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  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Leving team’s court victory protected dad’s daughters from reported danger Dads' Rights
  • Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Madigan sentenced to stiff seven and a half years in prison on corruption case Chicago
  • Attorneys Jeffery Leving Arthur Kallow
    Honoring Fathers: A Father’s Day Reflection Arthur Kallow
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    Understanding Cook County Property Taxes: A Guide for Homeowners Blogger
  • Pekau diatribe expels residents Feb 5 2024 board meeting on ceasefire
    Chicago Union bosses embrace anti-Arab & anti-Muslim racism to fuel Fire District takeover Baby Boomers
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    Often overlooked single fathers deserve praise this Father’s Day Blogger
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Category: Maria Pappas

Understanding Cook County Property Taxes: A Guide for Homeowners

Posted on June 13, 2025June 13, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Understanding Cook County Property Taxes: A Guide for Homeowners
Understanding Cook County Property Taxes: A Guide for Homeowners

Understanding Cook County Property Taxes: A Guide for Homeowners Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas By Maria Pappas Navigating the complexities of the property tax system in Cook County can be daunting for homeowners. My hope is this column makes it less intimidating by breaking down a complex process into simple concepts….

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Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Cook County’s Annual Tax Sale to be Postponed for Seven Months

Posted on June 4, 2025June 4, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Cook County’s Annual Tax Sale to be Postponed for Seven Months
Cook County’s Annual Tax Sale to be Postponed for Seven Months

Cook County’s Annual Tax Sale to be Postponed for Seven Months Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas plans to postpone the Annual Tax Sale for seven months, during which time she hopes to work with legislators on comprehensive property tax foreclosure reform measures. At Pappas’s urging, the Illinois General Assembly last week passed legislation that allows…

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Cook County, Government, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas

Posted on May 31, 2025May 31, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas

Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas The levy: It’s not a dam, but it is a word you should know! By Maria Pappas Since I first stepped into my office 27 years ago, one question has repeatedly come up: “Why do my property taxes always go up?” It’s a valid concern. At…

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The $2 Billion Wealth Transfer: How Cook County’s Property Tax Appeals System Rewards Businesses at the Expense of Homeowners

Posted on May 16, 2025May 16, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on The $2 Billion Wealth Transfer: How Cook County’s Property Tax Appeals System Rewards Businesses at the Expense of Homeowners
The $2 Billion Wealth Transfer: How Cook County’s Property Tax Appeals System Rewards Businesses at the Expense of Homeowners

The $2 Billion Wealth Transfer: How Cook County’s Property Tax Appeals System Rewards Businesses at the Expense of Homeowners By Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas After analyzing over 2 million Cook County property tax appeals filed between 2021 and 2023, researchers in my office uncovered a troubling trend: the system shifted nearly $2 billion in…

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Blogger, Commentary, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

The $2 billion wealth transfer: How Cook County’s property tax appeals system rewards businesses at the expense of homeowners

Posted on May 5, 2025May 5, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on The $2 billion wealth transfer: How Cook County’s property tax appeals system rewards businesses at the expense of homeowners
The $2 billion wealth transfer: How Cook County’s property tax appeals system rewards businesses at the expense of homeowners

The $2 billion wealth transfer: How Cook County’s property tax appeals system rewards businesses at the expense of homeowners Nearly $2 billion in property taxes shifted onto homeowners from businesses over just three years, with a disproportionate share of the added burden falling on lower-income Black and Latino homeowners, a first-of-its-kind analysis by the Treasurer’s…

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breaking news, Cook County, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

When it comes to voting on property tax referendums, the few decide for the many

Posted on May 2, 2025May 2, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on When it comes to voting on property tax referendums, the few decide for the many
When it comes to voting on property tax referendums, the few decide for the many

When it comes to voting on property tax referendums, the few decide for the many There are two types of referendums — binding and advisory. The government is legally required to act on binding referendum results. Advisory referendums aren’t legally binding and are often used to measure public opinion before making a governmental decision. That…

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Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, elections, Government, Maria Pappas, News, Opinion, Taxes

You May Be Owed Money For Overpaying Property Taxes Up To 20 Years Ago

Posted on April 18, 2025April 18, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on You May Be Owed Money For Overpaying Property Taxes Up To 20 Years Ago
You May Be Owed Money For Overpaying Property Taxes Up To 20 Years Ago

You May Be Owed Money For Overpaying Property Taxes Up To 20 Years Ago By Maria Pappas My office is managing about $122 million in potential refunds for property tax overpayments going back 20 years that I’m eager to send back to property owners. But determining who’s entitled to a refund isn’t simple. Most overpayments…

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Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Government, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Why We Pay Property Taxes In Arrears?

