Turner secures $11M in funds to benefit Central State University in Ohio

Central State University (CSU), one of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Ohio, received $11 million in funds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) thanks to the advocacy efforts of U.S. Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH).

“It was my honor to work with Central State University to help secure over $11 million due from the IRS,” Rep. Turner said on April 1 during a press conference held at CSU in Wilberforce, Ohio. University officials “correctly identified that the university was eligible for Employee Retention Tax Credits that were available as a result of the COVID stimulus packages,” he added.

Employee Retention Tax Credits are refundable tax credits for 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 Jan. 1, 2022. 

“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,” the congressman said.

Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, incoming president of CSU, said university officials approached Rep. Turner’s office to ask for assistance in securing the IRS funds. 

“…This is why public policy works because Congressman Turner is an advocate for Central State University,” Kuti said. “He’s a good friend of the university; he’s come through for us,” he said, adding, “We’re going to use these funds for things that really move the university forward and help us achieve our vision going forward.”