Every time a politician announces that a community has "received a grant," most people hear the same thing: free money. But government grants aren't free—they're taxpayer dollars collected, redistributed and invested back into communities. In this exclusive Fighting4Freeport analysis, we break down how federal, state and local grants actually work, why communities like Freeport have become increasingly dependent on them, and why every taxpayer should understand the difference.

On May 20, 2026, Fighting4Freeport submitted a FOIA request seeking a simple answer: How many Township assistance recipients have felony convictions or are listed on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry, and how much taxpayer money is being distributed through those programs? What followed was a series of responses that raised more questions than answers, leaving taxpayers to wonder whether Freeport Township is being transparent—or whether it even knows where our tax dollars are going.

Leadership. Transparency. Integrity. Public Trust.

For two weeks, Freeport Township officials lectured the public on each of these values while simultaneously attempting to wash their hands of any responsibility for Freeport's growing sex offender crisis. Then, because Fighting4Freeport asked a simple question — How many registered sex offenders are receiving Township assistance, and how much taxpayer money is being distributed to them? — taxpayers were treated to a political production of explanations, excuses, delays, extension requests, and claims that the answer was simply too burdensome to provide.

Fourteen days later, taxpayers have received lectures on transparency.

They are still waiting for transparency itself.