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Are you looking for volunteer opportunities? Join our office on Fridays and Saturdays as we help with weekly food distribution at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in West Chicago. Many families in our community are feeling the effects of inflation and unsure of where to find their next meal. Pastor Josh’s weekly food distribution provides resources for those who need it the most. Volunteers are needed to help pack and distribute food boxes. Call or email our office for details.
The first week of April was a busy one in Springfield as my colleagues and I worked hard to meet the end of session deadline of April 9. Our number one priority was passing a fiscally and socially responsible budget. I am proud that we came together to create a budget that gives financial relief to the people and families that need it most, while also taking steps to restore the fiscal responsibility of the state. This budget also funds key initiatives around health care equity, community development, and business attraction. 
I am proud to announce that the Fox Valley Park District was awarded a much needed appropriation for exciting new improvements to Lippold Park. As part of their comprehensive plan to expand outdoor education programming and multi-use space at Lippold Park the FVPD will be constructing a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Fox River to connect East to West. This project will increase access to Red Oak Nature Center and will open up the trail for even more folks to use. We are so excited about this project and I am happy to have helped advocate for this much needed capital appropriation.
Rep Hirschauer
had so much fun talking with 4th grade students at Alice Gustafson and 5th graders at J.B. Nelson Elementary Schools in Batavia. The future is BRIGHT with these smart, curious, and thoughtful kiddos at the helm. Thank you having Batavia Public School District 101 for having the Representative!
You may have seen our recent 
If you hear a knock at your door, it may be our office out connecting with constituents and getting the word out about our services and events. After her time in Springfield, Maura is enjoying these opportunities to get out into the district to meet up with constituents one-on-one and hear about their needs and concerns.
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Author: Office of Maura Hirschauer
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As part of her continued support of women’s rights, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, passed several measures to defend reproductive rights in Illinois.
“Access to comprehensive, affordable reproductive health care saves lives and allows people to live to their fullest potential,” said Hirschauer. “Everyone deserves to make the health care decisions that are best for them. I will always stand up for a woman’s right to choose.”
Performing a safe, legal abortion in Illinois is not a crime and that’s why Hirschauer sponsored and voted for House Bill 1464, to ensure our doctors are not punished by other states’ draconian laws. House Bill 1464 clarifies that a doctor licensed in Illinois cannot be disciplined in Illinois if another state suspends or revokes their license for participating in or performing an abortion. This bill protects doctors from unnecessary sanctions so they can continue to provide the vital health care services Illinoisans need.
“Reproductive health care is under attack across the country and we cannot count on the Supreme Court to uphold our fundamental right to make personal decisions about our health,” said Hirschauer. “Illinois sits as a beacon of safety for reproductive freedom and we must stand strong behind health care professionals who are committed to providing safe, legal, accessible reproductive health care. I was proud to sponsor HB1464 to protect Illinois health care providers from the decisions extreme politicians are making in other states.”
Rep. 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
WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – To combat the effects of inflation and help residents in need, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, and state Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, are hosting a food drive to benefit St. Andrew Lutheran Church’s weekly food distributions in partnership with the People’s Resource Center.
“As we navigate these difficult times, it is inspiring to see neighbors coming together to support each other. My office, in partnership with Sen. Villa, will be collecting food through the month of April to support St. Andrew Lutheran Church and families in our community,” Hirschauer said. “I encourage everyone to give what they can. Every donation makes a difference.”
Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at Rep. Hirschauer’s district office, 946 Neltnor Blvd #108 West Chicago, IL 60185, or St. Andrew Lutheran Church 155 N. Prince Crossing Rd. West Chicago, IL 60185. To make a monetary donation, please visit https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=dd1c61and put “St. Andrews” in the program designation box.
“I want to thank Pastor Josh Ebener and St. Andrew Lutheran Church for all the resources they have provided to the West Chicago community during the pandemic, including their weekly food distribution with People’s Resource Center,” said Villa. “I am happy to collaborate with all stakeholders to help our community.”
“So many families in our community that were already stretched thin are feeling the impact of inflation, of rising rents and prices at the grocery store and the pump,” said Pastor Josh Ebener of St. Andrew Lutheran Church. “We would welcome any monetary or food donations to ensure we can adequately respond to this great need and are grateful for all the support.”
