Should Illinois become 2 states?
Sue Betts, left, 71, helps friend Sheri Schuler-Faust, 69, tuck her scarf into her collar so her message of “quit wasting our tax $’s” can be more easily read on Wednesday after a Madison County Board meeting in Edwardsville. Joshua Carter/Belleville News-Democrat
A few weeks ago, county board members in Madison County, Illinois had voted 15-7 towards sending a question to the local ballot, that reads, "Shall the board of Madison County correspond with the boards of other counties of Illinois, outside of Cook County, about the possibility of separating from Cook County to form a new state and to seek admission to the Union as such, subject to the approval of the people?"
We'll kick the 21st off with a look at the attitudes held towards the resolution, with two guests who voted opposite to each other. We'll hear about why some think the resolution matters, and what message it sends to voters. Then, we'll take a quick overview of the politics of Madison County, how it's evolved over the years, and how it's affecting this resolution.
After, two more guests will be joining us. We'll discuss messages from our texting group, which held a wide range of opinions relating to this seccession. Then, hear just how big this movement is in Madison County, what a secession in Illinois could look like, and what's next.
GUESTS:
Alison Lamothe
D-Edwardsville, Madison County Board
Robert Meyer
R-Granite City, Madison County Board
Will Bauer
Metro East Reporter, KWMU — St. Louis Public Radio
David Joens
Director, Illinois State Archives