putintime

Hey All; All the votes have been counted, Gov. Quinn is it, now hold his feet to the fire. In his own words he says "Do all that is possible for those that has sacrificed so much for this state". Email, Write, Call & Fax him about the following: 1. Current legislation for Illinois Disabled Veterans (HB0273), currently still in the house, first reading, with over 75 co-sponsors just in the house alone.... 2. Public Act 95-0644 Section 35 ILCS 200/15-169 = That allows Illinois Disabled Veterans an annual $2500 / $5000 property tax exemption, based on awarded service connected disability rating. a) For some reason Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) was thrown in, and instead of the proper annual property tax exemption to Illinois disabled veterans that compares to 5/6 of other states across the USA. b) Now deserving Illinois Disabled Vets only get $175 / $350 annual property tax exemption, although the only EAV mentioned in this section of the Public Act is in paragraph f, which pertains to property value worth $250,000 & above EAV. 3. Let Gov. Quinn know where watching....... Take Care, putintime

Dear fellow Illinois veterans; The spouse has said "enough"….Since the beginning of this law of Public 95-0644 Section 35 ILCS 200/15-169 everyone in the Illinois General Assembly (IGA) has been wrote/faxed/ and emailed by me. Many others' have also been made aware. People are listening (HB0273 has over 77 co-sponsors alone). She stated it has been about three years and time to move on. Time & money must be put into another venue in life. I asked her if there is a way to assist in financing these efforts to continue, would she let me pursue it? She said "Yes, but we must stop spending money we don't have". Now there is a plan, I have an authentic military dog tag machine (Addressograph 350). It embosses stainless steel tags (like those issued in Basic Training/ Boot Camp). Anyone interested just email: veteran98@comcast.net for details. It'll be worth the email for all involved. If not…wish you all the best. Take Care, putintime

Just got a letter from Rep. Debbie Halvorson, from 11th District, Illinois. She seems to really care about Illinois Veterans. I'm going to forward all coorespondance concerning Public Act 95-0644 Section 35 ILCS 200/15-169 and see if she can show any insight. Take Care, putintime

Commander Bob, I appriciate your advise, But it's not about my house value, which I know is less than $250,000 EAV by Public Act 95-0644 Section 35 ILCS 200/15-169 paragraph f standards. It just seems the IDOR (Illinois Department of Revenue) read the Public Act to suite their needs, passed it on to the county assesors, and pooped all over the Illinois disabled veterans in regards to the intent of this Public Act. It is goofy to me because many other states regarding disabled veterans & property tax is very clear. Why would so many House of Representatives co-sponsor HB0273 (over 75 co-sponsor) in the current IGA (Illinois General Assembly) that is very clear on the intent of the law to retify this delemia? Take Care, putintime Thanks for your input

Hey All; I'd like to get some feedback on others experiencing some feedback concerning this issue (Public Act 95-0644). Just received my 2009 property tax, still increases, as property value decreases. Have received 0 feedback from all the emails, faxes, and snail mail love letters about Public Act 96-0644. Have any of you received anything? Please keep us all updated. Take Care, putintime

:D Hey All, Already got a response....BUT.....It still is goofy to me. The Webmaster at the "Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs" wrote: Thank you for your inquiry concerning the information provided on our website concerning the Disabled Veteran Standard Homestead Exemption. The information is based upon the practical application of the law. When first enacted we did not have the information concerning the EAV and were similarly contacted that the information was not clear in terms of how the law is administered. Regarding your question concerning whether the exemption is to be applied to the EAV or not, I would refer you to the IL Department of Revenue who provides guidance to assessors on these items. Now when you go the Illinois Department of Revenue site, It talks about EAV, the problem is all other sections of Public Act 95-0644 mentions the EAV when discribing the property tax exemption, except Section 35 ILCS 200/15-169, where again it only mentions EAV in paragraph (f). I am now contacting all six regional offices by snail mail with the above letter, please do the same. Take Care, putintime

Sorry, After proof reading the last blog I had a brain-fart and put in wrong information: Illinois Public Act 95-0644 became a law on 17 October 2007, not 2010. Take Care, putintime

