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by Alex Moaba, posted Sep 15th 2011 11:35AM
New Jerseyans already have some conflicted feelings about the way MTV's hit reality show 'Jersey Shore' portrays their home state. Now that NJ taxpayers are footing some of the bill for their ridiculous exploits, the state may have a situation on its hands.The AP reports that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority has approved state funding of $420,000 worth of production costs incurred during the show's 2009 season under a film tax credit program.
The decision is already sparking controversy. New Jersey governor Chris Christie, who has been a vocal critic of the show, is speaking out against the funding. "The Governor's opinions about 'Jersey Shore' and its New Yorker cast are well-known," Christie spokesman Michael Drewniak said in a statement to the New Jersey Star-Ledger. "They are phonies and the show is a false portrayal of New Jersey and our shore communities. He has also been clear about his belief that film tax credit programs are not the most effective way to spur economic growth throughout the State."
However, Seaside Heights mayor P. Kenneth Hershey defended the decision, arguing that when the show films in his beach town, it brings increased economic activity to the area. But in a state that's seen public budgets slashed in the past several years, the idea of taxpayers contributing to spray-tans, bar-tabs and keeping the jacuzzi warm could turn into a political firestorm.
The show's current season, which filmed in Florence, Italy, has featured drunken brawls in its last two episodes, most notably when the Situation knocked himself out by headbutting a concrete wall, and when Snooki accidentally fought her friend Deena in a dimly-lit nightclub.
Tell us: Do you think New Jersey taxpayers should be contributing to 'Jersey Shore's' production costs?
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