Barickman: Unlikely Chicago becomes 51st state

Posted on June 20, 2019

BLOOMINGTON – State Sen. Jason Barickman is weighing in on a resolution to make Chicago its own state.

A group of eight Republican lawmakers have co-sponsored a resolution urging Congress to make Chicago the 51st state.

Barickman (R-Bloomington) told WJBC’s Scott Miller he doesn’t see the proposal becoming a reality.

Listen to Sen. Barickman’s interview with WJBC’s Scott Miller:

“There are a lot of people downstate who are frustrated with the geographic differences of opinion that exist north of I-80 versus south of I-80. But I don’t think there will be 51 states in this country,” said Barickman.

“I think our job is to come together as Illinoisans and focus on solutions that appeal to a broad set of Illinois voters,” Barickman added.

Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) is a co-sponsor of the resolution. He said supporters don’t want Chicago kicked out of the state, they just want separation.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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