"Jersey Shore" tax credit shot down by governor
(CBS/AP) TRENTON, N.J. - MTV's "Jersey Shore" won't get a New Jersey tax break because Gov. Chris Christie says the reality show hurts the state's image.
Christie on Monday blocked a $420,000 film credit that was approved for the show last week by the state Economic Development Authority.
The money was supposed to cover production costs for the hit reality series' inaugural 2009 season.
Christie suspended the film tax credit program in 2010 to close a budget deficit, but the 2009 season still qualified.
He said in a statement he's "duty-bound" to ensure taxpayers aren't footing a bill for a project that "does nothing more than perpetuate misconceptions about the state and its citizens."
The show centers on the cast living and partying along the beach and boardwalk in Seaside Heights. "Jersey Shore" is currently airing its fourth season, which was filmed in Florence, Italy.