Indiana House Speaker Supports Illinois Counties' Secession

Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston is advocating for Illinois counties that have voted to secede to consider joining Indiana instead of forming a new state. A proposed bill, House Bill 1008, would establish a commission to discuss adjusting the boundary between Illinois and Indiana, responding to frustrations from rural Illinois counties regarding representation in state policies dominated by Chicago. In recent elections, 33 counties in Illinois have passed non-binding referendums in favor of exploring secession, with seven counties voting on the issue in November 2024 alone. Although the idea has garnered interest in Indiana, legal experts express skepticism about the feasibility of such a move, as both states would need to approve the boundary changes, and it would require Congressional consent. Huston highlighted Indiana's low tax environment as a draw for discontented Illinois residents, who have increasingly been relocating to Indiana. The proposal raises questions about the potential impacts on both states, especially regarding federal funding and political representation.