Southern Illinois News

FOIA Request to Johnson County regarding tax relief requests for a veteran with disabilities on June 10, 2025.

On June 10, 2025, Southern Illinois News submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Treasurer's Office of Johnson County, Illinois. The request seeks detailed records related to property tax relief and exemptions for veterans with disabilities and their surviving spouses for the tax year 2024 through the present. Specifically, the request asks for documents concerning individuals who have requested or received various forms of property tax relief under several provisions of Illinois law.

The records requested include documentation on those who have sought or obtained Property Tax Relief as a Veteran with a Disability or as a Surviving Spouse of a Disabled Veteran. Additionally, the request covers those who have applied for or received a Specially Adapted Housing Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities under statute 35 ILCS 200/15-165. Further information is sought on individuals who have pursued or been granted a Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities in accordance with statute 35 ILCS 200/15-169. Lastly, the request includes data on those applying for or receiving a Returning Veteran’s Homestead Exemption pursuant to statute 35 ILCS 200/15-172.

Southern Illinois News emphasizes its role in providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. The organization underscores the importance of access to public records in holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency. As part of this effort, they have requested that these records be provided in electronic format and have asked for a fee waiver based on their status as media professionals.

The requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating government actions using FOIA and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found at their website.

Johnson County has an average student-to-teacher ratio of 14-to-1 during the 2022-23 school year, serving over 1,700 students across its schools with more than 120 full-time faculty members.

Our team will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report news related to this request and other matters of public interest. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this matter.