Peoria Standard

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

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Peoria County by the Peoria Standard, a media organization focused on local governmental affairs. The request seeks detailed records concerning property tax relief and exemptions for veterans with disabilities and their surviving spouses. Specifically, the requested documents pertain to individuals who have applied for or received various forms of tax relief from Tax Year 2024 through the present.

The FOIA request includes four categories of documents:

1. Records of individuals who requested or received Property Tax Relief as a Veteran with a Disability or as a Surviving Spouse of a Disabled Veteran.

2. Documents related to those who applied for or received a Specially Adapted Housing Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities, in accordance with Illinois law 35 ILCS 200/15-165.

3. Information on individuals who sought or obtained a Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities, under Illinois statute 35 ILCS 200/15-169.

4. Details on applicants and recipients of the Returning Veteran’s Homestead Exemption, pursuant to Illinois code 35 ILCS 200/15-172.

The Peoria Standard emphasizes that access to these public records is crucial for its journalistic mission of ensuring transparency and accountability within public institutions. As part of its commitment to public service journalism, the organization has requested a fee waiver based on its status as a media entity.

Additionally, the requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting media outlets and advocacy groups in uncovering government actions through FOIA and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found at their website.

We look forward to receiving this information in an electronic format as it will greatly aid in our reporting efforts. As always, we remain open for any questions or clarifications regarding this request.