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  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Hastings secures $250,000 grant for Easterseals Academy’s Tinley Park campus Health
  • Chicago ranks as 161st worst city for crime in new national survey Chicago
  • Kat Abughazaleh 9th DIstrict Congress 2026 candidate democrat
    Kat Abughazaleh raises over $520,000 in Q2 of 2025 with more than $630,000 cash on hand for 2026 Democratic primary election elections
  • Silent Threat: The True Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries — How to Stay Safe and Respond to a Battery Fire Fire
  • Illinois 9th District Congressional map
    Illinois 9th Congressional District News, Amiwala, Cohen and Andrew elections
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Your Mortgage Company May Pay Your Taxes — But You Still Need to Watch Blogger
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    Father Wins Custody After Son’s Disappearance and STD Diagnosis Chicago
  • On Wednesday, October 15th, Cook County Commissioners and the Office of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle celebrated Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month in the lobby of the Cook County Building.   
    Commissioner Frank Aguilar and Cook County officials celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month Chicago
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Senator Michael Hastings reacts to Illinois’ State Farm lawsuit accident
  • Bradley Nadeau Chicago Wolves
    Chicago Wolves spotlight: Bigger, stronger Nadeau set for encore Chicago
  • 10-11-25 Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar joined Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos and local elected officials at a Second Chance Summit
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Joins Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos at Expungement Event Cook County
  • Illinois State Capitol Building. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Illinois Conservation Foundation Announces 2025 Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Inductees Environment
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Hastings announces $250,000 state grant for cancer treatment technology at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields Health
  • Wed October 15 2025 CLE Social Jeffery M. Leving
    Leving Matrimonial Law Seminar: Client Relationships and Family Law Case Law Updates  Arthur Kallow
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    The Politicization of the Nobel Peace Prize — and Trump’s Fury Over Losing Again Blogger

Category: 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

Illinois has many better options than Pritzker’s choice to succeed Durbin

Posted on April 27, 2025April 27, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Illinois has many better options than Pritzker’s choice to succeed Durbin
Illinois has many better options than Pritzker’s choice to succeed Durbin

Illinois has many better options than Pritzker’s choice to succeed Durbin By Ray Hanania Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who believes he can buy any election, any time for any amount of money, wants to buy the seat of retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. Pritzker has pushed his Lieutenant Governor, Juliana Stratton, to run for the…

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Blogger, Commentary, elections, Government, Illinois Legislature, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania, Senator Michael Hastings, 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

Rashid, Porfirio host Town Hall Meeting April 19, 2025

Posted on April 4, 2025April 4, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Rashid, Porfirio host Town Hall Meeting April 19, 2025
Rashid, Porfirio host Town Hall Meeting April 19, 2025

Rashid, Porfirio host Town Hall Meeting April 19, 2025 Join State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid and State Senator Mike Porfirio to discuss legislative updates, the impact of federal changes on Illinois, and the continued efforts to fight for working families. The Town Hall meeting will be held on April, 19 2025 beginning at 12 NOON. It…

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Events, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Regional Midwest, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes, Veterans

Record Number of Property Tax Appeals Filed for 2024 Tax Year

Posted on April 4, 2025April 4, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Record Number of Property Tax Appeals Filed for 2024 Tax Year
Record Number of Property Tax Appeals Filed for 2024 Tax Year

Record Number of Property Tax Appeals Filed for 2024 Tax Year The Cook County Board of Review (CCBOR) has received a record number of property tax appeals, involving a nearly 41% increase in the total of Property Index Numbers (PINs) compared to the 2023 tax year. Appeals filed for tax year 2024 increased by 11%…

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

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

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

Independent Candidates for Orland Fire Protection District announce their slate

Posted on March 5, 2025March 8, 2025 By News Editor No Comments on Independent Candidates for Orland Fire Protection District announce their slate
Independent Candidates for Orland Fire Protection District announce their slate

