Bill > HJR0016

This resolution urges the United States Congress to create a new 51st state composed of 101 counties in downstate Illinois, along with any outlying areas of Cook County that wish to be included. The resolution presents a detailed rationale for this proposed state separation, highlighting significant political, cultural, and economic differences between urban Cook County and the rest of Illinois. Key arguments include disparities in political representation, gerrymandering that concentrates power in Chicago, divergent policy preferences (such as gun laws), and a perception that downstate residents experience "legislation, taxation, and regulation without representation." The resolution cites historical precedents of state separation attempts and notes that an advisory referendum on creating a new state appeared on ballots in 33 counties, passing with an average of 74% support. It references constitutional provisions allowing for the creation of new states and points to historical examples like West Virginia. The resolution aims to address what it describes as a fundamental lack of representative government and equal representation for downstate Illinois residents, ultimately calling on Congress to formally consider establishing a new state that better represents the interests of rural, small town, and suburban Illinois communities.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=16&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HJR&SessionID=114&GA=104