Blagojevich signs tax breaks for film industry

SPRINGFIELD - If a movie is ever made about Rod Blagojevich's bizarre tenure as governor, whoever makes it will likely get tax breaks courtesy of the embattled governor.

Blagojevich on Monday signed into law a permanent tax break for filmmakers, giving them a 30 percent credit for money spent on Illinois goods and services, including wages paid to Illinois residents during filming.

The initial tax credit - at 20 percent - was approved shortly after Blagojevich first took office in response the film industry routinely bypassing Illinois for other sites. Supporters of the Illinois Film Tax Credit say the perk has helped bring numerous productions to the state including "The Dark Knight."

The governor's action came as lawmakers began the process of investigating his potential impeachment following his arrest last week on federal charges of trying to personally profit from state business.