Some say ‘no thanks’ to Indiana’s move to absorb disgruntled IL counties
[April 22, 2025]
(The Center Square) – With an Indiana bill ready for the
governor’s desk to investigate absorbing Illinois counties, some wanting
to split the Land of Lincoln into two say “thanks, but no thanks.”
Indiana legislators passed House Bill 1008 out of both chambers. That
can now be sent to Gov. Mike Braun. The measure creates the
Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission to look at welcoming
more than two dozen Illinois counties into The Hoosier State.
In Bloomington, after a convention to create a new state by splitting
Illinois into two, New Illinois Chairman G.H. Merritt reacted to the
advancement of Indiana’s effort.
“They quoted me and said I was there to support the legislation,”
Merritt said of being asked to testify at a hearing for Indiana’s bill.
“No, I was there to say ‘thank you for noticing our plight over here’
and ‘but no, we don’t want to be part of Indiana.’”
New Illinois held its 7th convention this month where members discussed
the proposed constitution for the prospective state. The group also
discussed various financial issues such as the impact of pension debt on
a new state, were one to be created.
Indiana’s state legislature preparing to send the measure to their
governor could be adding to the momentum to redraw boundaries in the
Midwest. Taking part in a conference for New Illinois, Illinois state
Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, said Indiana making their moves gives
potential for momentum to build in other directions.
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The seal for "New Illinois," used with permission from
NewIllinoisState.org - NewIllinoisState.org
“Is there an appetite of Illinoisans to say, ‘look, we, you know, in the
southwest corner of the state, we’re quite OK to be part of Missouri,’”
Halbrook said. “‘OK, we’re closer to Jefferson City than we are
Springfield or Chicago or Indianapolis.’ Maybe that makes sense. Is
there things that, you know, geographically, work that way, whatever the
case may be.”
If Indiana’s governor signs the measure, the bill has six members from
Indiana appointed to the commission by their governor. Five individuals
would be from Illinois appointed under Illinois law. A quorum for the
commission to conduct business is at least six.
The first meeting of the commission would be scheduled for no later than
Sept. 1, 2025, and meet at least once each calendar year. A final
report, when complete, would then be issued to the Indiana General
Assembly. The legislation says commission recommendations to adjust
boundaries between Indiana and Illinois does not take effect until
approved by the General Assembly, the legislature of the state of
Illinois and the Congress of the United States.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has called Indiana’s move a “stunt.” If
Indiana’s governor signs the measure, Pritzker isn’t expected to appoint
any Illinois members to Indiana’s commission. |
