The Republican-led state government in Indiana is moving forward with plans to potentially add like-minded counties from Illinois to their state. However, it appears unlikely that Illinois will participate in any secession process.
A bill in Indiana, which becomes law today, establishes the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission. This commission will evaluate whether redrawing the borders between the two states is a viable option. Discontented voters in 33 Illinois counties, frustrated with a Democratic-controlled government, have expressed interest in breaking away from Illinois, known as the “Land of Lincoln.”
Indiana’s Republican House Speaker Todd Huston authored the legislation, citing U.S. Census data indicating that at least 100,000 Illinois residents have left the state since 2020.
The law mandates the Indiana governor to schedule the first meeting of the Boundary Adjustment Commission by September 1st. Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb will appoint six members to the commission, while Illinois will appoint five. It remains unclear who will select Illinois’ representatives. Meanwhile, the Illinois legislature has yet to hold a committee hearing on a companion bill, sponsored by State Representative Brad Halbrook, that would authorize Illinois’ participation. This bill has been sitting in the House Rules Committee since January.
Any change to state boundaries would also require approval from the U.S. Congress.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker dismissed Indiana’s efforts as a “stunt,” indicating little interest in pursuing such border changes.
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