Legislation extends tax credit for program that provides education, UPS Worldport jobs
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 13, 2015) – Governor Steve Beshear yesterday joined community leaders at UPS Worldport to ceremonially sign House Bill 202 supporting Metropolitan College, a partnership that provides participants with employment and tuition-free educational opportunities.
The legislation extends a tax credit that had been set to expire April 15, 2017. The income tax credit, now extended through April 15, 2027, allows UPS to recover 50 percent of tuition and other education-related expenses paid for its employees.
“Metropolitan College is one of Kentucky’s great success stories involving workforce development and postsecondary education,” Gov. Beshear said. “We’re pleased that this legislation recognizes the value of this longstanding partnership with one of Louisville’s largest employers.”
Metropolitan College began in 1998 as a partnership between the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Louisville Metro Government, Jefferson Community and Technical College, the University of Louisville and UPS. Metro College provides access to a tuition-free postsecondary education and employment opportunities. The program aims to improve employee recruitment and retention at UPS Worldport, the global package delivery company’s international all-points air hub.
“The extension of the Metropolitan College tax credit is critical for UPS and helps to ensure the longevity of this great example of public-private collaboration,” said UPS Airlines President Brendan Canavan. “We look forward to continuing to provide educational and job opportunities in the city of Louisville and Commonwealth of Kentucky for years to come.”
According to UPS, 3,800 Metro College students have earned 5,900 degrees and certifications. Students from more than 100 Kentucky counties have participated; 2,100 are currently enrolled. UPS works with a coalition of local companies to identify degree tracks with good employment possibilities and works with these companies to place students in full-time jobs once they graduate.
“Metropolitan College is a driving force for our students and the Louisville area economy, giving nearly 1,000 current UofL students a way to pay for a college education while ensuring that UPS has a reliable workforce,” said University of Louisville President James Ramsey.
According to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, UPS has helped to attract more than 150 companies to Kentucky, representing about 12,000 jobs and a $300 million payroll. UPS Worldport turns over cargo for 130 aircraft a day, connecting Louisville to 220 countries and territories. The facility employs 9,000 full-and part-time people. UPS employs nearly 24,000 full- and part-time workers statewide.
“The Metropolitan College has been an outstanding example of what can be accomplished when private industry, government and our schools work together to accomplish a goal none of them could achieve alone,” said state Rep. Tommy Thompson, of Philpot. “Because of that, I’m proud that my legislation will be the conduit used to make sure this program continues to thrive over the next dozen years. This is a win-win for everyone involved.”
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