Illinois Valley Times

FOIA Request to LaSalle County regarding tax relief requests for veterans with disabilities on June 10, 2025.

The Illinois Valley Times has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to LaSalle County, Illinois, seeking records related to property tax relief and exemptions for veterans with disabilities. The request was sent on June 10, 2025, and is aimed at obtaining documents that detail individuals who have requested or received various forms of tax relief from the year 2024 to the present.

Specifically, the request seeks information on individuals who have applied for or received Property Tax Relief as a Veteran with a Disability or as a Surviving Spouse of a Disabled Veteran. Additionally, it requests documents concerning those who have sought or obtained a Specially Adapted Housing Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities under statute 35 ILCS 200/15-165. Further inquiries include records of those applying for or receiving a Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities under statute 35 ILCS 200/15-169, and a Returning Veteran’s Homestead Exemption under statute 35 ILCS 200/15-172.

The Illinois Valley Times emphasizes its role in providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs and underscores the importance of access to public records in holding public institutions accountable. The organization has also requested a fee waiver citing its status as a media professional involved in disseminating information to the public.

This FOIA request is supported by The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found here.

The average student-to-teacher ratio in LaSalle County was 13-to-1 in the 2022-23 school year, with 14,390 students enrolled and 1,141 full-time faculty members across the county's 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.