INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana House Republican Caucus unveiled a proposal on Tuesday to redraw state boundaries, potentially incorporating dozens of Illinois counties that seek to secede from their state. Speaker Todd Huston supports the initiative, saying, “To all of our neighbors to the west, we hear your frustrations,” referencing high taxes in Illinois.
Since 2020, over 30 Illinois counties have voted to secede, many citing dissatisfaction with state governance. Huston argued that these counties should not pursue statehood but instead join Indiana. Should Illinois lawmakers approve a similar resolution, the proposed legislation, House Bill 1008, would establish an “Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission” to facilitate the transition.
However, critics, including Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis), dismiss the plan as unrealistic, suggesting it could undermine serious state issues like high property taxes and shrinking rural communities. DeLaney also questioned the wisdom of adding more rural counties to Indiana’s struggling areas.
The bill is set for its first hearing in the House Government and Regulatory Reform Committee next Tuesday.
