Politician balks at $5M for Tonight Show

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ALBANY, N.Y., March 24 (UPI) -- A New York state lawmaker is balking at a $5 million tax credit to lure NBC's "Tonight Show" to New York City while developmental disabilities funds are cut.

Republican Assemblyman Jim Tedisco, of the Schenectady area, said the budget would make state tax credits available -- "Jimmy's Law," for the producers of "a talk or variety program that filmed at least five seasons outside the state prior to its first relocated season in New York."

Jimmy Fallon is reportedly soon to be named as the next host of the "Tonight Show," which is currently filmed in Burbank, Calif., the Albany (N.Y.) Times Union reported.

Tedisco made a statement calling on the state to allocate the $5 million set aside to bring Fallon and the "Tonight Show" back to New York and use the funds to restore services for people with developmental disabilities.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo's initial budget cut funding for the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities by $120 million.

"The role of state government is to have spending priorities and protect our most vulnerable citizens in the state budget. Our priority should be looking out for families and people with developmental disabilities in communities like Ballston Spa, not giving taxpayer-funded handouts to support the lifestyles of the rich and famous in Beverly Hills," Tedisco said in a statement.