Hey All; As we can see HB 0273 & HB 5084 is going to fall by the waste side, as many other have in the past. So...I am going back to the Illinois Public Act 95-0644 that became a law on 17 October 2010. I am emailing, faxing & mailing the following letter to all the Illinois Representatives & Senators, please assist and do the same, just put in your signature block. We need to let them know were still watching.... Take Care, Putintime 5 May 2010 To whom it may concern; The Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs website is a bit confusing for Illinois disabled veterans in the section of Real Estate Benefits. Please guide us for references concerning this issue…… Disabled Veterans Standard Homestead Exemption The website mentions the Illinois annual property tax exemption of $2,500 / $5,000 off the property's EAV (Estimated Assessed Value) for a qualifying disabled Illinois veteran property owners. This is all based on the Illinois veteran's disability percentage (%) awarded to them from the Veteran Administration (VA). This is not how the Illinois Public Act 95-0644; Section 35 ILCS 200/15-169 reads; The Public Act 95-0644; Section 35 ILCS 200/15-169 states $2500.00 annual homestead exemption for those disabled veterans 50-74% disabled, and $5000.00 annual homestead exemption for those Illinois disabled veterans 75% and above disabled. The only mention of EAV in this section of Public Act 95-0644, is in paragraph (f), and it applies on property that is less than $250,000 EAV. We are sure any disabled Illinois veteran property over $250,000 EAV could afford their property tax set forth, we do not know any disabled Illinois veteran reaching this financial state of well being on their fixed incomes, since they became disabled while serving for their state (Illinois) & country in their youth. Please educate us on the Illinois General Assembly intent of this section in the Public Act..... All other sections within this Illinois Public Act 95-0644 are very specific on the intent of EAV and the property tax exemption benefits. It is hard to comprehend from some Illinois Representatives & Senators who have responded by correspondence, stating it being "a slight oversight" (documented sources). As concerned Illinois disabled veterans, we just want guidance & documented facts. It seems as if this Illinois Public Act 95-0644, Section 35 ILCS 200/15-169 is continually misinterpreted by Illinois county assessor offices concerning this issue. Again, please guide & educate....... Sincerely, Illinois disabled veteran Your response is very much appreciated..... This email will be forwarded to all it concerns.....

Hey all, It's been awhile, but I've been doing that lobbying thing again, although it has not done any good in the past, I'm letting them know I am still out there watching there actions at the Illinois General Assembly. The new HB5084 is the old HB0273, same verbage, less co-sponsors and is getting ready to be put on the back burner again. Make all your reps /senators know that you know. After seeing 77 co-sponsors on one legislation of HB0273 and nothing getting done I chuckle at the puppet positions of power these people think they have, whenever a Representative calls or writes me I bring up this single legislation (HB0273) and listen to them sqirm, place blame, say how they did their best...PLEASE......Even their excuses are not in mesh with other fellow House Representatives. Take Care, putintime

TO ALL ILLINOIS VETERANS Just got this email...It does not sound good, BUT I'm not going to stop here.... Mr. ....., I will join in those bills tomorrow. There are over 4,000 bills in various stages of discussion so I can’t list them all. As for HB273, I did not write about that yet because I don’t believe it will pass out of committee. The Revenue Committee is the cemetery for most bills this year. I am told several of my property tax bills and credits will not make it out of committee nor will this one. The majority party is not open to discussion about ways to relieve taxes or solve our budget hole. I will continue to support property tax relief and reforms. Bob State Representative Robert W. Pritchard 2600 DeKalb Avenue, Suite C Sycamore, IL 60178 815.748.3494 - Main office 815.748.4630 - Fax

Grace, If this Legislation does not leave the House I'm going to go goofy. How can a piece of legislation with over 72 + Co-Sponsors (more than 1/2 the house) not get a 2nd or 3rd reading. I think there is a stall tactic that is going on, but I am going to keep a heads up on it. Each week it gets stalled I write more love letters to politicians in Illinois to inform them about this veteran legislation I do know the following: HB0273 - It is on the 3rd hearing in Property Tax Subcommittee HB0273 - Has the most Co-Sponsors in that hearing HB0273 - All the Illinois Veteran Service Officers have been contacted concerning this legislation with a packet in snail mail with the following: Intro Letter IGA Proposed legislation /synopsis on HB0273 List of Co-Sponsors and date they signed up. HB0273 - Mailed the Governer Pat Quinn about this legislation, and his office received the same info packet as above. HB0273 - Mailed the Illinois Director & Assistant Director of Veteran Affairs about this legislation, and their offices received this same info packet as above. HB-0273- Mailed the Illinois VFW Headquarters, Illinois American Legion Headquarters, and Illinois The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) Post 90 (Waukegan) about this legislation the same info packet as above. Take Care Pete

