Macon Reporter

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

The Macon Reporter has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Dewitt County seeking records related to property tax relief and exemptions for veterans with disabilities. The request was sent on June 10, 2025, and aims to obtain documents that detail individuals who have requested or received various forms of tax relief from the year 2024 to the present.

Specifically, the request includes:

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

- Documents pertaining to those who sought or were granted a Specially Adapted Housing Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities under statute 35 ILCS 200/15-165.

- Records of individuals who applied for or received a Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities according to statute 35 ILCS 200/15-169.

- Information on those who requested or were given a Returning Veteran’s Homestead Exemption in line with statute 35 ILCS 200/15-172.

The Macon Reporter emphasizes the importance of access to these public records in fulfilling its role in holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency. The organization has also requested a fee waiver, citing its status as part of the media.

Additionally, the requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, which aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through FOIA and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found on their website: https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.

Among the seven schools in De Witt County, Clinton Elementary School recorded the highest enrollment of white students in the 2022-23 school year, with a total of 413 students.

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.