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Senior Exemption Applications
CDBG Application Deadline
Botanic Garden Summer Internship
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Seniors Must Reapply for Property Tax Exemption

This week the Cook County Assessor mailed applications for the Senior Citizen Exemption to households that received the exemption in 2009.  A new Illinois law requires that seniors re-apply for the Senior Citizen Exemption annually.


Although Commissioner Goslin and other top officials at Cook County are against this requirement and are working to repeal the new state law, it is very important that seniors reapply for the Senior Citizen Exemption this year to receive the savings on their tax bills.

 

Homeowners 65 and older must fill out these applications and return them by March 8th or they will owe significantly more on their 2010 property tax bills.

 

Seniors who do not receive applications in the mail but believe they are entitled to the exemption can request a form by phone at (312) 443-7550 or download a form by visiting www.cookcountyassessor.com.  

 

For more information on who qualifies for the Senior Citizen Exemption or to download an application, please visit the Assessor's website or call (312) 443-7550.

 

Commissioner Goslin's office will also be happy to offer any assistance and can be reached by e-mail at commissioner.goslin@cookcountyil.gov or by phone at (312) 603-4932.

CDBG Application Deadline
The Community Development Block Grant Program provides annual grants for the purpose of developing viable communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and by expanding economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals. 

The Cook County Bureau of Community Development administers the grant for communities and non-profit organizations in suburban Cook County and is currently soliciting proposals for eligible CDBG activities for its 2011 program year.  Cook County's CDBG Program allocation is expected to be $10.5 million in Fiscal Year 2011.


Some examples of past CDBG projects funded in the 14th District include:
  • $82,500 to Rolling Meadows for Pool improvements to provide ADA-accessible area for enjoyment by over 3,000 disabled persons;  
  • $56,000 to Clearbrook Center for replacement of roof on 92-bed intermediate care facility;
  • $10,000 to Journey From PADS to HOPE for services to help transition individuals into stable environment.;
  • $40,000 to OMNI Youth Services for services including ESL Classes, access and assistance to health care resources and job training; 
The application for 2011 CDBG funds can be downloaded from the County's website at www.cookcountygov.com/communitydevelopment.  All necessary information is also available on the website.  The deadline for submitting a CDBG application is February 17, 2011, 4:00pm.

If you have any questions about the CDBG program or the application process, please contact the Bureau of Community Development at (312) 603-1000.
Botanic Garden Summer Internship
Appplications are now available for the John H. Stroger, Jr. internship program at the Chicago Botanic Garden.  This summer internship program is designed to introduce early career or college students to professional experiences in the not-for-profit sector--the size and complexity of the Chicago Botanic Garden affords opportunities in a wide variety of fields including education, visitor services and horticulture.

Internships will take place from June 13th through August 5, 2011.  Cook County residents age 18-21 can apply for this paid internship through their Cook County Commissioner.

To learn more about the internship and download an application, please visit the Chicago Botanic Garden website.

 

Applications can be sent via fax at (312) 603-3686 or e-mail at Commissioner.Goslin@CookCountyil.gov.  Applications can also be turned in or mailed to our District Office:

 

Commissioner Gregg Goslin
3801 West Lake Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026

 

All materials must be submitted to our office by February 18th, 2011.  If you have any questions about the application process, please feel free to call our office at (312) 603-4932.


Let's have a conversation!  As always, feel free to reply to this newsletter, send me an email or give me a call about any Cook County issue. 

Sincerely,
 
Gregg Goslin, Commissioner
Please feel free to use any of this information in your newsletters if you think your residents may find it of interest. If I can assist you with any County or Forest Preserve related matter, please call my office at 312-603-4932, 847-729-9300 or email commissionergoslin@cookcountygov.com.