“Inflation has become a national topic of discussion, and it is now an increasing problem for many local families,” said West Chicago Mayor Ruben Pineda. “As West Chicago families begin to feel the full effects of rising costs of living, we need to come together to support one another as a community. Donating essential goods and money to the St. Andrew Church Food Pantry is a great way to achieve this.”
Rep. 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
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I often say that I am who I am because of the strong women who came before me. These two fierce young women – who came after me – also play a huge role in shaping me not only as a mom, but as a leader and legislator. I would like to take time today to honor my daughters, who push me out of my comfort zone, hold my feet to the fire on tough issues, and show me everyday what leadership looks like.
Representative Hirschauer met virtually with the Chiefs of Police from IL-49 to talk about their concerns and learn about the ongoing issues in our police departments. The Chiefs brought attention issues that impact their departments along with recommendations to move forward as a state. Rep Hirschauer is committed to continue listening and learning from our local police departments to better serve the IL-49th district and to taking that feedback to Springfield. Thank you Chief Passarelli, Chief Ullrich, Chief Krawczyk, Chief Fisher, Chief Cross, Chief Eul, and Deputy Chief Shackelford for taking time to talk about your police departments. 
Rep. Hirschauer had the privilege of representing not just the 49th, but women throughout the state and history as part of 
demonstrating that they can do anything, these kids show every day that they’re advocating for themselves and ready for the next challenge.
Representative Hirschauer was a panelist for Moms Demand Action Advocacy Day. The Representative informed constituents about ongoing legislation to prevent gun violence in the community. She emphasized the need for education on safe gun storage to prevent further death of young children and suicide. Representative Hirschauer says that now is the time to advocate for bills like 
Representative Hirschauer’s leadership on HB1464 was featured in this article from Capitol News Illinois! Learn more about this legislation and how Illinois is supporting women and their reproductive rights while many states are trying to remove these essential health services.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – After this week’s indictment of former House Speaker Michael Madigan, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement:
“The first vote I made as State Representative in the 49th District was to elect new leadership under Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch, and usher in a new day in the Illinois House. Since that time, I have worked hard every single day for the people of the 49th District. In just one year I have delivered on ethics reform, groundbreaking climate policy and a balanced budget that’s earned us our first credit ratings increase in a generation.
“This week’s 22-count indictment handed down to former Speaker Mike Madigan is significant and proves to the people of Illinois that elected officials are not above the law and illegal behavior will be prosecuted.
“My focus continues to be on the community of the 49th District and how to best serve your diverse and important needs. There is much work to be done as we recover and rebuild after a difficult few years.”
Rep. 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 Reacts to Madigan Indictment, Emphasizes Need for Strong Ethics and Accountability appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.
WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – In a continued effort to improve education in Illinois, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is introducing a measure to fund a study on school nursing capacity in Illinois.
“Countless low-income children with health conditions have most of their health needs met by school nurses, and the high level of care many of those nurses provide is a testament to their skill and dedication. It’s far from ideal, but school nurses provide a backstop when regular health services are unaffordable,” Hirschauer said. “However, the sad reality is that many kids in our communities don’t even have access to a school nurse. Illinois schools are facing a shortage, and it’s past time we get to work ending that. The study I am proposing will give us invaluable information on how to address this issue.”
In tandem with the Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN), Hirschauer filed House Bill 5601, a measure to fund a study on school nursing capacity in Illinois. The study aims to understand the reasons for the current shortage and create new solutions to end it. Hirschauer has been a champion for revamping and improving education in Illinois; casting key votes on the House Appropriations: Elementary and Secondary Education committee, the House Child Care Accessibility and Early Childhood Education committee and the House Elementary and Secondary Education: School Curriculum and Polices committee.
Gloria Barrera, President of the IASN said, “Every child deserves access to a school nurse, no matter their zip code. Our goal is to achieve having a certified and licensed school nurse in every school district to supervise the health services program, that being said, we need the data to support that. We thank Representative Hirschauer for introducing HB5601 to appropriate $250,000 from the SBE Federal Department of Education Fund to the State Board of Education for a grant to contract with IASN to complete a study for school nursing capacity in this state, effective July 1, 2022. The data collected will help drive action for our work in the future. We are asking legislators to support this bill. They’ll be hearing from school nurses in their districts very soon to further explain why this is essential to school health here in Illinois.”
Rep. 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 Pushes for More School Nurses, Funding for School Health Services in Coming Budget appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.