Posted on April 4, 2025April 4, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Why We Pay Property Taxes In Arrears?
Why We Pay Property Taxes In Arrears?

Why We Pay Property Taxes In Arrears? Column: Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas By Maria Pappas One of the most common questions I get in my office, is, “Why do we collect taxes for the previous year?”  Here’s the backstory.   Cook County’s property tax system has changed dramatically since The Treasurer’s…

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Illinois officials offer best wishes to Muslim community at end of Ramadan

Posted on March 30, 2025March 30, 2025 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Illinois officials offer best wishes to Muslim community at end of Ramadan
Illinois officials offer best wishes to Muslim community at end of Ramadan

Illinois officials offer best wishes to Muslim community at end of Ramadan By Ray Hanania Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, and several officials including from Cook County, the State of Illinois and from officials of the Orland Fire Protection District offered their best wishes to the Muslim American community as they prepared…

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Culture, Editors Pick, Government, Maria Pappas, News, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Pappas Urges Citizens to Vote on April 1 as Study Reveals Racial and Income Disparities in Referendum Turnout

Posted on March 28, 2025March 28, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Pappas Urges Citizens to Vote on April 1 as Study Reveals Racial and Income Disparities in Referendum Turnout
Pappas Urges Citizens to Vote on April 1 as Study Reveals Racial and Income Disparities in Referendum Turnout

Pappas Urges Citizens to Vote on April 1 as Study Reveals Racial and Income Disparities in Referendum Turnout In a first-of-its-kind analysis, the Cook County Treasurer’s Office found much higher property tax referendum turnout in wealthier, predominantly white communities where nearly all people own their homes than in areas with mostly minority populations, lower incomes,…

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Cook County, elections, Government, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Change in law lets tax breaks automatically renew for homeowners with disabilities

Posted on March 23, 2025March 23, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Change in law lets tax breaks automatically renew for homeowners with disabilities
Change in law lets tax breaks automatically renew for homeowners with disabilities

Change in law lets tax breaks automatically renew for homeowners with disabilities State lawmakers have made it easier for people with disabilities to continue receiving annual property tax relief. By Maria Pappas Cook County homeowners who receive the Persons with Disabilities Exemption no longer must reapply for the benefit every year. Lawmakers acted to allow…

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Property Tax Exemptions: How Homeowners and Seniors Can Save on Taxes 

Posted on March 9, 2025March 9, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Property Tax Exemptions: How Homeowners and Seniors Can Save on Taxes 
Property Tax Exemptions: How Homeowners and Seniors Can Save on Taxes 

Property Tax Exemptions: How Homeowners and Seniors Can Save on Taxes By Maria Pappas  Property taxes can be a financial burden, but exemptions can help reduce those costs by offering significant savings to property owners. There are three exemptions that do the most good for the most people.  They are the Homeowner Exemption, the Senior…

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Pappas urges property owners to pay First Installment tax bills by Tuesday, March 4 due date

Posted on March 3, 2025March 3, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Pappas urges property owners to pay First Installment tax bills by Tuesday, March 4 due date
Pappas urges property owners to pay First Installment tax bills by Tuesday, March 4 due date

Pappas urges property owners to pay First Installment tax bills by Tuesday, March 4 due date First Installment Tax Year 2024 property taxes are due Tuesday, March 4, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas reminded taxpayers today. The Treasurer’s Office posted nearly 1.8 million bills online at cookcountytreasurer.com in early December and mailed printed bills to…

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Cook County, Government, Maria Pappas, News, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Treasurer’s website offers easy way to update property tax bill name and address information

Posted on February 21, 2025February 21, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Treasurer’s website offers easy way to update property tax bill name and address information
Treasurer’s website offers easy way to update property tax bill name and address information

