AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Backers of film and video game productions in Texas are pushing legislators to earmark $60 million or more this year to boost the state's entertainment industry.

The Austin American-Statesman reports the taxpayer-funded Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program has seen its funding sharply decline to $32 million over the current two-year budget cycle. That's down from the $95 million in the 2014-2015 cycle.

As a result, Texas has seen some big productions leave. The Texas Film Commission says about 55 productions were funded through the incentive program during the current budget cycle, compared to 290 in the 2014-2015 period.

Initial Texas Legislature budget proposals include about $23 million for such incentives. Gov. Greg Abbott has requested $32 million.

Advocates are hoping for more but say it's a starting point.

Information from: Austin American-Statesman, http://www.statesman.com

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