One man has started a petition, in order to have the state of Illinois secede from the city of Chicago, allowing every county eligible to join, except for Cook county. Collin Cliburn proposed this idea, because he said that he feels that those who are in more rural areas of the state are being given higher taxes, that they cannot afford and are unequally represented. 8 counties in the northeastern part of Illinois are recouped 80-cents per dollar contributed to the state in taxes and other fees, while parts of southern and central Illinois will get $2 for every $1 paid. That was according to a study reported by Capitolfax.com. Chicago does serve as an economic engine for Illinois, but Cliburn, who is an Athens resident, believes that residents of rural communities deserve better representation in the General Assembly. The Illinois Separation is a grass-roots effort, led by Cliburn and his online petition, is aimed for all Illinois citizens who live outside of Cook County, in order to form a brand-new state. The petition has over 1,600 signatures at this time. Cliburn says that he realizes that if the state would separate, there would be a financial crisis of some sort being outside of Chicago’s economic value. He stated that he believes for the most part that his people would rather drive on dirt roads, rather than being told what to do from Chicago politicians anymore. According to the House resolution, sponsored by state Representative Reginald Phillips of Charleston, downstate residents often disagree with Chicago on gun ownership, immigration and other policy issues. State Representative Jeanna Ives, who is a Republican from Wheaton, said that does not believe that the succession bill would work. Cliburn says that he has been working with county boards to put the measure onto the November ballot, which he believes will set the plan into motion for Illinois’ split as a state.