Independent Candidates for Orland Fire Protection District announce their slate Three seats are up for election on April 1 for the Orland Fire Protection District’s Board of Trustees and three slates of candidates are competing for those seats. The independent slate, Fiscal Voices for Fire Safety, includes two Orland Fire Protection District officials, incumbent Trustee…

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elections, Fire, Government, News, NewsWire, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park, Orland Township, Politics, Releases, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes, Tinley Park

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

Recent Ray Hanania columns you might have missed on President Carter, Tom Cotton, Keith Pekau, Camelot, and JFK assassination

Posted on February 1, 2025February 1, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Recent Ray Hanania columns you might have missed on President Carter, Tom Cotton, Keith Pekau, Camelot, and JFK assassination
Recent Ray Hanania columns you might have missed on President Carter, Tom Cotton, Keith Pekau, Camelot, and JFK assassination

Recent Ray Hanania columns you might have missed on President Carter, Tom Cotton, Keith Pekau, Camelot, and JFK assassination Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau continues to throw trash and lies at the residents of his Suburban Chicagoland community in an eNewsletter that is filled with political exaggerations and distortions attacking anyone who challenges his failed…

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Chicago, Civil Rights, Comedy, Crime, Federal, Festival, Government, Humor, National, News, Opinion, Orland Park, Podcast, Police, Politics, Racism, Regional Midwest, Religion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

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

Illinois Legislature honors State Rep. Cyril Nichols in tribute resolution

Posted on January 17, 2025January 17, 2025 By News Editor No Comments on Illinois Legislature honors State Rep. Cyril Nichols in tribute resolution
Illinois Legislature honors State Rep. Cyril Nichols in tribute resolution

Illinois Legislature honors State Rep. Cyril Nichols in Tribute Resolution Video: State Rep. Cyril Nichols was one of the hardest-working members of the Illinois General Assembly. Despite his dedication to the needs of residents of his diverse 32nd House District that ran from Chicago to Bridgeview, we did not get the backing of the leadership…

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Civil Rights, Cook County, Crime, elections, Festival, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Politics, Racism, rayhanania, Regional Midwest, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes, Videos

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

Recent Ray Hanania columns you may have missed on Madoff, Kaegi and targeting criminals

Posted on January 7, 2025January 7, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Recent Ray Hanania columns you may have missed on Madoff, Kaegi and targeting criminals
Recent Ray Hanania columns you may have missed on Madoff, Kaegi and targeting criminals

Recent Ray Hanania columns you may have missed on Madoff, Kaegi and targeting criminals How is it that members of Congress can far exceed the profit performance of the stock market when it comes to  their own investments? Why did Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi artificially increase the assessments of suburban homes, thereby dramatically increasing…

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breaking news, Comedy, Commentary, Cook County, Crime, Entertainment, Federal, Festival, Government, Humor, Law, National, News, NewsWire, Opinion, Police, Politics, rayhanania, Regional Midwest, Religion, restaurants, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes, Veterans

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  • OPINION
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Your Mortgage Company May Pay Your Taxes — But You Still Need to Watch
    October 17, 2025
  • Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio Show small
    The Politicization of the Nobel Peace Prize — and Trump’s Fury Over Losing Again
    October 11, 2025
  • 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
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  • NEWS
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Hastings secures $250,000 grant for Easterseals Academy’s Tinley Park campus
    October 22, 2025
  • Chicago ranks as 161st worst city for crime in new national survey
    October 20, 2025
  • Kat Abughazaleh 9th DIstrict Congress 2026 candidate democrat
    Kat Abughazaleh raises over $520,000 in Q2 of 2025 with more than $630,000 cash on hand for 2026 Democratic primary election
    October 20, 2025
  • Silent Threat: The True Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries — How to Stay Safe and Respond to a Battery Fire
    October 18, 2025
  • Illinois 9th District Congressional map
    Illinois 9th Congressional District News, Amiwala, Cohen and Andrew
    October 18, 2025
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