Indiana looks to poach Illinois counties
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Indiana's legislature upped a long-standing rivalry with Illinois by introducing a bill to steal disgruntled counties.
Why it matters: Indiana Republicans are seizing on the discord between Cook County and the state's rural counties, which have long been divided along economic and ideological lines.
Zoom in: The proposed Indiana bill would create an Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission to "embrace neighboring counties that want to join low-tax, low-cost Indiana."
- It has a good chance of passing because Republicans own a supermajority in their legislature.
What he's saying: "We're excited about offering an opportunity for these fine folks to join our state … and we think, instead of seceding and creating a 51st state, they should just join us where we match their priorities, their interests," Indiana Republican House Speaker Todd Huston said in a Tuesday press conference.
- "To our neighbors to the west, we hear your frustration and invite you to join us in low-cost, low-tax Indiana," he said.
State of play: It's no secret that many Illinoisans have left the state for Indiana. Northwest Indiana is essentially a suburb of Chicago.
- Those who have fled have done it for many reasons, most notably for lower taxes and less business regulation.
Yes, but: "Well it's a stunt," Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said at a Wednesday press conference.
- "Indiana is a low-wage state that does not protect workers, does not provide health care for people when they're in need. I don't think it's very attractive for anyone in Illinois."
The latest: Indiana lawmakers point to successful non-binding ballot measures in several Illinois counties. In November, seven more Illinois counties voted to split from Cook County, creating two different states.
- It's a separatist movement that has passed in 33 counties (out of 102).
- "It is encouraging to have a state legislature actually HEAR us," Illinois Separation Referendum's Loret Newlin tells Axios. "I wish it were our own!"
Between the lines: While the Illinois movement has generally centered on splitting from Cook County, Huston sees an opportunity to expand Indiana's borders — or at least take a shot at its Democratic-controlled neighbor. Newlin says they'd have to adjust their approach in Illinois to go that route.
- "We would need to do a different referendum specifically regarding becoming part of Indiana," Newlin says.
Reality check: The Illinois General Assembly returns later this month, but Gov. JB Pritzker said last year that such a split shouldn't even be discussed.