(Indianapolis, IN) - A proposal, creating the possibility of several dozen Illinois counties joining the state of Indiana is gaining traction in the Indiana state legislature.

 

A House committee on Monday approved a bill, which would create a commission to discuss how Indiana could “embrace” counties in Illinois wanting to secede from their state. The bill would establish the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission, that could discuss, and even recommend whether it is advisable to adjust the boundaries between the two states.

 

If passed, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun would appoint five members to the commission, with Illinois appointing the other five. To actually have counties in Illinois break off and join Indiana still requires a longshot process that has not occurred in modern U.S. history.

 

First, the Illinois Legislature would have to adopt a similar bill and agree to adjusting their borders to place those counties wanting out into Indiana. Approval would also be required by the U.S. Congress.

 

According to state lawmakers, there are counties in Illinois wanting to secede out of a feeling they have no voice in state government because of democratic dominance out of Chicago