Movement to divide Illinois into two states gains traction in suburbs
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A long-shot movement to split Illinois into two states is finding support beyond rural downstate counties and into parts of the Chicago suburbs.
The latest: Saturday morning, New Illinois will hold meetings in Barrington to give updates on the push for a new state.
Context: New Illinois is among the leading groups pushing to split Illinois into two states — separating Chicago and much of Cook County from the rest of the state.
State of play: Advisory referendums supporting some form of separation have passed in 33 of Illinois' 102 counties, largely in rural and downstate areas frustrated by Democratic dominance in Springfield.
Yes, but: Saturday's meeting in Barrington highlights growing interest in some suburban communities as well.
Zoom in: The group describes itself as nonpartisan, arguing Illinois policies are largely shaped around the interests of Chicago and Cook County.
What they're saying: "Urban, suburban and rural areas have different needs, interests, cultures, and economies," New Illinois chairman G.H. Merritt said in a news release.
- "Illinois passes laws and adopts policies that may be great for densely populated Chicago but not for the rest of the state."
The intrigue: Splitting Illinois would trigger major financial and legal questions, including how to divide tax revenue, infrastructure obligations and billions in public pension liabilities.
- Merritt says that's a major focus of Saturday's meeting, which will include financial experts discussing the potential economic fallout of a split.
Between the lines: The movement faces enormous political and legal hurdles.
- Creating a new state would require approval from the Illinois General Assembly and Congress — something Democratic leaders who control Springfield have shown no interest in pursuing.
- The last time this happened was when West Virginia split from Virginia during the Civil War.
- Merritt and others believe that's doable.
While state Democrats aren't interested, neighboring Indiana has flirted with poaching downstate conservative counties.
The bottom line: While separating Illinois into two states remains highly unlikely, organizers say they plan to keep pushing the effort.
If you go: The meeting will be at 10am at the Barrington Area Library at 505 N. Northwest Highway in Barrington.