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  • Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge
    Orland Park Village Board Appoints George Koczwara as Village Manager Government
  • Author Charlene Wexler
    Newly released novel, ‘We Won’t Go Back’ Published, addresses women’s issues Books & Films
  • Baby names. Photo courtesy of sincerely-media-9s7EOmv2HDA-unsplash
    Olivia and Liam Remain Most Popular Baby Names for 2024 Baby Boomers
  • Fathers Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving
    Dad who feared losing son forever, won in court, keeping son in the U.S.  Dads' Rights
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    Roseland Ceasefire Warns Chicago’s Homicide Numbers Could Be Victims of  Trump’s Targeted Cuts Chicago
  • (Back) Dep Fire Chief Nick Cinquepalmi, retiring Board President John Brudnak, Trustee Donald “DJ” Jeffers, Board President Beth Damas Kaspar, Trustee Bridget Eileen Tolan, retired Fire Chief Michael Schofield, front, retiring Trustee Jayne Schirmacher.
    ​Orland Fire District elects first-ever woman Board President breaking news
  • Congresswoman Robin Kelly
    Congresswoman Robin Kelly clear leader in race to succeed Senator Dick Durbin Blogger
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    The $2 billion wealth transfer: How Cook County’s property tax appeals system rewards businesses at the expense of homeowners breaking news
  • Lyons Township Board
    Lyons Township Democrats celebrate public support at annual fundraiser Bridgeview
  • OFPD Jr cadet camp June 26 2025
    Registration opens May 9 for Orland Fire Kids Camp and Jr Cadet Programs Events
  • 19-year-old Victor Martinez charged by Cicero police in 2016 murder
    Cicero police arrest suspect in 2016 murder of Julio Servin Crime
  • OFPD Commissioner Donald "DJ" Jeffers, OFPD Trustee Beth Damas Kaspar, and former Palos Heights Police CSO Bridget Eileen Tolan, will take the oath of office for the OFPD Board of Trustees on Monday May 5, 2025
    Fiscal Voices candidates to take Oath of Office for Trustee for Orland Fire District Monday elections
  • Cook County Commissioner Aguilar expresses strong support for "workers' rights" at rally Thursday Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar joined May Day Celebrations, May 1, 2025, and spoke at the rally in support of workers' rights and immigration
    Cook County Commissioner Aguilar expresses strong support for “workers’ rights” at rally Thursday Civil Rights
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    When it comes to voting on property tax referendums, the few decide for the many Blogger
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings, 19th Senate District
    Hastings working to ensure vet techs have necessary training Government

Tag: Maria Pappas

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

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

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

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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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

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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Blogger, Comedy, Commentary, Cook County, Humor, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Police, Religion

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

Treasurer Pappas offers ‘snowbirds’ and other Cook County property owners the option to prepay taxes due in 2025

Posted on December 16, 2024December 16, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Treasurer Pappas offers ‘snowbirds’ and other Cook County property owners the option to prepay taxes due in 2025
Treasurer Pappas offers ‘snowbirds’ and other Cook County property owners the option to prepay taxes due in 2025

Treasurer Pappas offers ‘snowbirds’ and other Cook County property owners the option to prepay taxes due in 2025 Treasurer Maria Pappas is offering Cook County property owners the option to prepay their 2024 property taxes that will be due in 2025. Pappas’ office will mail taxpayers with an early copy of their First Installment tax…

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Cook County, Crime, Festival, Government, Maria Pappas, News, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes, Veterans

County Treasurer Pappas can help you understand your property taxes in virtually any language

Posted on December 6, 2024December 13, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on County Treasurer Pappas can help you understand your property taxes in virtually any language
County Treasurer Pappas can help you understand your property taxes in virtually any language

County Treasurer Pappas can help you understand your property taxes in virtually any language By Maria Pappas The property tax system can confound lifelong Cook County residents. Assessments, appeals, exemptions and other parts of the process can be difficult to understand. Now imagine you immigrated from a place that didn’t have property taxes. Many countries…

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Chicago, Cook County, Crime, Culture, Festival, Government, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Arab Americans honored by Treasurer Pappas as part of program recognizing all ethnic groups

Posted on November 16, 2024December 13, 2024 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Arab Americans honored by Treasurer Pappas as part of program recognizing all ethnic groups
Arab Americans honored by Treasurer Pappas as part of program recognizing all ethnic groups

Arab Americans honored by Treasurer Pappas as part of program recognizing all ethnic groups By Ray Hanania Chicago, IL — Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, honored a dozen Arab Americans for their leadership and positive contributions to the community as a part of an overall commitment on her part to…

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Chicago, Cook County, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Orland Park, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Treasurer Pappas urges homeowners to pay late taxes and avoid Annual Tax Sale as 23,270 owe less than $1,000

Posted on November 14, 2024November 14, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Treasurer Pappas urges homeowners to pay late taxes and avoid Annual Tax Sale as 23,270 owe less than $1,000
Treasurer Pappas urges homeowners to pay late taxes and avoid Annual Tax Sale as 23,270 owe less than $1,000

Treasurer Pappas urges homeowners to pay late taxes and avoid Annual Tax Sale as 23,270 owe less than $1,000 Thousands of Cook County property owners who owe less than $1,000 risk having their tax debt auctioned at an Annual Tax Sale that begins Tuesday, Dec. 10, Treasurer Maria Pappas said today To find out if…

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

Pay your late taxes now because clock is ticking toward Annual Tax Sale

Posted on November 4, 2024November 4, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Pay your late taxes now because clock is ticking toward Annual Tax Sale
Pay your late taxes now because clock is ticking toward Annual Tax Sale

Pay your late taxes now because clock is ticking toward Annual Tax Sale By Maria Pappas If you still owe property taxes that were due in 2023, you’re running out of time to avoid the Annual Tax Sale. State law requires that my office conduct an annual sale of delinquent property taxes. To find out…

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

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  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Congresswoman Robin Kelly
    Congresswoman Robin Kelly clear leader in race to succeed Senator Dick Durbin
    May 6, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    When it comes to voting on property tax referendums, the few decide for the many
    May 2, 2025
  • Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker
    Illinois has many better options than Pritzker’s choice to succeed Durbin
    April 27, 2025
  • Ray Hanania at 3 years old in Chicago with his mother, sister Linda and neighbor Paulie Hansen. 1956
    72 years around the sun, an experience that continues to grow
    April 19, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    You May Be Owed Money For Overpaying Property Taxes Up To 20 Years Ago
    April 18, 2025
  • Fathers Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving
    Men can be Victims of Domestic Abuse Too
    April 6, 2025
  • NEWS
  • Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge
    Orland Park Village Board Appoints George Koczwara as Village Manager
    May 12, 2025
  • Author Charlene Wexler
    Newly released novel, ‘We Won’t Go Back’ Published, addresses women’s issues
    May 10, 2025
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
  • SPORTS
  • Chicago Wovles play the Rockford Ice Hogs, Feb. 23, 2025
    Chicago Wolves Hockey skate Past Rockford Icehogs 4 to 2
    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
  • Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge
    Orland Park Village Board Appoints George Koczwara as Village Manager
    May 12, 2025
  • Author Charlene Wexler
    Newly released novel, ‘We Won’t Go Back’ Published, addresses women’s issues
    May 10, 2025
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