DES MOINES - Two more officials at the state Department of Economic Development (DED) are out of jobs today due to a burgeoning problem within the state's film, television and video tax incentive program.

Gov. Chet Culver this afternoon announced that Tom Wheeler, manager of the Iowa Film Office, has been dismissed from his position effective immediately. DED official Amy Johnson will serve as the interim manager of the Iowa Film Office, which is a division of the development agency.

Also, the governor said he has accepted the resignation of Vince Lintz as DED deputy director. Today's announcements following last Friday's news that DED Director Mike Tramontina had resigned as questions swirl around the management of the state film tax credit promotion program.

Iowa economic development department personnel currently are reporting to Richard Oshlo, director of the state Department of Management, while new leadership for the department is being considered, according to Culver's office.

Earlier today, the governor asked the attorney general, the state auditor and the head of Iowa's Department of Revenue to assist in a review of the film, television and video project promotion program.

Along with accepting Tramontina's resignation last Friday, Culver also asked the state Economic Development Board to not approve further film tax credit certificates until questions about the administration of the program are answered.

A group of Iowa filmmakers earlier today urged state officials to move quickly in resolving the alleged abuses and claims of mismanagement involving the tax credit programs. They also spoke in support of Wheeler and advised Culver to move quickly to end the program's suspension to avoid long-term damage to an incentive plan that is creating jobs, generating revenue and building a new industry in Iowa.

Also today, Democratic leaders in the Iowa Legislature issued a joint statement calling Culver's action encouraging and prudent to ensure additional accountability and scrutiny with regard to the Iowa Film Office.

"It was prudent for the Governor to announce plans today to involve Attorney General Tom Miller and State Auditor David Vaudt to ensure that every fiscal and legal avenue is pursued against anyone who may have abused this program," according to the statement issued by Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal of Council Bluffs, Senate President Jack Kibbie of Emmetsburg, House Speaker Pat Murphy of Dubuque and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Des Moines.

"We are also reassured by their commitment to lift the suspension of the program as soon as it makes sense for responsible projects," they added.

Meanwhile, the Legislature's GOP minority leaders, Rep. Kraig Paulson of Hiawatha and Sen. Paul McKinley of Chariton, called for the Government Oversight Committee to examine the film tax credit situation when it meets on Thursday.

"The governor's lack of oversight and failure to properly manage the film tax credit has not only put the program in jeopardy but already wasted millions in taxpayer money," Paulsen said in a statement. "Republicans will work to bring more transparency and openness to this initiative."