WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – To ensure families have the proper resources necessary to live, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is highlighting the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Community Services Block Grant Program (CSBG).

“For families struggling to make ends meet, these community assistance programs are necessary to ensure every resident has the resources necessary to live a healthy life,” said Hirschauer. “Many families struggled financially prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID has only made the situation worse. These funds are a lifeline for many families.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity just announced $327 million in new funding for LIHEAP and CSBG. LIHEAP and CSBG offers financial assistance for vulnerable residents to use on rent, utilities, food and other household expenses. To qualify for LIHEAP, households must demonstrate they meet the expanded income requirements of 200% of the poverty level, regardless of immigration status.  Recommended documents for application include Social Security Number, or I-TIN, or other identification and proof of income. Applicants need to supply their utility bill for LIHEAP and lease for rental assistance. The remote application for LIHEAP and CSBG is available now on helpillinoisfamilies.com. To help eliminate any barriers to the application process, the State also provides a hotline service with multilingual assistance in over 30 languages. Residents may visit their local CAA in-person or call the hotline at 1-833-711-0374.

“This program is essential for helping our neighbors in need,” continued Hirschauer. “I highly recommend sharing this information with anyone it could help. As a state, we are focused on supporting all families.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

The post Hirschauer Highlights Financial Assistance for Low Income Families appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – To help residents reclaim their property from the state, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is hosting an I-Cash event with the Illinois Treasurer’s Office on Oct. 13 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the St. Charles Public Library, located at 1 S. 6th Ave. in St. Charles.

“There are countless residents across the state that do not know their property is being held by the state until they claim it,” Hirschauer said. “By teaming up with the Treasurer’s office to host these I-Cash events, we are ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to look and see if they have unclaimed property.”

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ office has nearly $2.5 billion in unclaimed property. Unclaimed property comes in many forms, such as savings and checking accounts, customer deposits, payroll checks, refund checks and more. During the event, a representative from the treasurers’ office will be available to check the I-Cash database, explain the steps to reclaiming property and answer any questions from attendees.

“The I-Cash database is always getting updated, so I suggest everyone take advantage of the opportunity to connect with the treasurer’s office,” Hirschauer said. “Every dollar counts, especially as families continue to recover from setbacks caused by the pandemic.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

The post Hirschauer to Host I-Cash Event for Residents to Reclaim their Property appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – To raise awareness for Suicide Prevention Month, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is highlighting resources for those struggling with their mental health.

“Mental health emergencies affect all people, regardless of income, race, gender or background and are heightened by a stigma surrounding receiving help,” said Hirschauer. “This month is a time to recognize the internal struggles people face every day and also promote ways we can support and help those currently facing mental health struggles.”

While suicide prevention is important to talk about every month, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people to openly talk about their struggles and provide support and resources to those needing them. The National Alliance on Mental Illness has provided the following tips and resources for those currently facing mental health struggles:

  • If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
  • If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255)
  • If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.

“We have the ability to save someone’s life by sharing information on prevention, noticing signs of major depression, and ensuring those struggling in our lives have the resources they need to move forward,” continued Hirschauer. “This month is a good time to check in with those in your lives and community to ensure we are supporting everyone as much as we can. Getting help is heroic.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

The post Hirschauer Recognizes Suicide Prevention Month appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – To increase access to vital mental health services, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, sponsored a new law to expand insurance coverage for mental health services.  

“Accessibility to mental health care, especially as we continue to recover from the pandemic, is essential,” Hirschauer said. “Under new law, people will now have access to necessary mental healthcare and know that their insurance will cover it.”

House Bill 2595 expands the standards for medically necessary treatment of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders and requires insurers to cover medically necessary treatment. It also prohibits insurers from limiting the duration of benefits or coverage for the treatment of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders and conditions. The law will take effect starting Jan. 1, 2023.

“Despite mental conditions not being visible, they are just as important and need to be covered by insurance, just like any other disorder or illness,” Hirschauer said. “This new law will give those suffering with mental, emotional, nervous, or substance abuse disorders the care they need to regain control of their health.”

# # #

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

The post Hirschauer Sponsored Law Improves Accessibility to Mental Health Care appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

The following employers have been confirmed participants for Thursday’s job fair at Elgin Community College

Join us this Thursday to meet with representatives from the following companies with open positions in our area.

