This is not a joke—multiple downstate Illinois communities could soon join the Hoosier State under a new bill approved by the Indiana Senate.
In what Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has called a “stunt,” the Indiana Senate has begun the process of annexing 33 rural Illinois counties, according to WGN. The official list of counties covered in the bill is not yet publicly available.
Counties included in the bill reportedly represent a crop of Illinois communities which seek to break away from the economic and political influence of Chicago and Cook County.
Sen. Scott Baldwin of Indiana previously stated that some Illinois voters prefer Indiana’s lower taxes, budget structure, and political representation, among other factors, as reported by the Indiana Capital Chronicle.
To become law, the bill would need approval from both Indiana Gov. Mike Braun and the Illinois legislature.
Gov. Pritzker—who would have final say on Illinois’ side—dismissed the proposal earlier this year, saying in a statement obtained by WGN, “It’s not going to happen.”
Will Indiana try to annex The Bean next? Only time will tell.