Indiana Proposes Redrawing Borders to Welcome 33 Illinois Counties Seeking Secession
Indiana lawmakers are pushing a bold plan that could change the state’s borders and bring 33 counties from Illinois into Indiana. This proposal comes after these counties voted in favor of leaving Illinois and joining Indiana, citing concerns over political representation and feeling disconnected from their state government.
In the past few years, 33 out of Illinois’ 102 counties have expressed their desire to secede from the state. The latest counties to support this move include Calhoun, Clinton, Greene, Iroquois, Jersey, Madison, and Perry. These counties voted in November to leave Illinois in favor of becoming part of another state.
A Border Change Proposal
Instead of creating a new state, as some of the counties initially proposed, Indiana lawmakers are suggesting a different approach. The Republican-majority Indiana General Assembly is pushing for a shift in Indiana’s borders to include these Illinois counties. This idea is gaining traction and recently passed easily in the Indiana House of Representatives. The next step is for the plan to move forward in the state Senate.
Rep. Jack Jordan, R-Bremen, who is leading the charge on this issue, made his position clear. He believes that Indiana would be a perfect new home for the counties seeking to leave Illinois. “If those Illinois counties want to separate from their state, we think they should consider joining Indiana,” Jordan said. “Indiana offers a great quality of life and for those Illinois residents who feel like they are being ignored, we would happily welcome them to our state.”
A Long Road Ahead
While the proposal has gained support in Indiana, it faces significant hurdles. For the plan to move forward, the Democratic-majority Illinois General Assembly would also need to pass a law agreeing to the boundary change. Additionally, any change to state borders would need approval from both state legislatures and Congress.
Jordan is optimistic about the benefits of this proposal. “To me, Indiana is home, and it’s the best state to work, live, and raise a family,” he said. “Our door is open, and we would love to see even more Illinois residents choose to become Hoosiers.”
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the enthusiasm from many Indiana lawmakers, the proposal has its share of critics. Some argue that Indiana should focus on improving the lives of current Hoosier residents, rather than trying to expand its borders. Rep. Ragen Hatcher, D-Gary, voiced concerns about the potential consequences of such a move.
“During the hearing on this secession bill, I listened to the testimonies of the people from Illinois and related to their concerns,” Hatcher said. “I understood their frustration. They live in an area where they feel politically underrepresented. Where they struggle to have their voices heard. But their challenge stems from living in a state dominated by a Democratic majority.”
Hatcher also pointed out that Indiana faces a similar issue. “We in Indiana face the opposite reality. Here, urban areas are underrepresented in this chamber, even though the majority of Indiana’s tax base comes from the Democratic side of the aisle. Yet, as a superminority, we have little say on critical issues like the state budget or education policy.”
What’s Next?
As the debate continues, both supporters and critics of the proposal will have their say. While Indiana lawmakers are enthusiastic about welcoming these Illinois counties, it remains unclear whether the necessary support from Illinois lawmakers and Congress can be secured.
For now, the plan has moved forward in Indiana’s House and will soon face discussion in the Senate. Whether or not it will succeed in reshaping Indiana’s borders remains to be seen.
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