ILLINOIS – Several rural counties in Illinois are showing interest in leaving their state to join Indiana.
This idea, which has been discussed for years, is becoming more serious as lawmakers in Indiana start to consider it.
The dissatisfaction mainly comes from rural areas feeling ignored by Illinois’ political and economic decisions, which they believe are too influenced by the city of Chicago and Cook County.
In Indiana, Republican lawmakers have taken notice. They’ve introduced a proposal to study the possibility of adjusting state borders.
The bill, supported by Indiana’s Republican-majority General Assembly, aims to form a commission to explore the idea, with House Republicans marking it as a priority for 2025.
Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston voiced his support, saying the state would welcome its western neighbors. “We hear your frustrations and invite you to join us in low-cost, low-tax Indiana,” Huston said, as reported by the Indianapolis Star.
The movement is gaining momentum in Illinois, with seven counties — Iroquois, Calhoun, Clinton, Green, Jersey, Madison, and Perry — voting in November to consider secession.
These counties join over two dozen others that have voted on similar measures since 2020. While these votes are non-binding, they reflect widespread dissatisfaction with how Illinois is being governed.
Supporters of the movement argue that rural counties are often overlooked, with state policies largely benefiting urban areas. This divide between urban and rural priorities has fueled the desire for change.
However, the idea of secession faces strong opposition. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker dismissed it as a political stunt, claiming Indiana’s appeal isn’t as strong as its supporters suggest.
“Indiana is a low-wage state that doesn’t protect workers or provide adequate healthcare,” Pritzker said. “It’s not going to happen.”
Legal experts also believe the movement is unlikely to succeed. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul highlighted the many constitutional and logistical hurdles.
In a 2023 letter, Raoul explained that such a shift would require approval from both state legislatures and the federal government — a process that is far from simple.
While the debate continues, it highlights the growing tension between Illinois’ urban and rural areas.
Whether these counties remain in Illinois or manage to join Indiana, the conversation underscores deeper issues of representation and governance in the region.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
