We already know ethanol burns at a lower octane than gasoline, yields lower gas mileage, is heavily subsidized by the federal government, and causes higher prices for food because it is a corn based product. For all these reasons, the consumer just isn't buying. They don't like the lower performance and lower gas mileage.

Last year, the legislature approved a bill to force electric and gas utilities to move towards a "renewable portfolio standard." Ten percent of the state's energy must come from renewable sources by 2015 according to this law. But because it is impossible to achieve without huge cost increases to the utility companies, the legislature allowed them to raise your rates with a new surcharge (tax) to cover the cost.

The Federal government is about to take over jurisdiction of all surface waters in the United States...

Michigan, through its Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is one of only two states that regulate wetlands with a state agency rather than through the federal government. This has been a problem because state guidelines are much more strict than federal guidelines. Additionally, the DEQ has proven to be arbitrary and capricious in its decision-making and has often caused long, unnecessary delays in approving permits.

Click to watch a slideshow featuring highlights from the Michigan Taxpayer Tea Party