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  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations Illinois Legislature
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” Crime
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs Business
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago Cook County
  • 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. Partnering with Commissioner Aguilar were the Village of Lyons, Lyons School District 103, Teamsters Local 777, and Rincon Family Services.
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair  Cook County
  • Jesse Jackson Jr July 2025
    Jesse Jackson Jr. Launches Candidacy for Congress Civil Rights
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders Cook County
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Statement of US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes Cook County
  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders construction
  • Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Business
  • Joyful reunion photo courtesy of Jeffery M. Leving & Assc law firm
    Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child Dads' Rights
  • CTF Illinois Orland Park, 18230 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, IL 60467
    Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park Baby Boomers
  • Emagine Theater Pink popcorn
    Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Business
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    Chicago Wolves announce 2025-2026 Training Camp Roster Entertainment

Category: Maria Pappas

Want to go paperless? eBilling lets you receive Cook County tax bills via email

Posted on October 4, 2024October 4, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Want to go paperless? eBilling lets you receive Cook County tax bills via email
Want to go paperless? eBilling lets you receive Cook County tax bills via email

Want to go paperless? eBilling lets you receive Cook County tax bills via email By Maria Pappas Cook County property owners can sign up for eBilling for themselves or family members to receive property tax bills via email instead of print copies by snail mail. The eBilling option offers the convenience of allowing spouses to…

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

Apply for a refund yourself and keep the money you would have paid to a third party

Posted on September 20, 2024September 20, 2024 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Apply for a refund yourself and keep the money you would have paid to a third party
Apply for a refund yourself and keep the money you would have paid to a third party

Apply for a refund yourself and keep the money you would have paid to a third party By Maria Pappas Some Cook County homeowners are bombarded with ads and solicitations from vendors offering help to obtain refunds on their property taxes. My office has about $93 million available in potential refunds for property tax overpayments…

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

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

Posted on September 6, 2024September 6, 2024 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 By Maria Pappas State lawmakers have made it easier for people with disabilities to continue receiving property tax relief on an annual basis. Cook County homeowners who receive the Persons with Disabilities Exemption no longer have to reapply for the benefit every year….

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

Illinois expands property tax breaks for veterans to include World War II vets

Posted on August 23, 2024August 23, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Illinois expands property tax breaks for veterans to include World War II vets
Illinois expands property tax breaks for veterans to include World War II vets

Illinois expands property tax breaks for veterans to include World War II vets By Maria Pappas Illinois lawmakers have enacted significant changes to property tax exemptions benefiting veterans, including a landmark provision for those who served during World War II. These amendments, effective for the 2024 tax year, underscore our commitment to supporting our veteran…

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

Financial planning tool offers free online help to budget late tax payments 

Posted on August 10, 2024August 10, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Financial planning tool offers free online help to budget late tax payments 
Financial planning tool offers free online help to budget late tax payments 

Financial planning tool offers free online help to budget late tax payments  By Maria Pappas Property owners who were unable to pay their tax bills in full by the Aug. 1 due date need not worry about losing their home – at least not right away. As a homeowner you have time to pay off…

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

Pappas: New Payment Plan Calculator helps homeowners pay late taxes in smaller increments to avoid ‘merciless’ Annual Tax Sale

Posted on July 31, 2024July 31, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Pappas: New Payment Plan Calculator helps homeowners pay late taxes in smaller increments to avoid ‘merciless’ Annual Tax Sale
Pappas: New Payment Plan Calculator helps homeowners pay late taxes in smaller increments to avoid ‘merciless’ Annual Tax Sale

Pappas: New Payment Plan Calculator helps homeowners pay late taxes in smaller increments to avoid ‘merciless’ Annual Tax Sale Cook County property owners have a free financial planning tool that can help them pay off their past-due property tax bills and avoid the “merciless” Annual Tax Sale, Treasurer Maria Pappas said today. A Payment Plan…

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

Sale-in-error study shows how tax buyers transfer wealth from low-income areas

Posted on July 26, 2024July 26, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Sale-in-error study shows how tax buyers transfer wealth from low-income areas
Sale-in-error study shows how tax buyers transfer wealth from low-income areas

Sale-in-error study shows how tax buyers transfer wealth from low-income areas By Maria Pappas My office redesigned this year’s property tax bills to clearly show where your tax dollars go. On the front of every bill, you can see how much of your hard-earned money goes to each taxing body What is less visible, however,…

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

Treasurer Maria Pappas sending $22 million in automatic refunds to more than 10,000 who overpaid property taxes

Posted on July 24, 2024July 24, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Treasurer Maria Pappas sending $22 million in automatic refunds to more than 10,000 who overpaid property taxes
Treasurer Maria Pappas sending $22 million in automatic refunds to more than 10,000 who overpaid property taxes

Treasurer Maria Pappas sending $22 million in automatic refunds to more than 10,000 who overpaid property taxes Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is sending more than $22 million in automatic refunds to more than 10,000 property owners who overpaid their property taxes last year. “For many senior citizens and others, the value of tax breaks…

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

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

Posted on July 13, 2024July 13, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Paying tax bill online is easy and safe, but you can also pay by mail or in person 
Paying tax bill online is easy and safe, but you can also pay by mail or in person 

Paying tax bill online is easy and safe, but you can also pay by mail or in person  By Maria Pappas Property owners face an Aug. 1 due date to pay their Second Installment 2023 tax bills. Many homeowners authorize their mortgage company to pay their two annual property tax installments from an escrow account….

