Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas column explores options to help pay property taxes by Dec. 15 If you can’t pay your taxes by the December 15 due date, there’s a 13-month payment plan available! Register now at CookCountyTreasurer.com. Second-Installment Cook County property taxes are due Dec. 15, for nearly 1.8 million Cook County properties. That…
Homeowners shocked by tax hikes should read bills to find out where their money goes By Maria Pappas Record-high increases in property tax bills have angered many Cook County property owners. My office has released an analysis of the nearly 1.8 million tax bills. It showed that in Chicago the median tax bill jumped 16.7%,…
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Treasurer Pappas welcomes visitors to ‘Christmas Trees from Around the World’ exhibit more countries and cultures represented than the Museum of Science and Industry’s Display For the 22nd year, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is celebrating the ethnic holiday traditions of nearly 100 different nationalities in the free “Christmas Trees from Around the World” exhibit…
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Loop’s declining value fuels record 16.7% jump in median property tax bill for Chicago homeowners Homeowners in Black communities hit with biggest percentage increases A dramatic decline in the value of commercial property in Chicago’s Loop, the city’s longtime economic engine, fueled a record property tax increase on homes across the city, according to an…
Third-party notices tell you if a relative or anyone you know misses a tax payment By Maria Pappas Each year, thousands of property owners in Cook County are late paying their taxes, putting their homes in danger of being included in the annual state-mandated tax sale. That’s a problem we want to help you avoid. …
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Commissioner Frank Aguilar and Cook County officials celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month Officials, accompanied by musical guests, honored notable Hispanic and Latine residents for their contributions to Cook County, and honored three individuals with awards (Cook County, IL) – On Wednesday, October 15th, Cook County Commissioners and the Office of Cook County Board President…
Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Joins Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos at Expungement Event This “Second Chance Summit” expunged and sealed previous convictions for residents throughout Cook County Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar joined Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos and local elected officials at a Second Chance Summit. The Second Chance Summit…
Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and the Alliance of Polish Clubs USA will host a special event honoring Polish American Heritage Month by unveiling the first-ever U.S. showing of the “Different Faces of Solidarity” photography exhibit by…
Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair Residents from throughout the 16th District attended the fair which provided health and family services On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office….
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Indian Consul General Somnath Ghosh will host a Diwali celebration to honor Indian American community leaders, activists, and entrepreneurs for their outstanding contributions to the cultural, civic, and economic life of Cook County. The event will…
The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes By Maria Pappas Every year, my office hears from thousands of homeowners who run into problems with their property taxes due to common errors. Here are the five most common mistakes homeowners make and what you can do to avoid them. Paying Twice for the…
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Secretary of State Drivers Facility Moving to New Orland Park Location Temporary Drivers Facility to Open September 29 in Orland Park, Permanent Location Coming Soon, in a major victory for the leadership of Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge, and especially for senior citizen residents of the Orland Park region. The new facility will be located…
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Free Mexican Document Assistance Available This Week at Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar’s Office Beginning on Thursday, September 25, through Saturday, September 27, Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar will provide free Mexican document assistance. The assistance will be available at the Aguilar’s District Office, 7833 Ogden Avenue, Lyons, Illinois. A range of services will be offered…
The Pappas Portal: Free News You Can Use By Maria Pappas When it comes to property taxes in Cook County, a lot of people feel like they’re staring at a 1,000-piece puzzle—and someone hid the box with the picture on the cover. That’s why I want to tell you about a tool that helps you…
Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Fundraiser at Harley Davidson On Wednesday, August 27th, Commissioner Aguilar hosted his fifth annual Friends of Frank campaign fundraiser at the Harley Davidson Showroom in Countryside, IL. The event brought supporters of Commissioner Aguilar from throughout Cook County and the 16th District, joining together to listen to music,…
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Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar Hosts Discussion on 16th District Infrastructure Funding On Thursday, September 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted a Facebook Live Virtual Town Hall to discuss infrastructure investment and funding in Cook County’s 16th District. Joining Commissioner Aguilar was Cook County’s Department of Transportation and Highways (DOTH) Superintendent Jennifer “Sis”…
Illinois Republicans slam crime challenges in Chicago and region Illinois faces a growing public safety crisis, and nowhere is it more evident than in Chicago. While Washington, D.C. has seen progress under President Donald J. Trump’s crime initiative—leading to hundreds of illegal firearm arrests and thousands overall—our own state leadership refuses to take decisive action….
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What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill By Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Twice each year, my office mails out about 1.8 million tax bills to Cook County property owners. Most people glance only at the amount due—but your bill is much more than a dollar figure. It’s a detailed breakdown of how your…