(From the diaries ... fulfilling my end of a challenge! - promoted by Eric B.)
Some wags have over the years (since 1858) made noise about the idea of the Upper Peninsula splitting off from Michigan and becoming it’s own state. In 1962, an independence organization submitted a succession bill with 20,000 petition signatures to the Michigan Legislature. Laughably – this represented less than half the number of signatures that would have been needed to get this bill considered. Like greasy pasty burps, independent statehood for the Upper Peninsula keeps coming up. The current (increasingly-ridiculous) discussion of this is being fueled by dissatisfaction with a proposal for changes in taxation for a proposed “sulfide mine” (as the copper/nickel mine is called by opponents). A potential severance tax for non-ferrous mining operations proposed by State Rep. Matt Huuki (R-Atlantic Mine) could shortchange the local schools and municipalities that rely on revenue from the mining industry currently.
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