Illinois Counties Considering Secession Welcomed in Indiana, House Speaker Affirms
Several counties in Illinois are exploring the possibility of seceding from the state and moving to Indiana, according to a recent report in the Indianapolis Star. Legislators in Indiana’s Republican-majority General Assembly have introduced a house bill that would establish a commission to discuss whether it’s advisable to adjust the boundary between Illinois and Indiana.
House Bill Introduced in Indiana
The House Republicans in Indiana have included the bill on their list of top priorities for the 2025 session. This move comes after dozens of counties in Illinois have voted since 2020 to secede from their high-tax state. House Speaker Todd Huston extended an invitation to these frustrated neighbors, welcoming them to join Indiana, known for its low-cost, low-tax environment.
Counties in Favor of Secession
In the November election, a total of seven counties in Illinois faced a ballot question on exploring the idea of secession, and all seven voted in favor of the proposal. These counties include Iroquois, Calhoun, Clinton, Green, Jersey, Madison, and Perry. Prior to the 2024 election cycle, at least two dozen counties also voted affirmatively on non-binding initiatives related to secession.
Reasons Behind the Referendums
Supporters of secession argue that the city of Chicago and Cook County have a significant impact on policies enacted by the state legislature. They believe that rural counties have distinct interests that are not adequately represented by the actions of the General Assembly.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has dismissed Indiana’s proposal as a mere stunt, expressing doubts about its feasibility. He criticized Indiana for being a low-wage state that lacks worker protections and adequate healthcare services. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has also shared skepticism about the potential success of such a movement, highlighting legal concerns associated with county secession attempts.
As the debate over county secession continues, the fate of these Illinois counties remains uncertain. Will they choose to make the move to Indiana, seeking better representation and lower taxes? Only time will tell.