Dayton Reporter

DAYTON, OHIO – Today, Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) held a press conference at Central State University (CSU) to highlight the $11 million in Employee Retention Credit (ERC) funds that he helped secure for CSU from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

"It was my honor to work with Central State University to help secure over $11 million due from the IRS," said Congressman Mike Turner. "Dr Kuti and Dr. Johnson correctly identified that the university was eligible for Employee Retention tax credits that were available as a result of the COVID stimulus packages. Working closely with my office, Central State was awarded three installments of $3.9 million, $3.9 million, and $3.3 million that they can now use for education programs for existing students and the leaders of tomorrow."

"I want to extend my appreciation to Congressman Turner and his tremendous staff for making today possible," said Dr. Alex Johnson, Interim President of Central State University. "This is a significant allocation to Central State University for a number of reasons. Principal among them is the fact that it allows us to implement our strategic priorities related to student success and allows us to ensure that they have an environment in which they can gain instruction, engage, and develop their leadership skills. It also ensures that they will be graduating in a timely manner and in high numbers so that they can take on jobs that really promote their well-being. It allows them to not only advance economically, but it also allows them to change communities and the world if they choose to do so."

"As Congressman Turner said, we approached his office about giving us assistance, and this is why public policy works because Congressman Turner is an advocate for Central State University," said Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, Incoming President of Central State University. "He’s a good friend of the university; he’s come through for us, and as Dr. Johnson said, we’re going to use these funds for things that really move the university forward and help us achieve our vision going forward. On behalf of the entire Central State University – faculty, staff, and our students – I want to thank you for what you’ve done for us and what you will continue to do for us."

Background:

The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) – sometimes called the Employee Retention Tax Credit or ERTC – is a refundable tax credit for certain eligible businesses and tax-exempt organizations that had employees and were affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. The credit is available to eligible employers that paid qualified wages to some or all employees after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2022. Eligibility and credit amount vary depending on when the business impacts occurred. The ERC is not available to individuals, and eligible employers must have paid qualified wages to claim the credit.

As a result of Congressman Turner’s advocacy with the IRS, CSU received three installments of ERC refund checks from the IRS – $3,347,610.90 for the first quarter of 2021, $3,954,128.73 for the second quarter of 2021, and $3,966,382.39 for the third quarter of 2021. CSU is one of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities located in the State of Ohio, along with Wilberforce University.