Company/Organization Name:/LocationOpen Positions LinkApprox # Positions Available
Aspire Bakeries,Northlake ILOpen Positions60
Association for Individual Development,Elgin ILOpen Positions90
Avient,West Chicago ILOpen Positions6
Ball Horticultural Company,West Chicago ILOpen Positions10
Bear Family Restaurants,South Elgin ILOpen Positionsseveral
Central Management Services (CMS) ,Chicago ILOpen PositionsVaries across 102 Counties in Illinois
City of Elgin,Elgin ILOpen Positions30
Cultivate Behavioral Health and Education,St. Charles ILOpen Positions8
Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin ,Elgin ILVarious Downtown Elgin Businesses10
Eagle Flexible Packaging,Batavia ILOpen Positions20
Ecker Center for Behavioral Health,Elgin ILOpen Positions15
Elgin Sweeper,Elgin ILOpen Positions15
Grunt Style,Carol Stream ILOpen Positions20
Habitat For Humanity Northern Fox Valley,Elgin ILOpen Positions5
HFI Manufacturing, Inc,West Chicago ILOpen Positions10+
IHC Construction Companies LLC,Elgin ILOpen Positions11
Illinois Department of Children & Family Services, IL Open Positions
illinois Department of Natural Resources- Office of Law Enforcement,Springfield ILOpen Positions25
Illinois Dept. of Human Services,Chicago ILOpen Positions100
Illinois State Police,Elgin ILOpen Positions100
Illinois Tollway,Downers Grove ILOpen Positions4
International Paper,Aurora ILOpen Positions100 throughout the Chicago metropolitan area
John B Sanfilippo & Son Inc (Fisher Nuts),Elgin ILOpen Positions50
KCT Credit Union,Elgin ILOpen Positions3-4
Manpower,Elgin ILOpen Positions50
MKD Electric,Elgin ILOpen Positions50
School District U-46,Elgin ILOpen Positions497
Southern Company “Nicor” ,Naperville ILOpen Positions20
Suncast Corporation,Batavia ILOpen Positions30
Superior Ambulance,Elmhurst ILOpen Positions30
Techmer PM Polymer Modifiers,Batavia ILOpen Positions30
VWR International, LLC,Batavia ILOpen Positions8
workNet Batavia,Batavia ILOpen Positions
Ziegler’s Ace Hardware,Elgin and various surrounding towns. ILOpen Positions20
 

The time for small steps has passed.

This picture – our 6 year old Teddy soaking in a beautiful Illinois sunset – is one image I held in the forefront of my mind when I voted yes on SB2408 last night. The time for small steps has passed. Scientists have rung the alarm for our planet, for the future of our children and grandchildren, stating that we are on a code red for humanity. Our planet is burning, and increasingly severe weather is hurting our communities and agriculture.

Late last night my colleagues and I answered the call, passing SB2408, a nation-leading climate and equitable jobs bill. We made the critical decision to save our planet while being financially responsible. We set Illinois on a path to a greener future by delivering 100% carbon free power by 2045 while creating new jobs that are rooted in equity.

Thank you to Representatives Evans, Gabel, Hoffman, and Williams for the hours of negotiations, advocacy and work put into this bill. And thank you to Speaker Welch for prioritizing and standing strong for this critical work. Together we took the first critical step towards a sustainable, healthy planet for children across Illinois.

 

Our planet is burning, and increasingly severe weather is hurting our communities and agriculture.

 

 

Maura IL Icon

 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To ensure residents have affordable and accessible healthcare available, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, sponsored a new law that provides certain types of hormonal contraception over the counter.

“According to the Center for Disease Control, 65% of women ages 18 to 49 use some type of birth control on a daily basis,” said Hirschauer. “With birth control being so widely used and comprehensive sexual education being taught in schools to educate students about the safety and effectiveness of birth control, anyone who chooses to use hormonal contraception should be able to receive it with ease.” 

House Bill 135, sponsored by Hirschauer, will allow certain types of hormonal contraceptives to be available for patients over the counter from pharmacists. Interested residents will have to complete a self-screening risk assessment, based upon CDC guidelines, to determine if a patient is eligible for over-the-counter contraception or must see a doctor for further analysis. Once eligible, residents will be able to receive a 12-month prescription of birth control and will also receive information on all birth control options, even ones not available over the counter. The bill was recently passed through both legislative chambers and signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.  

“A person may not be able to go to a doctor due to work, school or personal reasons; sometimes, a person may not even be able to afford a doctor’s appointment but may still need a contraceptive,” continued Hirschauer. “Under new law, people who need birth control can receive it with ease and can have control over their own health.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

The post Hirschauer-Sponsored Law Expands Access to Affordable Birth Control appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – To help local employers connect with jobseekers, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is hosting a Job Fair at Elgin Community College on Sept. 16.

“After a tough year for both employers and job seekers, my office is happy to host a job fair to connect those seeking meaningful employment opportunities with employers looking to rebuild their workforce,” Hirschauer said. “This event will be an opportunity for employers and job seekers to connect safely and in-person to talk more in depth about the job opportunities in our community.”

The Job Fair will be held at Elgin Community College on Sept. 16 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The event will be in Building E and parking is available to attendees in Parking Lot E. Job seekers are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resumes for reference and for on-site interviews. Masks will be required to attend.

“As our businesses return to regular capacity, more stable and well-paying positions are opening up for those looking to return to in-person work,” Hirschauer said. “Whether you are seeking new employment or curious about making a career change, I encourage you to come by the job fair and see what opportunities are available.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

The post Hirschauer to Host Job Fair on September 16 appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.