Chambana Sun

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

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Vermilion County, Illinois, by Chambana Sun, a media organization dedicated to covering local governmental affairs. The request seeks records related to property tax relief and exemptions for veterans with disabilities and their surviving spouses. 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 for Tax Year 2024 through the present.

2. Documents showing individuals who requested or received a Specially Adapted Housing Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/15-165 for Tax Year 2024 through the present.

3. Documents showing individuals who requested or received a Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/15-169 for Tax Year 2024 through the present.

4. Documents showing individuals who requested or received a Returning Veteran’s Homestead Exemption pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/15-172 for Tax Year 2024 through the present.

Chambana Sun has expressed its intent to receive these records in electronic format, citing its role in gathering and reporting news as essential for public accountability and transparency. As part of their request, they have also sought a fee waiver based on their status as media professionals.

The FOIA requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies using Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this organization can be found on their website.

In Vermilion County, where this request is directed, there were approximately 11,118 students enrolled across various schools during the 2022-23 school year, supported by 771 full-time faculty members, resulting in an average student-to-teacher ratio of 14-to-1.

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.