WI's New Federal Tax Credit Opportunity to Support Students
Friday, January 15th, 2026 | Time: 7:00 am - 9:00 am
Location: The Wisconsin Club, 900 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee
Access to a quality education is critically important to the future of Wisconsin's workforce, which means it is also critically important to the future of our independent businesses. With the election of a new Governor, Wisconsin has a chance to make an important course-correction and opt into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit. Taxpayers in states that have opted in can claim a dollar-for-dollar federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 for cash donations to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGO's). Those SGO's in turn issue scholarships to public, charter, and private school students from households with incomes up to 300% of the county median.
In effect, this program creates system for funding qualified education expenses such as tuition, tutoring, materials, and transportation that has no impact on the personal bottom line of those who choose to donate (as long as they have a federal tax liability of at least $1,700). In October 2025 the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) launched Pay It Forward Wisconsin, Inc. as its vehicle to operate as an approved SGO in SE Wisconsin.
Join us to hear from Dale Kooyenga, MMAC President & CEO, about his vision for how Pay It Forward Wisconsin can help ensure access to quality education across the region and why it is so important that Wisconsin opt into this federal tax credit program.
Featured Speaker:
- Dale Kooyenga, President & CEO of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC)
Dale Kooyenga is president & CEO of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC). He is also a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves and is currently serving on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Kooyenga has served in the U.S. Army for over 21 years and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq.
He maintains his CPA license and has over twenty years of experience as a CPA, including 10 years at KPMG and twelve years working as a CFO for start-up, early stage and private equity companies. Prior to joining MMAC, Kooyenga was elected and served in the Wisconsin State Assembly followed by four years of service as a Wisconsin State Senator. He played NCAA Division III basketball at Lakeland University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He obtained an MBA from Marquette University.
Advanced registration and payment is required.
MEETING AGENDA:
7:00 am - 7:30 am - Check in, coffee, networking
7:30 am - Plated breakfast, continued networking at the table
8:00 am - 8:45 Main Program
8:45 am - 9:00 am - Audience Q & A
9:00 am - Program ends followed by networking
PLATED BREAKFAST INCLUDED!
Attire: Business Professional
Please note:
No refunds/credits can be issued for those unable to attend 24 hours before the event. Due to venue policy, "No shows" are charged / invoiced.