The property valuation appeals period for Jefferson Township is now open until February 1st. Commissioner Cabonargi of the Cook County Board of Review and my office are hosting a seminar in the ward on January 19th (Thursday) at Falconer Elementary School (3020 N. Lamon) starting at 6:00 p.m.
There will be a 30-minute presentation, after that staff from the Commissioners office will be available to answer questions and assist residents in filing their appeal at the seminar.
After a taxpayer files the one-page complaint, the Board will analyze comparable property to determine if the property is assessed at too high a value. Taxpayers may also present an appraisal, comparable properties, or any other evidence showing the fair market value of their property. There is no fee to appeal to the Board of Review.
If you are unable to attend the seminar, you can file online at the Cook County Board of Reviews website.
El período de evaluación para reclamación en el municipio de Jefferson está abierto actualmente hasta el 1ro de febrero. El Comisionado Cabonargi de la Junta de Revisión del Condado Cook y mi oficina estará auspiciando un seminario en el distrito el día jueves, 19 de enero. La misma tomará lugar en la Escuela Elemental Falconer, localizada en el 3020 N. Lamon, empezando a las 6:00 p.m.
Se ofrecerá una presentación de 30 minutos, luego el personal de la oficina del Comisionado estará disponible para contestar preguntas y asistirles a los residentes a completar su reclamación luego del seminario.
Luego que el contribuyente llena la página de desacuerdo la Junta analizará propiedades semejantes para determinar si la propiedad está evaluada por un valor muy alto. Los contribuyentes pueden también presentar una cotización de propiedades semejantes, o cualquier otra evidencia que muestre el valor del mercado justo de su propiedad. No habrá costo alguno por apelar a la Junta de Revisión.
De usted no poder asistir al seminario, usted puede completar la reclamación en la página de red de la Junta de Revisión del Condado Cook, website.

The Chicago Police Department will also have District Ambassadors present at the seminar with materials regarding the latest police recruitment cycle. They will be available to answer questions regarding the police examination coming in April for those who apply before the January 31st deadline.
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50x50 Neighborhood Arts Project
Alderman Milly Santiago joins efforts with the City of Chicago to celebrate and create new public art in all 50 wards. The 31st Ward is looking for qualifying Artists to work on Cultural and Special Events Murals.
Alderman Santiago is looking to beautify and culturally enrich our community with murals that would exalt cultural aspects and diversity in our community. Be part of this special project, become part of Chicago History by sharing your talents. Make sure to read information and guidelines, visit the City Website.
50X50 Proyecto de Artes en la Comunidad
La Concejal Milly Santiago se une a los esfuerzos de la Ciudad de Chicago para celebrar y crear nuevo arte público en todos los 50 distritos. El Distrito 31 está buscando artistas que cualifiquen en el desarrollo de murales en relación a Cultura y Eventos Especiales.
La Concejal Santiago está buscando transformar y enriquecer nuestra comunidad con murales que exalten los aspectos culturales y diversidad que caracterizan a cada vecindario. Únete a este proyecto especial, sé parte de la Historia de Chicago, mostrando tus talentos. Asegúrate de leer la información y reglas en la página de red de la Ciudad de Chicago.

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100th Inauguration of the Illinois General Assembly
This week I had the honor to attend the inauguration ceremony of the 100th Illinois General Assembly. Congratulations to Rep. Luis Arroyo and Will Guzzardi who serve constituents of the 31st Ward. I look forward to continue working with our state officials to bring resources to the ward. It was a pleasure to see our States first Latina Comptroller, Susana Mendoza in her new office!

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New Lawn Signs to Remind neighbors to pick up after their dogs
One side is in English, the other in Spanish. They are available for pick up, free for any ward residents at the ward office.
Una de las quejas más frecuentes que he recibido en mi oficina es la irresponsabilidad de los dueños de perros que no recogen los desperdicios de sus animales al caminarlos. Los residentes han pedido letreros para colocar frente a sus casas, los cuales le recuerden a los dueños que la ley exige recojan los desperdicios al caminar a sus mascotas. Me alegra anunciar que tenemos los letreros GRATIS, para los residentes del Distrito 31. Los pueden pasar a recoger en nuestra oficina durante las horas regulares de oficina.

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Tax Help provided by city
The City of Chicago offers free, confidential tax help at locations across Chicago from late January through mid-April. Federal and Illinois tax return preparation and e-file are offered free of charge by the City’s two partner nonprofits, the Center for Economic Progress and Ladder Up. They annually prepare thousands of returns.
If you are a family earning up to $55,000 or an individual earning up to $30,000, you may be eligible to take advantage of this free service and also find out if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and/or student financial aid for college! Trained volunteer tax preparers can assist you in completing Federal and state income tax returns for the 2016 tax year and, in some cases, for prior years.
Plan Ahead. If you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit and/or the Additional Child Tax Credit, a new law that takes effect in 2017 means that the IRS cannot issue your refund before February 15. No one can speed up your refund, and the City’s tax help is free.
For more information about how to receive free tax help, please do any one of the following:
• Call the City’s 311 helpline
• Visit the City’s website at www.TaxPrepChicago.org
• Visit Center for Economic Progress at www.economicprogress.org or call (312) 252-0280
(Option 1 for Spanish, Option 2 for English)
• Ready to do your taxes online? Visit www.economicprogress.org/freefile
• Visit Ladder Up at www.goladderup.org or call (312) 409-4719
• Visit the IRS at www.irs.gov and type “free tax help” in the search box or call (800) 829-1040 /
(800) 829-4059 (TDD)
What you need to bring to all locations:
- Original Social Security card or ITIN card/letter for everyone that appears on your return
- Photo identification
- All 2016 tax documents (W-2, 1099 forms)
- Bank account and routing numbers
- Proof of health insurance coverage (Form 1095-A, 1095-B,
- 1095-C, Medicare card) or Certificate of Exemption
- Copy of your property tax bill paid in 2016
- Records of college-related expenses
- Copy of your 2015 tax return
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Christmas Tree Recycling
Tomorrow is the last day to take your tree to Kelvyn Park (4438 W. Wrightwood) so that it can be recycled. 23 other locations are listed below as well.

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Volunteer For The 2017 Homeless Count
Help Us Get The Data We Need To Help
Care for Chicago's Homeless:
Volunteer for the Chicago Point-in-Time Homeless Count
Thursday, January 26th, 2017
8 pm to 2 am – Citywide
The Point-In-Time Homeless Count is conducted every two years to provide the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) with a “snapshot” of Chicago’s homeless population. The data gathered on the actual number of homeless in Chicago serves as a basis for federal funding, for service and resource planning, and to raise public awareness about homelessness.
DFSS is presently conducting one hour information sessions about volunteer opportunities for those interested in assisting us with this effort. If you are interested in volunteering and have not previously volunteered for the Point-In-Time Homeless Count, you are encouraged to attend.
To RSVP for a session or to register as a volunteer, please visit www.cityofchicago.org/fss; or email homelesscount@cityofchicago.org

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Bag Tax
The City's Checkout Bag Tax starts February 1st. Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions, as well as the ordinance, on the City's website.

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The 2017 CAPS schedule for 25th and 16th Police Districts are available on our website here.
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Diversey & Laramie Intersection Closure
Starting December 27th the Department of Water Management’s will be performing sewer repairs at the intersection of W Diversey Ave and N Laramie Ave. As a result, traffic reroutes will be necessary during the duration of the project, approximately 6 weeks. For information, please see our site here.

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