Indiana wants to absorb 33 Illinois counties that voted to secede: 'Join us'

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston says lawmakers are looking into a proposal to absorb parts of Illinois after multiple counties voted to secede. 

According to Huston, seven Illinois counties voted in November to leave the state. Upon further investigation, it was determined by Huston that 33 counties in total voted to secede, which is roughly one-third of Illinois’ counties.

Rather than forming a 51st state, Huston suggests these counties could instead become part of Indiana. Most of the counties in question are in central and southern Illinois, spanning east to west. Some already border Indiana.

Historically, Illinois was once part of Indiana from 1800 to 1809 before being divided into a separate state.

What Needs to Happen:

For these Illinois counties to officially join Indiana, several legal steps must take place:

1. Both the Indiana and Illinois legislatures would need to pass bills approving the change.
2. A commission would be formed to work out the logistics of shifting state boundaries.
3. Both states would have to approve the commission’s report.
4. Congress would need to sign off on the proposal.

What they’re saying:

Huston believes Indiana offers an attractive alternative to Illinois, citing lower taxes, fewer regulations, and strong economic growth.

“We just think this is a great opportunity for people that are interested in Illinois that want to secede, but we say, ‘join us.’ Low taxes, low regulatory environment, a ton of economic development already taking place,” said Houston. “We’re kinda raising our hand to say ‘hey don’t start a 51st state, we’d love to have you in Indiana.’”

Big picture view:

The idea of redrawing state lines is not new. Similar proposals have surfaced in other parts of the country. Meanwhile, more than 100,000 Illinois residents have already relocated to Indiana since 2021, suggesting a trend of migration regardless of state boundaries.

What’s next:

It remains to be seen whether lawmakers in both states will seriously pursue the idea, and whether Congress would entertain such a move.