Some Indiana lawmakers have taken steps to absorb the Illinois counties that have voted to leave the state. Last election, seven Illinois counties joined more than 20 others to greenlight a proposal to explore splitting from the state.

Several Illinois counties that have explored the idea of secession might be welcomed with open arms in Indiana. Legislators in Indiana’s Republican-majority General Assembly have introduced a house bill that would establish a commission to discuss whether it’s advisable to adjust the boundary between Illinois and Indiana.

I think this movement has a lot more teeth to it than the governor has given it credit for,” said a resident of Troy.

Starting in 2020, non-binding referendums to secede from Illinois and create a new state have passed in 33 counties. Now, a high-ranking Republican in Indiana wants those counties to join Indiana instead of making a 51st state.

One of Indiana's most influential elected officials wants to take the practice of trying to lure residents from neighboring states a step further by annexing entire counties. Why it matters: Republican House Speaker Todd Huston's bill to create an Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission to "embrace neighboring counties that want to join low-tax,

Indiana Speaker of the House Todd Huston wants to start a dialogue with his neighboring state. On Tuesday, the Speaker announced he wants to create the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission,

We have to wear this jersey with more pride as Indiana players." Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin did not inform Congress or the White House as required when he was incapacitated due to treatment for prostate cancer or when complications worsened his condition last year,