INDIANAPOLIS—Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston announced support for a bill establishing a bi-state commission to redraw the Indiana-Illinois border, citing secession votes in 33 Illinois counties since 2020.
Huston, R-Fishers, noted that over 100,000 Illinois residents have moved to Indiana since the pandemic, often citing lower taxes. He emphasized a desire to support neighboring communities but suggested Illinois must address its issues. He invited Illinois counties and residents feeling “unheard and unrepresented” to “come back home again to Indiana.”
Rep. Ragen Hatcher, D-Gary, questioned whether Lake County, a Democratic stronghold, could secede from Indiana and join Illinois. Huston indicated it could be considered, pending a vote by Lake County residents. Rep. Chris Campbell, D-West Lafayette, opposed the bill, arguing it exacerbates political division by redrawing boundaries along party lines.
Redrawing state lines requires approval from both state legislatures and Congress. Illinois State Rep. Brad Holbrook has introduced similar legislation in Illinois, but it has not yet advanced.
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