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

Read your property tax bill Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas urges homeowners

Posted on July 10, 2024July 10, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Read your property tax bill Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas urges homeowners
Read your property tax bill Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas urges homeowners

Read your property tax bill Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas urges homeowners Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas urges homeowners hit by record property tax hikes to see ‘Where Your Money Goes’ by visiting her website which provides details and comparisons on where increases occurred Cook County taxpayers should read their property tax bills to better…

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

Homeowners shocked by tax hikes should read bills to find out where their money goes

Posted on July 1, 2024July 1, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Homeowners shocked by tax hikes should read bills to find out where their money goes
Homeowners shocked by tax hikes should read bills to find out where their money goes

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 shocked and angered many Cook County property owners, especially in the south suburbs. Second Installment 2023 bills are online at cookcountytreasurer.com and arriving in mailboxes in early July. Bills are…

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

Treasurer Maria Pappas analysis shows record-high property tax increases for south suburban homeowners 

Posted on June 27, 2024June 27, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Treasurer Maria Pappas analysis shows record-high property tax increases for south suburban homeowners 
Treasurer Maria Pappas analysis shows record-high property tax increases for south suburban homeowners 

Treasurer Maria Pappas analysis shows record-high property tax increases for south suburban homeowners  Homeowners in many south and southwest suburbs will have to pay a lot more in property taxes as the median tax bill jumped a record 19.9% in the region, according to an analysis released today by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas. The…

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Cook County, Government, Maria Pappas, News, Taxes

You may be owed a refund for overpaying property taxes during past 20 years

Posted on June 14, 2024June 14, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on You may be owed a refund for overpaying property taxes during past 20 years
You may be owed a refund for overpaying property taxes during past 20 years

You may be owed a refund for overpaying property taxes during past 20 years By Maria Pappas My office is sitting on about $93 million in potential refunds for property tax overpayments going back 20 years. Most overpayments occurred because more than one person paid the same tax bill twice. Reasons why duplicate payments occurred…

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

Treasurer Maria Pappas featured in Women and Leadership Archives at Loyola University Chicago

Posted on June 11, 2024June 11, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Treasurer Maria Pappas featured in Women and Leadership Archives at Loyola University Chicago
Treasurer Maria Pappas featured in Women and Leadership Archives at Loyola University Chicago

Treasurer Maria Pappas featured in Women and Leadership Archives at Loyola University Chicago More than 34,000 documents, multimedia files and other items highlighting the career accomplishments of Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas are featured in the Women and Leadership Archives at Loyola University Chicago. A five-minute video that captures Pappas’ achievements and her desire to…

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

Here’s why your tax bill tells you about government debt and pensions

Posted on June 1, 2024June 2, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Here’s why your tax bill tells you about government debt and pensions
Here’s why your tax bill tells you about government debt and pensions

Here’s why your tax bill tells you about government debt and pensions By Maria Pappas I do not determine your property taxes. My job as county treasurer is to bill, collect and distribute that money to pay for local government services. Local governments typically rely on property taxes to fund payrolls and other day-to-day expenses….

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

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

Posted on May 20, 2024May 20, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Treasurer’s website offers easy way to update property tax bill address information
Treasurer’s website offers easy way to update property tax bill address information

Treasurer’s website offers easy way to update property tax bill address information By Maria Pappas My website, cookcountytreasurer.com, offers people an easy way to correct, change or update name and address information about where property tax bills are mailed. The best option is to electronically request the change online. You may request a change in…

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

Treasurer Pappas honors business, community leaders during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration

Posted on May 17, 2024May 17, 2024 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Treasurer Pappas honors business, community leaders during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration
Treasurer Pappas honors business, community leaders during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration

Treasurer Pappas honors business, community leaders during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas recognized 14 business and community leaders with Certificates of Excellence during an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration. The event took place at 3 p.m. Friday, May 17, at the Cook County Treasurer’s…

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Civil Rights, Cook County, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland

Senior freeze exemptions help prevent huge spikes in property tax bills

Posted on May 6, 2024May 6, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Senior freeze exemptions help prevent huge spikes in property tax bills
Senior freeze exemptions help prevent huge spikes in property tax bills

Senior freeze exemptions help prevent huge spikes in property tax bills By Maria Pappas Many senior citizens on fixed incomes face the challenge of managing their property taxes. They may be eligible for a tax break known as the “Senior Freeze” Exemption. My website, cookcountytreasurer.com, explains the eligibility requirements and can walk you through the…

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

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  • OPINION
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays
    August 27, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language
    August 8, 2025
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  • NEWS
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations
    October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz”
    October 8, 2025
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs
    October 8, 2025
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago
    October 8, 2025
  • 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. Partnering with Commissioner Aguilar were the Village of Lyons, Lyons School District 103, Teamsters Local 777, and Rincon Family Services.
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair 
    October 8, 2025
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