Clay Whelan Sheriff | Official Website
Clay Whelan Sheriff | Official Website
FOIA Request to Lee County regarding tax relief requests for a veteran with disabilities on June 10, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Lee County, Illinois, by NW Illinois News on June 10, 2025. The request seeks access to records related to 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 showing 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 seeks information on those who have applied for or been granted a Specially Adapted Housing Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities under statute 35 ILCS 200/15-165. The FOIA request also includes inquiries about the Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (35 ILCS 200/15-169) and the Returning Veteran’s Homestead Exemption (35 ILCS 200/15-172).
NW Illinois News emphasizes its role in gathering and reporting news to the public, highlighting the importance of accessing public records to hold institutions accountable and ensure transparency. As part of this effort, they are requesting a fee waiver based on their status as media professionals.
The organization behind this request is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit corporation that assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies using FOIA and Sunshine Laws. More information about their mission can be found on their website here.
The average student-to-teacher ratio in Lee County was 14-to-1 in the 2022-23 school year, with 3,723 students enrolled and 264 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.
Alerts Sign-up