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.

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,

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.