Treasurer’s website offers easy way to update property tax bill name and address information By Maria Pappas You may not look forward to receiving your property tax bill, but it’s crucial that you get it. Not getting it can lead to missing the payment due date, which can cost you money.  That’s exactly what happened…

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Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Government, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Paying your tax bill online is easy and safe, but you can also pay by mail or in person

Posted on February 7, 2025February 7, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Paying your tax bill online is easy and safe, but you can also pay by mail or in person
Paying your tax bill online is easy and safe, but you can also pay by mail or in person

Paying your tax bill online is easy and safe, but you can also pay by mail or in person By Maria Pappas In 1789, Ben Franklin wrote that nothing was certain “except death and taxes.”  Today I write about the taxes part of the great American statesman’s uncomfortable reminder: The due date for Cook County…

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Property Tax Pointers from the County Treasurer: 10 Must-Know Tips for Homeowners

Posted on January 24, 2025January 24, 2025 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Property Tax Pointers from the County Treasurer: 10 Must-Know Tips for Homeowners
Property Tax Pointers from the County Treasurer: 10 Must-Know Tips for Homeowners

Property Tax Pointers from the County Treasurer: 10 Must-Know Tips for Homeowners By Maria Pappas As Cook County Treasurer, I’ve learned the property tax system can be confusing and intimidating. Whether you’re a new or longtime homeowner, or a senior citizen, I understand your frustrations. To help, I’ve created 10 tips to better understand your…

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Blogger, Comedy, Commentary, Cook County, Humor, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Urges Seniors to Take Advantage of Property Tax Deferral Program

Posted on January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Urges Seniors to Take Advantage of Property Tax Deferral Program
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Urges Seniors to Take Advantage of Property Tax Deferral Program

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Urges Seniors to Take Advantage of Property Tax Deferral Program Amid growing concerns that increases in property tax bills are pushing senior citizens to leave their homes, Cook County Treasurer María Pappas reminded senior homeowners today of a state program that allows them to defer paying their property taxes. The…

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Baby Boomers, Cook County, Crime, Festival, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Taxes, Veterans

State program allows senior citizens to defer payments on property tax bills

Posted on December 20, 2024December 20, 2024 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on State program allows senior citizens to defer payments on property tax bills
State program allows senior citizens to defer payments on property tax bills

State program allows senior citizens to defer payments on property tax bills Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas By Maria Pappas Amid increasing concerns that rapid increases in property tax bills will drive people from their homes, state officials are boosting a program that lets senior citizens defer paying their property tax…

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Blogger, Comedy, Commentary, Cook County, Humor, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Seniors

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  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Attorneys Jeffery Leving Arthur Kallow
    Honoring Fathers: A Father’s Day Reflection
    June 13, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Understanding Cook County Property Taxes: A Guide for Homeowners
    June 13, 2025
  • Pekau diatribe expels residents Feb 5 2024 board meeting on ceasefire
    Chicago Union bosses embrace anti-Arab & anti-Muslim racism to fuel Fire District takeover
    June 13, 2025
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Two Guys on Politics Podcast on Elon Musk, Trump’s Parade, LA Riots, and Middle East ban
    June 12, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Often overlooked single fathers deserve praise this Father’s Day
    June 12, 2025
  • Ray Hanania joins Thom Serafin on The Crisis Cast Podcast this week discussing presidential politics, journalism and how to understand Trump's reality TV persona style
    Podcast: Musk vs Trump and the impact of media distortion on news
    June 11, 2025
  • NEWS
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Leving team’s court victory protected dad’s daughters from reported danger
    June 14, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Madigan sentenced to stiff seven and a half years in prison on corruption case
    June 13, 2025
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    February 23, 2025
  • Chicago Wolves player Andrew Poturalski. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Wolves. https://www.chicagowolves.com
    The Chicago Wolves dispatched the Iowa Wild 4-1 on Saturday night at Allstate Arena.
    February 22, 2025
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Leving team’s court victory protected dad’s daughters from reported danger
    June 14, 2025
  • Stolen merchandise in the arrest of Isadore House by Cook County Sheriff 06-11-25
    Chicago Man Faces Felony after $400,000 in Stolen Merchandise Recovered
    June 11, 2025
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