Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has commissioned Jo Ann Serpico as an Honorary Cook County Deputy Treasurer in recognition of her longtime activism in the Italian community, We the Italians media outlet reports.

As an honorary deputy treasurer, Serpico will act as Pappas' representative in the community, according to the We the Italians story. In part, she will encourage homeowners to use www.cookcountytreasurer.com to apply for available refunds and missing property tax exemptions. There is $79 million in available refunds and $44 million in unclaimed exemptions for senior citizens.

Read the story.