February Update from the 49th District
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I visited Hanover Township and learned about the various services it offers to our constituents. Aging Services, Community Health, and Youth and Family services name just a few. Hanover Township has friendly staff and volunteers ready to assist. Thank you for the wonderful tour of Hanover Township, Supervisor McGuire and staff! 
Upcoming Events
April 27 – Mobile DMV – Senator Villa
10am-2pm
West Chicago Public Library, 118 W Washington St, West Chicago
Whole Family Health Fair
Food Distribution and Health Resources
Saturday Apr 30, 8am-12pm
St. Andrew Church
155 N Prince Crossing Rd, West Chicago
Veterans’ Breakfast
Saturday June 4, 9am-11am
VFW West Chicago
431 N Neltnor Blvd, West Chicago
Around the State
Notices of Funding Opportunities
Description Deadline
Senior Citizens Tax Deferral Program March 1
R3 RESTORE. REINVEST. RENEW. March 1, 2pm
We Need Diverse Books (K-12 educators) March 4
Back to Business (B2B) March 7
DCEO (State + Federal) Various
Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance Various
Scholarships
Description Deadline
Early Childhood Caregivers March 1
Conservation Achievement (Illinois Conservation Foundation) March 1
Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement March 4
DCFS (DCFS Case, youth 16-21) March 31
Employment
Budget proposal is fiscally and socially responsible
Today, the Governor outlined a fiscally and socially responsible budget proposal that demonstrates that Illinois is on the strongest financial footing we’ve had in decades. We can use this surplus to invest in the people and communities who need help the most, be great stewards of our debt, and set the stage for future growth.
After almost two years of struggling through a global pandemic, working families are in desperate need of support. I appreciate that the governor’s proposal includes using much of this surplus to provide direct tax relief to families and their everyday needs. Illinoisans are feeling the pain of inflation while still recovering from the financial hit of the pandemic. The Governor’s proposal for a 1-year moratorium on state grocery taxes and a 1-year freeze on the gas tax will give families assistance in these unprecedented times.
Throughout the pandemic our students and teachers have suffered through interrupted learning; and working families have struggled to find and maintain affordable childcare. I am glad to see Governor Pritzker is calling for half a billion dollars to fund preK-12 schools, which includes $150 million for early childhood education. Prioritizing state dollars to support our talented students, teachers, administrators, and support staff is critical to growing a strong and bright future.
However, to truly make a difference in the lives of Illinois families, we cannot ignore the importance of early intervention services and affordable day care. Throughout the pandemic our littlest and most vulnerable learners have received interrupted early intervention care. Disparities in development and kindergarten readiness, already wide, are growing deeper and more stark with underfunding of critical programs. Child care providers, early childhood educators, and caregivers need well-funded support to grow programs to meet the needs of Illinois families. I urge the Governor to expand the 10% increase for early education to include Early Intervention (EI) services and the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
Governor Prizker presented us with a budget that puts the needs of Illinoisans first. His proposal marks an optimistic start to our budgeting process and I look forward to digging into the details to ensure that folks in the 49th District have the support they need to thrive.
“After almost two years of struggling through a global pandemic, working families are in desperate need of support. I appreciate that the governor’s proposal includes using much of this surplus to provide direct tax relief to families and their everyday needs.”
WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – To honor those who have served our country, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is hosting a Veterans Breakfast at VFW Post 6791 in West Chicago.
“After our veterans have sacrificed so much for our communities, this is a small way to celebrate their contributions while giving them a space to voice their concerns,” Hirschauer said. “This also provides the chance for veterans and their families to learn a little bit more about the work we’ve done in Springfield this year.”
The Veterans’ Breakfast will be held on Dec. 9 at the VFW Post 6791 located at 431 N. Neltnor Blvd. in West Chicago. Hirschauer invites local veterans and their families to share their thoughts on legislation and other issues they face in their communities. Additionally, Hirschauer has invited state Representative Stephanie Kifowit, USMC Veteran 90-94 and the Chair of the Illinois House Veterans’ Affairs Committee to share her experiences and talk about work being done in for Illinois veterans.
“As a Veteran, I have seen firsthand how difficult it is to find state and federal resources, especially when returning home from active duty,” Kifowit said. “This is a great opportunity for veterans to join together in fellowship and share their frustrations in addition to learning about state level initiatives aimed to improve access to housing, healthcare and state services.”
Rep. 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 Breakfast to Honor Veterans appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.