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.
From the guide to the Taxpayers United Federation Records, 1973-1994, (Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan)
