UPDATE: Indiana Governor Mike Braun has just appointed five members to the newly established Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission, but the commission is still one member short of the quorum needed to vote. This urgent development follows the recent passage of Indiana House Enrolled Act 1008, aimed at exploring potential boundary adjustments between the two states.
The commission’s formation comes in response to a notable shift in sentiment from Illinois, where 33 counties have expressed interest in secession since 2020. Speaker Todd Huston, who authored the bill, highlighted that seven of those counties voted to secede as recently as November. “I look forward to continuing to tell Indiana’s story,” Huston declared, emphasizing Indiana’s appeal for families and businesses.
Under the new law, which Braun signed on May 1, a total of six members can be appointed from Indiana and five from Illinois. Although a quorum of six is required for voting, the commission can still convene to discuss and gather testimony. The first meeting is scheduled for December 1, with details to be arranged by the appointed members.
The five appointees include:
– Greg Newman, a Republican CPA from Posey County
– Donald Lehe, former Republican State Representative from White County
– Clay Andrews, a Republican Warren County Commissioner
– Jeff Papa, chief of staff for the Indiana State Senate
– Ray McCammon, a Democratic Sullivan County Commissioner
Braun is expected to appoint a sixth member soon, but specifics remain unclear. According to Braun’s spokesman, Griffin Reid, the selection process focused on individuals from counties nearest to those in Illinois that have voted to secede—three members hail from border counties.
The commission’s role is critical; it will assess whether the boundary between Indiana and Illinois should be adjusted and submit a report to the Indiana General Assembly within 60 days of completing its work. Reid expressed confidence in the commission’s ability to provide sound recommendations.
However, the prospect of boundary adjustments has not gone unnoticed in Illinois. Governor JB Pritzker dismissed the proposal as a “stunt,” criticizing Indiana’s social policies and asserting that such moves are unlikely to gain traction. Meanwhile, Illinois State Representative Brad Halbrook has introduced a companion bill, Illinois House Bill 1500, which aims to establish a similar commission in Illinois. Halbrook commended Braun’s appointments, calling them an important step in regional governance discussions.
As the Illinois legislature prepares for its fall veto session, Halbrook is urging Pritzker and House Speaker Chris Welch to advance his bill. “Without Illinois participation, this commission remains one-sided and incomplete,” he stated, calling attention to the need for representation in these discussions.
The implications of this commission could be significant, potentially reshaping governance in the region. If the recommendation to adjust the boundary is approved, it will require consent from not only the Indiana and Illinois legislatures but also the U.S. Congress.
As this situation develops, many are watching closely to see how both states will respond. The conversation around state boundaries is not just about geography; it reflects deeper sentiments among residents who feel unheard under current governance. Keep an eye on this unfolding story as the commission prepares for its inaugural meeting and the future of state lines hangs in the balance.
