy have made gay parenting nearly as mainstream as gay marriage – and thus, the ubiquitous question. Family and friends may mean well, but it’s far from a casual decision.

And the same issues faced by heterosexual couples apply. One spouse may not see themselves as a parent, while the other longs to fill the nest and puree organic baby food. Financial worries and career plans may complicate the issue. And what about the changes a child can bring to a relationship?

Nevertheless, more and more gay couples are feeling the pressure from parents who want grandchildren and couple-friends who can’t wait to bond over toilet training.

Are you in a same-sex marriage, yet ambivalent about parenting? Are you thinking of starting a family – sometime – and fed up with the questioning? How do you and your partner handle what might seem like over-attention to your procreation plans?

If you're in a same-sex relationship, do you feel outside pressure to start a family?

The Department of Water and Power (DWP) San Fernando Valley Generating Station in Sun Valley, California. Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

There’s a new method of ranking California communities in regards to pollution, and some feel it could have a great impact on the state. The California Communities Environmental Health Screening Tool rates ZIP codes based on a wide range of environmental, health and socioeconomic data, such as air pollution, traffic, amount of pesticides used, the number of dump sites, rates of cancer and asthma, and numbers of elderly and children.

While shedding light on how pollution is affecting communities seems like a good idea on paper, several businesses are raising concerns that this will lead to a growing disparity between the advantaged and disadvantaged areas in the state. A ZIP code with an unfavorable ranking could lead to more industry regulation, which would deter business growth and lead to a loss of jobs.

But those who support the new procedure say it will finally begin to bridge the gap between the communities which are negatively affected by pollution and don’t have the means, resources or representation to fight it.

So, who is right here? Will jobs be lost? Or is that beside the point if where you work is heavily polluted anyway? How will this tool be implemented? Can it be improved upon?

Guest:

Arsenio Mataka, Assistant Secretary for Environmental Justice and Tribal Affairs, California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal-EPA)

Gayle Covey, Executive Director, San Bernardino County Farm Bureau

A 405 Freeway ramp in Costa Mesa. Credit: Steven Damron/Flickr Creative Commons

The Costa Mesa City Council approved a measure on Tuesday that proponents say significantly improves transparency on how taxpayer money is spent.

Citing the 75% of Costa Mesa’s general fund that’s spent on public employee contracts, the measure would bring in an independent negotiator any time a city worker is involved in a negotiation. Councilman Steve Mensinger says that’s because high level officials often work on contracts that can affect their own benefits down the line.

Additional transparency measures include publishing contract details 30 days before renegotiation starts, and posting proposed contracts on the city’s website a week ahead of council meetings where they will be reviewed. Labor groups say this bill unfairly targets public employees, and creates no accountability for private contractors.

If you’re an Orange County resident, do you favor these steps? Should cities go even further to control costs associated with public contracts? Or is this a lighter version of union busting?

Guests:

Steve Mensinger, Council member, City of Costa Mesa

Nick Berardino, General Manager, Orange County Employees Association

Protesters opposed to Arizona's Immigration Law SB 1070 march through downtown in Phoenix, Arizona. Credit: Jonathan Gibby/Getty Images

Of all the provisions in Arizona’s controversial SB 1070 bill, the most contentious of them was upheld Wednesday by a U.S. district judge. The “Show Me Your Papers” provision allows law enforcement officers to question the immigration status of those people they believe to be in the country illegally while making their regular stops.

Opponents of the provision say that it would allow for racial profiling and a loss of civil rights while those in favor of the bill say that the officers are well qualified and trained to make those judgment calls. Ultimately, Judge Susan Bolton decided that it was language from the initial Supreme Court ruling that the provision “cannot be challenged further on its face before the law takes effect” which inspired her ruling.

Legalese aside, the ruling will allow for Governor Jan Brewer's law to take full effect shortly. After the seemingly endless battles in high courts over the bill and its provisions, is this the final stop for SB 1070? Is this a big loss for the Obama Administration which challenged the law as well? Do you think this sets precedent for other states who want to draft their own immigration law?

Guest:

Omar Jadwat, staff attorney with the ACLU Immigrants' Rights Project

Kris Kobach, Kansas Secretary of State: Constitutional law expert and former Law Professor at University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC); Former Counsel to U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft (from 2001-2003, he was the Attorney General's Chief Advisor on immigration law)

Should illegal immigrants be able to obtain a driver license? Credit: dmv.ca.gov

For the ninth time in his career, Gil Cedillo has got his pet project to the governor’s desk. Since 1998, the Democratic member of the California State Assembly has been tirelessly working to allow undocumented immigrants access to driver licenses. While Governor Gray Davis signed one such bill into law, it was repealed when Arnold Schwarzenegger took office.

As a sign of compromise, Cedillo has reduced the scope of his bill to only grant such privileges to the same immigrants who fall under President Barack Obama’s deferred action program: illegal immigrants who were brought here before they were sixteen, don’t have criminal records, and are either in school or have certain education credentials.

While limiting the range of those who could gain driver licenses may be politically smart, is it going far enough? The main reason to get these people driver licenses is so they have to actually pass a driving test. A vast majority of them don’t know the formal rules for driving, and in some reports illegal immigrants are involved in fatal accidents at a rate five times that of documented drivers. Not to mention that if you don’t have a driver license, you definitely don’t have automobile insurance.

Does AB 2189 stand a chance of being signed into law? If so, is it selling itself short? What steps can be taken to ensure that the roads are made more secure, not just for undocumented immigrants, but for those who already have licenses?

Guests:

Gil Cedillo, California State Assemblyman (D-45)

Tim Donnelly, California State Assemblyman (R- 59)

The Hollywood sign. Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

It’s right there in the name – when we say Hollywood, we don’t mean the collection of t-shirt shops and tourist attractions just north of Sunset Blvd, we’re talking about the glamour and power of the film industry. To keep its namesake, and promote economic activity, the state of California offers $100 million dollars a year in tax credits for film productions.

That hasn’t stopped some entertainment jobs from moving out of state as Massachusetts, New York and Michigan try to get in on the action. Another round of credits waits on Governor Jerry Brown’s desk, but some Sacramento analysts say the state would be better off if the credits expired.

According to industry groups, taxpayers spend only $10,000 per year per job created, which they say is more than made up for in income tax revenue and buying food, gas and housing in California. But state analysts believe that cost is much, much higher, and has done little to stop productions from leaving town.

Where do you land? Is the film industry a net gain or loss for California? And even if it costs the state more than it takes in to keep productions and talent here, is it worth your tax dollars to keep Hollywood in the Golden State?

Guests:

Paul Audley, president of Film L.A., Inc.

Will Freeland, economist with The Tax Foundation, a non-profit, non-partisan tax research organization based in Washington, D.C.