Iowa’s Bold Plan to Purchase Nine Minnesota Counties Heads to Subcommittee Today (2/25/25)

As I previously reported, the Hawkeyes are eyeing some Gopher counties and now that Senate File is heading to subcommittee today at 3pm. In a move that has both Iowans and Minnesotans scratching their heads and lightly chuckling, Senator Mike Bousselot (R-Ankeny) is pushing forward with a proposal to make nine counties in southern Minnesota part of Iowa. In all honesty, it might not be as crazy as it sounds. Similar things are currently being considered between Illinois and Indiana.

The bill, Senate File 354, is set to be discussed in an Iowa Senate subcommittee this afternoon (2/25/2025) at 3 PM in Room G15. This will also be the public’s opportunity to weigh in on the proposal.

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What’s Exactly in the Bill?

Bousselot argues that these nine counties — Rock, Nobles, Jackson, Martin, Faribault, Freeborn, Mower, Fillmore, and Houston — were part of the original Iowa Territory and should have the chance to join the Hawkeye State. The bill would authorize Iowa to negotiate with Minnesota over the transfer, but the process wouldn’t be simple. For the purchase to happen, it would need:

• Approval from both the Iowa and Minnesota legislatures
• Consent from the U.S. Congress to change state boundaries
• An amendment to the Iowa Constitution to officially ratify the new borders
• A financial arrangement, in case Minnesota demands payment

Why is This Even Being Consider?

As I mentioned, despite the absurdity of how it sounds, it might not be all that crazy. Bousselot promotes the proposal as a win-win, arguing that the Minnesotans-turned-Iowans would enjoy lower income, sales, and business taxes, as well as a more farm-friendly environment, perfect for the rural nature of these communities. He has also highlighted Iowa’s budget surplus, contrasting it with Minnesota’s anticipated budget deficit. The idea is that Minnesota could trade some of its land in exchange for some much-needed financial relief.

While the bill is getting its first round of discussion today (2/25/25), serious hurdles remain. Would Minnesota even consider giving up part of its land? Would residents of these counties want to become Iowans, and what choice would they have? And could Congress ever approve such a bold realignment of state borders? I tackled these questions and more with both the pros and cons in my last article.

Regardless of the outcome, today’s subcommittee meeting will give us a better sense of whether this proposal is just political theater or a serious attempt at redrawing the Midwest. Stay tuned and watch for more updates!