Pls Educate ME..... HB0273 is now scheduled for its 3rd Property Tax, Subcommittee Hearing on March 12, 2009 at 0910. HB0273 has 72+ Co-Sponsors already HB0273 has more Co-Sponsors than any other legislation going in front of this Property Tax Subcommittee. There is 45 legislative bills that are going to be looked at. Out of these 45 legislative bills, there are 30 of them that only have 1 Co-Sponsor. Another 8 legislative bills have 3 or 2 Co-Sponsors. There is a legislative bill (HB219) that has 20 Co-Sponsors. How do they prioritize? What do /can we do to keep pushing HB0273? On the 3rd of April is the House of Representatives DEADLINE 3rd Reading House Bills, What does that mean for HB0273? On the 23rd of May is the Senate DEADLINE Third Reading Substantive House Bills, what does this mean for HB0273?? Please Assist... Putintime

Hey All, Just finished loading ALL the Illinois Veteran Service Officers and addresses on a mailing list database. Also added the new Illinois DVA Director, Illinois DVA Asst-Director, Governer and Mayor of Cook County. I'm going to mail them all a synopsis of HB0273, and see if they can also help put the word out. Hope it Helps... Take Care, Putintime

Free - Let me look more into it, as most county assessors do "asssume" after the fact, and the way the law reads in black and white. We have all been down that road!!! I remember in the military and regulation loopholes with terminology of "could", "should", "may" and many others to extend the "grey" area. Your NOT being being difficult, just making sure that every one is reading it to what is being written and not presumed. Take Care, Pete Grace, Those two names also emailed me saying the same, I'm going to get a email out to them also. Thanks for staying on top of it. 72 + Co-Sponsors look good at this point of the game. Take Care, Pete

Ok, I have 4 or 5 House Representatives that have said on email that they will or strongly consider Co-Sponsoring HB0273, but have yet to see any support. Is anyone else in this situation? I'm going to give them a week and then call their bluff. Free-Spirit = I checked into your question, and it is as it is written, % based on disabilty %, it will be next to impossible for the county assessors to fug it up. I keep all documented coorespondance between our House Representatives, Senators and myself for reference in case I get a Brain *art. Take care, Pete

Free Spirit- You bring up some very good points. I am going to do some deciphering and see if I can figure out how they can screw it up because they will. The only thing I can think of off the top of my head from the % from different branches of service is depending on the Branch of service the veteran of was from, and is where the medical documentation came from for the VA to determine the % that they award. Right now HB0273 is simple compared to Public Act 95-0644 Section 35 ILCS 200/169 new. The County Accessors rewrote that compared how the law is written (EAV). I am just wondering if all counties in Illinois cipher "spouse" and intittlement the same as you mentioned. That is so wrong, but it is the People Puppet Politics in Positions of Power, and I'm a firm believer in "Power in Numbers" that can over come these goofy positions. They are thier for themselves and job security, 5/6 of them have never had any dealings with or in the military. Take Care, Pete

Free Spirit - Sorry to hear that...Wish you the best, don't know what to say....Are you from Illinois? Did your spouse retire from the military? Are you getting jerked around? Give me some insight and I'll help what ever way I know, may not be much, but could have an perspective not looked into. I do know that going to the County and asking them for help or advise is like talking to a wall without references. I have been down that road and that is why I am such a advocate on this HB0273. It is very hard, almost impossible to deviate from the way that it is written. Take Care, Pete

Free Spirit - Thanks for the insight....Personally, I am busting my butt just to get something...As of now Illinois Disabled Veterans property tax exemption is read many different ways. This proposed legislation (HB0273) is very specific concerning property tax and percentage. Let us work on these baby steps to get it approved and then fine tune it. My goal is to live long enough to see something...so...in retrospect, my spouse should be intittled to it right? Take Care, Pete

Grace, Al & All Illinois Veterans now is the time to bring it home to the House and let the Representatives know we are watching every move they are make concerning HB0273!! The Co-Sponsors are still trickling in with a few still out there saying they are going too...but....On Monday, Phase III of my contact strategy goes into effect. Go on line and get a VFW, Veteran of Foreign Wars, or Disabled Veteran Post address of each of those representatives that have not Co-Sponsored yet, write them a letter requesting support in HB0273, then put a return address label of the any of the above Posts in their district. Since I am a Illinois life member to all of them, they are all fellow veteran brother and sisters reguardless of where their post is located. Can you believe we have over 64 Co-Sponsors for HB0273!!! There are a total of 16 legislative bills going before the Sub Committee on Property Tax on the 20th of Feb. None of them have near the support HB0273 has. Take Care, Pete

