Should Downstate Illinois Become Its Own State? A Conversation with New Illinois

In this episode, Nathan sits down with G.H. Merritt and Dean Barker of New Illinois to discuss one of the most talked-about grassroots movements in the state. The conversation explores the organization's mission, the constitutional process they believe could lead to the creation of a new state, and why supporters argue that residents outside of the Chicago metropolitan area deserve greater representation in state government.The discussion covers the urban-versus-rural divide, concerns about taxation, government structure, economic challenges facing Illinois, and the growing number of counties that have participated in advisory referendums related to state separation. Merritt and Barker also explain the legal distinctions between a state split and secession, outline the organization's goals, and share how residents can learn more or get involved.Whether you support the idea, oppose it, or are simply curious about the debate, this episode offers an opportunity to hear directly from leaders of the New Illinois movement and better understand the arguments driving the conversation across many Illinois communities.Learn more about New Illinois at:https://newillinoisstate.org/According to the organization, New Illinois is a nonpartisan nonprofit focused on educating Illinois residents about their constitutional right to pursue the formation of a new state through the process outlined in Article IV, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution. The group states that its focus is on issues of representation, government structure, and the relationship between urban and rural areas of Illinois.👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online🎤 Highlights:0:32 What is the New Illinois movement?1:05 Why supporters believe representation is lacking outside Cook County2:07 Is New Illinois a political movement?2:53 The history behind Illinois' urban-rural divide4:22 How legislative representation changed after Reynolds v. Sims6:10 Frustrations heard from residents outside Chicago7:14 Taxes, regulations, and government concerns8:32 What inspired supporters to get involved10:26 Why some residents choose to stay and fight for change11:05 Responding to skepticism about the movement12:13 Is creating a new state constitutional?13:17 Economic arguments for and against separation15:06 Support for the movement across Illinois16:03 Historical attempts to separate parts of Illinois17:23 What New Illinois wants people to understand18:13 Questions about pensions, debt, and state finances19:25 How a new state might compare to neighboring states20:25 How residents can get involved21:57 Why organizers say this is not secession23:24 The Illinois Separation Referendum explained25:05 County referendum results and voter support26:22 What would need to happen for a state split to occur?Follow us on all social media platforms below:https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepresshttps://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepresshttps://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHkhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/https://rumble.com/radarfreepresshttps://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepresshttps://x.com/radarfreepresshttps://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress#NewIllinois #IllinoisPolitics #Illinois #DownstateIllinois #CookCounty #Statehood #GovernmentRepresentation #RuralAmerica #LocalPolitics #IllinoisNews #PoliticalDiscussion #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #CivicEngagement #PublicPolicy