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.

Legislation is being considered by state lawmakers that would redraw the state boundaries of Indiana to include a handful of counties in Illinois that are considering secession from the state. In the last year 33 counties in Illinois have held referenda in which residents in these counties approved plans to look into the possibility of seceding from Illinois and forming a new state.

To all of our neighbors in the West, we hear your frustrations and invite you to join us in low-cost, low-tax Indiana,” Indiana's House Speaker, Rep. Todd Huston (R) said. "Instead of seceding and creating a 51st state,