The lower peninsula missed their chance when they fought the U.P. separatist movement. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superior_(proposed_U.S._state)#:~:text=In%

The lower peninsula missed their chance when they fought the U.P. separatist movement. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superior_(proposed_U.S._state)#:~:text=In%201962%2C%20an%20Upper%20Peninsula,a%20ballot%20referendum%20on%20separation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superior_(proposed_U.S._state).... One of the state's biggest problems is that trucks don't pay anywhere near their fair share. Michigan also allows 164,000 pound gross rate while Ohio and Indiana top out at 80,000. But the truckers have a strong lobby and pass out money to both party's.