Peoria Standard

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

On June 10, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Stark County, Illinois. The request, sent by Peoria Standard, seeks detailed records related to property tax relief and exemptions for veterans with disabilities and their surviving spouses. Specifically, the request includes:

1. Documents listing individuals who have requested or received Property Tax Relief as a Veteran with a Disability or as a Surviving Spouse of a Disabled Veteran for the tax year 2024 through the present.

2. Records showing individuals who have applied for or been granted a Specially Adapted Housing Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities under Illinois statute 35 ILCS 200/15-165 for the same period.

3. Documentation of those who have sought or obtained a Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities in accordance with Illinois statute 35 ILCS 200/15-169 from tax year 2024 onwards.

4. Information on individuals who have requested or received a Returning Veteran’s Homestead Exemption under Illinois statute 35 ILCS 200/15-172 during this timeframe.

The Peoria Standard emphasizes its role in providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs and underscores the importance of accessing public records to ensure transparency and accountability within public institutions. As part of this request, they are seeking these documents in electronic format and are requesting a fee waiver based on their status as media professionals.

The requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, an organization dedicated to promoting transparency by assisting media companies and advocacy groups in investigating government actions through FOIA and Sunshine Laws.

During the 2023-24 school year, non-Hispanic white students comprised the largest ethnic group in Stark County schools, with a total of 37,951 students, representing 74% of the student body. Non-Hispanic Black students ranked second, with 5,517 students and comprising 10.8% of the total.

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.