A growing movement of frustrated Illinois residents are seeking to redraw the state map, aiming to break away from Chicago and form a new state entirely. Spearheaded by Loret Newlin, director of Illinois Separation, the initiative is fueled by what she describes as a deep-seated resentment over the overwhelming influence of Chicago and Cook County on the rest of Illinois. Newlin asserts that residents outside the metropolitan area feel their voices are ignored by the state government, with laws consistently being crafted to benefit Chicago at the expense of downstate interests. To gauge public support, 11 counties and several townships across Illinois will vote on a non-binding referendum this November. This vote will ask residents if they are interested in separating from Cook County to establish a new state, drawing inspiration from the constitutional process that led to West Virginia’s formation. Newlin points to proposed legislation, such as a per-mile tax for drivers, as a prime example of how downstate residents, particularly farmers and truckers who rely heavily on transportation and lack public transit alternatives, are disproportionately affected by policies originating from the capital. She also voiced strong opposition to Illinois’ SAFE-T Act, a law that eliminated cash bail, arguing it favors criminals and has negative repercussions for the state, especially impacting Chicago. Despite Democratic Governor JB Pritzker’s office dismissing the separation movement as a ‘stunt’ that ‘is not going to happen,’ the referendums represent a significant push by rural and suburban Illinoisans to regain political autonomy and address their perceived marginalization.
Adapted from: U.S. News Today on Fox News
