South Central Reporter

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

On June 10, 2025, South Central Reporter submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Christian County, Illinois. The request seeks detailed records concerning property tax relief and exemptions provided to veterans with disabilities and their surviving spouses for the tax year 2024 through the present. Specifically, the request includes:

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

2. Records of those who applied for or received a Specially Adapted Housing Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities under statute 35 ILCS 200/15-165.

3. Information on individuals who sought or were granted a Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities pursuant to statute 35 ILCS 200/15-169.

4. Documentation of requests or approvals for Returning Veteran’s Homestead Exemption in accordance with statute 35 ILCS 200/15-172.

The South Central Reporter emphasizes its role in gathering and disseminating news to hold public institutions accountable and provide transparency. They have requested these documents in electronic format and have asked for a fee waiver due to their status as media professionals.

The FOIA request was made by an affiliate of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this organization can be found on their website.

Christian County, known for its commitment to education, had an average student-to-teacher ratio of 14-to-1 during the 2022-23 school year, serving over four thousand students 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.