Add this to the list of strangest things I've heard recently, but it's absolutely true, at least according to the Republican law maker who plans to introduce the bill. In a move that has both Iowans and Minnesotans scratching their heads and chuckling, Sen. Mike Bousselot of Iowa has proposed something that sounds straight out of a Midwestern sitcom. Iowa wants to "buy" nine counties from Minnesota.

Credit: Iowa.gov Iowa Senator Mike Bousselot
Credit: Iowa.gov
Iowa Senator Mike Bousselot
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As of now, we don't have much to go on as the bill has not yet been introduced, but here's a list of how things could, should, or won't shake out for the two states. Let’s break down this quirky situation, looking at the potential pros and cons of this Midwestern real estate drama.

Credit: Minnesota.gov / Iowa.gov
Credit: Minnesota.gov / Iowa.gov
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The Good: More Bacon, Less Tax

1. Lower Taxes for New Iowans

Credit: Canva
Credit: Canva
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Bousselot promises lower income, sales, and business taxes for these soon-to-be Iowans. Imagine a world where you pay less at the register and have more money to splurge on all that Minnesota Vikings gear. Even if you now technically live in Iowa, you can keep your NFL team, I mean we don't have one. You'll just have to put up with all the Bears, Packers, and Chiefs fans you'll have for neighbors. For those living in the nine counties, this could mean extra cash in their pockets—a tantalizing prospect in today’s economy.

2. Farm-Friendly Policies

Credit: Canva
Credit: Canva
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Iowa, known for its vast cornfields and hog farms, boasts more agricultural investment opportunities. Farmers in southern Minnesota could see increased support for their operations, more investment in farmland, and, yes, more hog buildings. If you’re in agriculture, this might be like Christmas morning with a tractor under the tree.

3. Budget Surplus

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Credit: Canva
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Iowa has a budget surplus, and Minnesota’s future includes an anticipated budget deficit. The proposed annexation is presented as a financial win-win: Iowa gets more land and people, and Minnesota gets cash to help with its budget woes. It’s like selling your backyard to pay off a few credit card bills—pragmatic, if a bit unusual.

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The Bad: Identity Crisis and Political Juggling

1. Minnesotans’ Identity Crisis

Iowa v Minnesota
Credit: Hannah Foslien / Getty Images
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Minnesota prides itself on being "Minnesota Nice," and there’s a certain charm in their identity that’s distinct from Iowa’s, although I'd say Iowa nice wins out (I'm bias). Would these nine counties suffer an identity crisis? Would they miss their hotdish casseroles and ice fishing traditions, or would they adapt to Iowa’s love of pork, the Iowa State Fair, and all things Hawks (or Cyclones)? I mean they could keep their gold and purple at least, but the cultural shift might be a bit jarring.

2. Electoral Implications

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Credit: Canva
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Bousselot insists that this move wouldn’t change the electoral math. However, political nerds know better. Adjusting state lines could subtly shift voting dynamics in both states, stirring up potential controversies. Would Minnesotans-turned-Iowans shift Iowa’s political landscape? Would it make Minnesota more of a Democratic stronghold? These are questions with no easy answers.

3. Logistical Headaches

Credit: Canva
Credit: Canva
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From changing addresses to switching driver's licenses and updating voter registrations, the logistical nightmare of such a transition can’t be overstated. Imagine waking up one day as an Iowan with a Minnesota heart—and the paperwork to prove it.

The Verdict: A Midwestern Marvel or Misstep?

This proposal feels like a tongue-in-cheek nod to how much states can change, and how borders are more than just lines on a map—they’re part of a people's identity. Whether this happens or not, it’s a reminder of the unique ways states look to solve their problems, and how neighboring states often have more in common than they’d care to admit. I mean, if Indiana can try and do it to Illinois, why can't Iowa take a stab at Minnesota?

Credit: Canva
Credit: Canva
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So, will a few Gophers REALLY be fed to the Hawkeyes? Only time will tell. For now, let’s enjoy the fun of imagining a world where you can sell a few counties to balance the books and give your new neighbors a tax break. Welcome to the Midwest, where the solutions are as hearty as the casseroles, and the debates are as serious as a snowstorm in April (it's coming).

Photos: Iowa's Pictured Rocks Wildlife Management Area

Nestled just five miles southeast of Monticello, Iowa, the Pictured Rocks Wildlife Management Area is an over 1,100-acre treasure trove of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Named for its stunning limestone bluffs along the Maquoketa River Valley, Pictured Rocks offers a diverse ecosystem that captivates visitors with rock climbing, spelunking, hiking, and much more.

Gallery Credit: Tom Drake

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A trip through the trails and nature center at Eden Valley Refuge in Baldwin, IA

Gallery Credit: Tom Ehlers

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