When seven counties in Illinois voted in November to explore secession from their state and separate from the influence of Cook County, Indiana House Republicans took notice. When we looked further and found that 33 counties in total had taken a similar vote since 2020, we decided to act. Instead of seceding and forming a 51st state, we think these Illinois counties should join us in Indiana.
There is a constitutional process by which states can redraw their boundaries. Though it would take a concerted, coordinated effort, that doesn’t mean the proposal isn’t serious. It certainly doesn’t mean the residents of those 33 downstate counties aren’t serious in their frustrations. Illinois politicians and thought leaders claiming otherwise do so at their own peril.
Though we welcome this opportunity to highlight what’s great about the Hoosier State, Indiana didn’t dream this scenario up. Illinois residents are voting at the ballot box and quite literally with their feet to leave a state they feel no longer represents or serves them. Since the pandemic, at least 100,000 Illinois residents have chosen to leave their state and come to Indiana, where their taxes and cost of living are lower and where they can access greater economic opportunity, freedom and quality of life.
Due to two decades of commonsense, fiscally responsible leadership in Indiana, the contrasts between our state and our neighbor to the west are stark. In Indiana, we have low debt, balanced budgets and a AAA credit rating, and we’ve cut taxes for our residents every year over the last 10 years, including cutting the income tax again each of the next two years.
Indiana is repeatedly ranked as a top state in the Midwest and country for tax, regulatory and business environment. Chief Executive magazine ranks Indiana first in the Midwest and sixth in the nation for best states for business. The Tax Foundation ranks Indiana top in the Midwest and top 10 overall for tax climate. In 2024 alone, we attracted nearly $40 billion in new private capital investment to our state. We also measure high for affordability, infrastructure, government transparency and accountability, and the list goes on.
We’re proud of the results we’re seeing in Indiana and imagine these are the types of results those 33 counties in Illinois are eager to experience. In addition to shared values and economic ideals, Indiana and these areas of Illinois have similar economies, rooted in agriculture and manufacturing. Alignment makes sense.
I’ve authored legislation creating the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission to evaluate mutual advantages of redrawing state lines, focusing on regions where population dynamics, economic potential and administrative efficiencies could create a win-win scenario for both states. A companion bill has now been filed in the Illinois General Assembly.
We’re ready to work with our colleagues in Illinois who represent these communities and want to be responsive to their residents. To those in Illinois who feel unheard by their state leaders, Indiana is listening, and as you look for a path forward, we’re simply raising our hand with a potential solution. And if Illinois political leaders aren’t willing to act, you can join the former Illinois residents who have already chosen Indiana by moving here. You will be welcomed.
House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, represents District 37, which includes a portion of Hamilton County.
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