‘Indiana would lose out on the deal’: How the Indiana-Illinois secession bill would work: Report

Indiana lawmakers are considering a bill to redraw state boundaries and absorb 32 Illinois counties, which collectively house over 830,000 residents, into Indiana. Proponents, including Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, view it as an opportunity to provide an alternative to Illinois’ policies, but critics, like Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, dismiss it as a political stunt, reported Indystar.com.

The move, which would require approval from both state legislatures and Congress, faces significant hurdles. Economists warn that Indiana taxpayers may face higher costs due to increased demand for Medicaid, education, and infrastructure. These 32 counties currently receive more in state funds than they contribute in tax revenue, with a $4 billion-to-$2.2 billion imbalance in Illinois. While Indiana’s more relaxed regulatory environment might spur some economic growth, experts doubt it would offset these deficits.

Politically, Indiana could gain a congressional seat, bolstering conservative influence, while Illinois would lose representation. However, Illinois has little incentive to approve the proposal, as it would result in fewer resources for remaining counties and a loss of influence. The complexities of aligning divergent policies, such as public pensions, school funding, and debt obligations, add to the challenges.

While some residents in the secession counties support the idea for ideological reasons, others doubt its feasibility. Indiana Gov. Mike Braun and Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray have expressed skepticism about the bill’s prospects, signaling it may be more symbolic than actionable.