Galesburg Reporter

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

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

The specific records requested include:

1. 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.

2. Documents showing individuals who requested and/or received a Specially Adapted Housing Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities, in accordance with Illinois law (35 ILCS 200/15-165).

3. Documents showing individuals who requested and/or received a Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities, pursuant to Illinois law (35 ILCS 200/15-169).

4. Documents showing individuals who requested and/or received a Returning Veteran’s Homestead Exemption, under Illinois law (35 ILCS 200/15-172).

The request emphasizes the importance of these records in promoting transparency and accountability within public institutions. The Galesburg Reporter is part of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, which supports media organizations in investigating governmental actions through FOIA requests.

Knox County is located in Illinois and serves as an educational hub with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 13-to-1 during the 2022-23 school year. It had an enrollment of 6,654 students across its schools, supported by 512 full-time faculty members.

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.