Indiana takes first action in long shot plan to acquire parts of Illinois
Indiana is embarking on a unique endeavor to potentially amend its border and acquire parts of neighboring Illinois. The state legislature recently passed a bill to establish the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission, which will evaluate whether changing the border between the two states is feasible.
Governor Mike Braun, a Republican, has expressed his intention to sign the bill into law, with plans to convene the commission for its inaugural meeting by September 1. This move marks the first step in what could be a significant shift in state boundaries.
The push for this border adjustment stems from a desire among residents of certain Illinois counties to separate from the heavily Democratic and densely populated Chicago area. While there is support from the Indiana government and residents of the affected Illinois counties, the plan would require approval from the Illinois government and ultimately the U.S. Congress to come to fruition.
However, Illinois’ top elected officials have expressed opposition to the idea, with Governor J.B. Pritzker dismissing it as a “stunt.” A companion bill in Illinois that would enable the state to participate in the border adjustment commission has yet to progress through the legislative process.
Historically, minor changes to state borders have occurred, with at least 50 instances documented in U.S. history. However, major changes like the one being proposed between Illinois and Indiana have not been implemented since the Civil War era when West Virginia was created by separating from Virginia.
The current effort to alter the Illinois-Indiana border is driven in part by political divisions. The Chicago area, controlled by Democrats due to its large population, influences the overall state’s political landscape, while Republicans dominate other parts of Illinois. In contrast, Indiana’s government is predominantly Republican.
Similar movements for secession or border adjustments have been observed in other states, such as Oregon, where counties have expressed interest in joining neighboring Idaho. These initiatives face challenges in gaining approval from both state governments and the U.S. Congress, highlighting the complexity of altering state boundaries.
As discussions continue and the commission in Indiana begins its work, the outcome of this ambitious border adjustment proposal remains uncertain. The potential implications of such a change would undoubtedly have far-reaching effects on both states involved. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
