Metro East Sun

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

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Jersey County, Illinois, by Metro East Sun on June 10, 2025. The request seeks detailed records concerning property tax relief and exemptions for veterans with disabilities and their surviving spouses for the tax year 2024 through the present.

The request specifically asks for documents related to individuals who have requested or received Property Tax Relief as a Veteran with a Disability or as a Surviving Spouse of a Disabled Veteran. Additionally, it includes requests for information on those who have applied for or received Specially Adapted Housing Exemptions and Standard Homestead Exemptions for Veterans with Disabilities, in accordance with Illinois statutes 35 ILCS 200/15-165 and 35 ILCS 200/15-169 respectively. Furthermore, the request covers documents concerning the Returning Veteran’s Homestead Exemption under statute 35 ILCS 200/15-172.

Metro East Sun is seeking these records to ensure transparency and accountability within public institutions. As members of the media, they emphasize their role in providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs. The organization has also requested a fee waiver based on their status as media professionals.

The requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through FOIA and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found at their website.

The average student-to-teacher ratio in Jersey County was reported as 16-to-1 during the 2022-23 school year, highlighting an educational environment that serves approximately 2,420 students with around 150 full-time faculty members across its schools.

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.