Taxpayers United Federation Records, 1973-1994

Summary

Creator:

Taxpayers United Federation.

Abstract:

Records of Taxpayers United Federation (and the two organizations from which it was formed, Taxpayers Federation of Michigan, and Taxpayers United for Tax Limitation), both organizations concerned with state tax limitation ballot proposals. Board of Director's and president's files, correspondence, clippings, photographs, videotapes, newsletters and other organizational records; contain material concerning ballot drives in 1976, 1978, and 1980.

Extent:

6 linear feet
3 digital video files

Language:

English.

Call Number:

85430 Bt /2

Authors:

Finding aid prepared by: Christine Weideman

Background

Scope and Content:

The Taxpayers United Federation Records are comprised of three series: Taxpayers Federation of Michigan; Taxpayers United for Tax Limitation; and Taxpayers United Federation. Each series is arranged first chronologically by year, then alphabetically by topic. While correspondence in each series is in chronological order by month, the researcher is advised that, whenever possible, correspondence has been left with appropriate topical files.

Biographical / Historical:

The Taxpayers United Federation, Inc. (TUF) was formed in 1979 when the Taxpayers Federation of Michigan, Inc. (TFOM), led by Allan Schmid, and Taxpayers United for Tax Limitation, Inc. (TUTL)headed by William Shaker, consolidated.

Prior to 1979, both TFOM and TUTL were active in efforts to curb the growth of state and local taxes. TUTL, in particular, was the driving force behind the successful effort to place Proposal C, a tax limitation proposal, on the ballot in 1976. After the ballot failed to carry, the organizations chose Richard Headlee as their spokesman and renewed their efforts. They organized crucial grassroots support and received vital corporate financial backing, such as that offered by Jay Van Andel and Richard DeVos, founders of Amway Corporation. Their diligence paid off in 1978, when Proposal E, designed to place limitations on various local taxes and state taxation and spending, was approved by Michigan voters.

After the 1978 elections, TFOM and TUTL decided to join forces to insure proper implementation of Proposal E. They did so early in 1979. Over the next three years, not only did Taxpayers United Federation concern itself with Proposal E, but also worked to place limits on political terms of office, curb state gas taxes, provide property tax relief, pass the 1980 Tisch tax limitation amendment, and elect Richard Headlee as Governor in 1982.

Acquisition Information:

The record group was donated by Allan Schmid, president of Taxpayers United Federation (donor no. 7009 ) in several accessions during the fall of 1983.

Processing information:

In preparing digital material for long-term preservation and access, the Bentley Historical Library adheres to professional best practices and standards to ensure that content will retain its authenticity and integrity. For more information on procedures for the ingest and processing of digital materials, please see Bentley Historical Library Digital Processing Note. Access to digital material may be provided either as a direct link to an individual file or as a downloadable package of files bundled in a zip file.

Related

Alternative Form Available:

Digitization: A number of recordings within this collection have been digitized. The resulting files are available for playback online or in the Bentley Library Reading Room according to rights. Original media are only available for staff use.

Subjects

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Subjects:

Citizens' associations -- Michigan.
Elections -- Michigan -- 1976.
Elections -- Michigan -- 1978.
Elections -- Michigan -- 1980.
Taxation -- Michigan.
Political elections -- 1976.
Political elections -- 1978.
Political participation.
Politics and government -- 1971-1980.
Tax reform.

Formats:

Cartoons.
Charts.
Digital file formats.
Photographs.
Videotapes.
Video recordings.

Names:

Taxpayers United Federation.
Taxpayers Federation of Michigan.
Taxpayers United for Tax Limitation.
Friedman, Milton, 1912-2006.

Places:

Michigan -- Politics and government -- 1951-
Michigan -- Politics and government -- 1971-1980.