Hey All, Just finished sending my round two email love letters to all the 96th Illinois General Assembly (IGA)House Representatives that have not Co-Sponsored HB0273. Next is the Faxes and Letters before the 20th of February and the Sub-Committee Property Tax meeting. My email went to each Representative email address, with no bulk email mailing. Take Care, Pete Dear Illinois Representative; Please assist in getting this legislation passed through the House by Co-Sponsoring with your fellow Representatives that have already Co-Sponsored listed below. We are losing fellow disabled veterans income, by them (Veterans)moving to other states with better benefits. Whether it be the veterans annual income earned, retirement pay, minor disability pay, pension, orSocial Security earned over the years. It is now going to another state with better veteran benefits once the Illinois veteran moves out of state. The percentage (%) of a disabled veterans property tax abated in equal toothe disabled veterans earned disability percentage (%), compared to the annuallost Illinois revenue is minisule. Sincerely, Illinois Life Member: The American Legion # 203674429 American Veterans (AMVETS) # 2302527 Disabled American Veterans (DAV) # 120199594432 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) # 410674 American Military Retiree Association (AMRA) # 14185 The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) # 16572873 HB0273 Synopsis As Introduced: Amends the Property Tax Code. Requires the county clerk to abate a percentage of the property taxes levied on each parcel of property that is owned and used exclusively as a home by a disabled veteran, or the spouse or unmarried surviving spouse of the veteran. Provides that the percentage of taxes to be abated is equal to the percentage of disability of the veteran. Effective immediately. Hearings Property Tax, Subcommittee Hearing Feb 20 2009 8:10AM Capitol Building Room 122B Springfield, IL Last Action: Date Chamber Action 2/4/2009 House Assigned to Revenue & Finance Committee Statutes Amended In Order of Appearance 35 ILCS 200/18-179 new Short Description: PROP TX-DISABLED VET-ABATEMENT House Sponsors:Rep. Ron Stephens - Timothy L. Schmitz - Jim Watson - Jack D. Franks - Patricia R. Bellock, Patrick J Verschoore, Richard P. Myers, John A. Fritchey, Careen M Gordon, Mark L. Walker, Harry R. Ramey Jr., Lisa M. Dugan, Maria Antonia Berrios, Sara Feigenholtz, Angelo Saviano, Fred Crespo, Dan Brady, Raymond Poe, Rich Brauer, Franco Coladipietro, Donald L. Moffitt,Sidney H. Mathias, Robert W. Pritchard, Ronald A. Wait, Bob Biggins, William B. Black, Michael G. Connelly, Darlene J. Senger, Michael P. McAuliffe, John D. Cavaletto,Dennis M. Reboletti, Sandra M. Pihos, Charles E. Jefferson, Thomas Holbrook, Michael K. Smith, Daniel V. Beiser, Eddie Lee Jackson Sr., Brandon W. Phelps, Dan Reitz, Keith Farnham, David Reis, Elizabeth Coulson, Mike Bost, Suzanne Bassi, Jehán A. Gordon, Al Riley, Kenneth Dunkin, Kevin Joyce, Sandy Cole, Ed Sullivan Jr., Tom Cross, Mike Boland, Jay C. Hoffman, Linda Chapa LaVia, Renée Kosel, Joseph M. Lyons, Mary E. Flowers, Emily McAsey, John D'Amico, Kay Hatcher, Rosemary Mulligan, Jil Tracy and LaShawn K. Ford<script type=text/javascript> hasEML = false; <script type=text/javascript> <script type=text/javascript>

Grace, I think it a good thing, not only that, 2 of the 3 of this sub-Committee members are Co-Sponsors to HB0273. Now it is time to email, fax and write letters to all those that have yet Co-Sponsor and ask them to at least consider it, and to those that said they would, and yet to do it.. Thanxs for staying informed.... Pete

She's gone, went as Asst. DVA in Washington. I will say this when she was here in Illinois, much coorespondence was sent to her and not much of anything was done or documentated on what her accomplishment were while here.

Thanxs Right now it is only three of us; (Grace, Al & I) that are letting all of the Illinois lawmakers know that we are watching them. If there are more Illinois veterans jumping in, let us know, we need all the help we can get. Everyday I learn more and more. If this becomes a success story I will be the first to write it, although Al has the talent in his literate penmanship. In college I would get papers back saying "wordy" now I try to use the "KISS" method "Keep It Simple Stupied" but the mind wanders. Take Care, Pete

Commander Bob, I think I'm getting the hang of this. We "DO NOT" want anyone to "Motion to Table" but to stay in the Committee, keep getting Co-Sponsors, until all debate is complete, then, go through 2nd & 3rd reading in the House and move over to the Senate to start all over again!!! Am I goofy or am I getting close? Take Care, Pete

Commander Bob, Thanks, Your experience and insight is greatly appriciated. We are going to keep plugging away.... With 65 Co-Sponsors..6 of 12 Committee members are Co-Sponsors. Through in your prediction, we know, but I feel better with you telling us if we are spinning our wheels, and if it is Killed, must be start from scratch or is there an appeal process. Thanxs Pete