What if you could navigate property tax exemptions like a pro and discover the little-known financial perks that could change your life? Join us on the latest VAC Podcast episode as we welcome VSO Ray Richmond and Luz Ortiz-Rivera. Luz shares a humorous twist with her impressively lengthy name and minuscule handwriting, making for some light-hearted banter. Ray and I reflect on our jam-packed month, juggling a multitude of responsibilities while celebrating the positive impact of our recent hires, including Luz and our new admin assistant, Myra. Together, we highlight Ray's exceptional outreach skills and our collective commitment to serving our veteran community more effectively.

Ever wondered how changes in tax laws could directly benefit you? We dive into the significant updates in property tax exemption rules for veterans, with a keen focus on Illinois' recent changes for those with service-connected disabilities. We draw comparisons with Massachusetts’ system and discuss the substantial financial benefits of living in Illinois. Amidst these informative insights, we share personal anecdotes about our favorite local foods, adding a relatable, human touch to our conversation.

But that's not all. We shine a spotlight on the importance of inter-agency communication and share success stories about helping homeless veterans regain stability. From workplace dynamics and the nuances of transitioning into new roles, to the groundbreaking creation of a national service officer position and our ambitious plans for a new office space—this episode is packed with engaging discussions. Tune in for a spirited debate on county government, reflections on career aspirations, and some heartfelt personal stories about parenting and job relocation. Don’t miss this insightful journey dedicated to improving veteran support and outreach!

In this episode we review a Specialized Court Program for Veteran's, Veterans Court.

17th Judicial Circuit Court Winnebago County and Boone County - Veterans Court

The Winnebago County Veterans Court was established in 2012 to help rebuild the lives of Veterans who are charged with felony or misdemeanor offenses who have an underlying substance use disorder or mental illness. The mission of the Veterans Court is to provide structure and support to Veterans suffering from a diagnosable and treatable behavioral health issue while simultaneously promoting public safety, through a collaboration of veterans' services, community services and the court system.

The Veterans Treatment Court Act provides statutory eligibility information. Participants must be willing to consent to participate and have a pending felony or misdemeanor matter that is eligible by statute and programmatic eligibility. Any holds for parole or other jurisdictions need to be resolved prior to referral.

For more information about the Veterans Court program, please review the Participant Handbook.

Veterans Court Participant Handbook

To refer an individual to the Veterans Court program, complete the referral form below and return it to the Problem-Solving Courts.

Veterans Court Referral Form

The Veterans Court program utilizes Veteran Mentors. For more information on the Veterans Court Mentor program, please see the Veterans Court Mentor Handbook.

For questions regarding referrals, please contact Kathryn Smith, Veterans Court Coordinator at 815-319-4805 or PSC Referrals.

Tom Hodges the Supervisor of Assessments reviews property tax exemptions for returning and service connected Veterans in Illinois.

The role of the Supervisor of Assessments is to serve taxpayers, Township Assessors and the Board of Review in a professional, helpful and friendly manner while ensuring the timely and accurate processing of assessments, exemptions and tax maps. It is also responsible for the publication and mailing of assessment change notices on all taxable parcels. The office maintains all records for homestead exemptions, to assist taxpayers with the filing of property tax exemptions and to answer any questions that they may have in understanding the assessment process. In addition, the Supervisor of Assessments acts as an equalization authority to ensure that assessments for property taxation are fair and equitable.

Winnebago County Illinois Property Tax Exemptions

Veterans Assistance Commission of Winnebago County

We take a deep dive into the transition from military life to Veteran Service Officer. Tune in, sit back and listen to Ray's story.