WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – Major affordability measures cracking down on hidden junk fees and price gouging schemes are now law due to the work of state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago.
“In a time when the affordability crisis is hitting our communities hard, and families are already stretching every dollar, residents shouldn’t be tricked into paying surprise fees,” said Hirschauer. “You deserve to know exactly what you are paying for so you can make informed decisions on purchases. The price you see should be the price you pay.”
Often disguised as “convenience” or “processing” fees, hidden junk fees cost families over $3,000 every year, driving the affordability crisis and making everyday purchases more expensive.
Hirschauer worked to crack down on these hidden fees with House Bill 228, which is now law. The measure requires businesses to display all mandatory fees and charges they are adding on top of a purchase price and gives the attorney general’s office more authority to hold businesses accountable for not disclosing surprise fees.
Hirschauer also worked to expand protections for people buying tickets to concerts and sporting events. In response to high-profile reports of abusive practices perpetrated by ticket resellers and AI-powered ‘bot farms’ purchasing mass amounts of event tickets to be resold at two or three times the face value, she passed House Bill 4984, which bans resellers from offering the sale of tickets they do not actually possess. Additionally, Senate Bill 318 bans the use of bots to buy tickets in excess of posted limits of online ticket sales or to circumvent electronic queues and other waiting periods. These measures are now law.
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
(D-Batavia) 49th District
Springfield Office: 270-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — A state budget focused on affordability is now law thanks to state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, who helped pass a balanced budget prioritizing direct relief for Illinoisans and investing in the resources Washington is trying to slash.
“As a working mom, I know that affordability is top of mind for all Illinoisans because I feel it too,” said Hirschauer. “We cannot balance our budget on the backs of everyday people. That’s why I continue pushing for responsible revenue options that keeps our communities safe, expands access to critical support and invests in our children.”
Hirschauer’s work this legislative session concluded in passing a fiscally and socially responsible budget that relieves the cost-of living crisis while making key investments in food security and other state services at risk of federal funding losses or total elimination.
The budget takes a number of smart steps to help families make ends meet, including:
Nearly $100 million to help families afford groceries and put food on the table. As Washington slashes nutrition assistance for more than 100,000 Illinoisans, Hirschauer’s budget includes a new FRESH Program, which provides a one-time credit of up to $400, giving families a lifeline while they work with providers to reactivate benefits. Additionally, the Hirschauer-backed budget expands free and reduced-cost school lunches ensuring children affected by SNAP cuts have a sustainable meal, and funding for the Illinois Grocery Initiative to expand access to fresh food in food deserts.
Making back-to-school shopping more affordable by cutting the state sales tax on clothes, supplies, and other essentials for students, families, and teachers beginning in August.
Freezing the gas tax to give families a break at the pump.
Restoring property tax relief grants for schools so communities statewide can get relief.
$500 million focused on affordable homes for working families, including investment in new home construction to meet the needs of working families who do not qualify for traditional assistance, but still face a significant lack of quality homes in their price range—a growing population known as the “missing middle.”
This budget keeps families safe and strengthens communities. As families face healthcare access threats like Medicaid cuts, the new state budget delivers full funding to maintain and operate critical safety-net hospitals, with an additional $10 million dedicated to support Federally Qualified Health Centers for the most vulnerable families. Public safety initiatives including homelessness prevention and community-based violence prevention will also receive full funding.
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
(D-Batavia) 49th District
Springfield Office: 270-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
BARTLETT, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is inviting residents to attend an End of Session Town Hall detailing Springfield legislative updates and to discuss community priorities on Tuesday, June 30 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bartlett Public Library, 800 S. Bartlett Rd., in Bartlett.
The End of Session Town Hall will focus on topics such as legislation, the FY27 state budget, community safety, and other pressing topics of the 49th District. To ensure there is ample time to discuss all matters, constituents are asked to submit their questions and RSVP in advance by filling out the form on the website: https://www.maurahirschauer.com/event/townhall26-6/.
“Throughout the spring legislative session, I made sure to prioritize the needs and welfare of my constituents,” said Hirschauer. “The bills I passed will help our community thrive as we are waiting for Gov. Pritzker to sign the legislation into law, I want to make sure that our communities are aware that their voices are heard and that their needs are being met.”
The End of Session Town Hall will be held both online and in-person. Community members interested in attending must RSVP prior to the event. Language interpretation will be available. If interpretations are needed, RSVP is required by June 26. Media seeking to cover the town hall is encouraged to RSVP to ensure space is available.
WHO State Representative Maura Hirschauer WHAT End of Session Town Hall WHEN Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 7 p.m. until 8 p.m.
WHERE Bartlett Public Library 800 S. Bartlett Rd. Bartlett, IL
With summer underway and students enjoying a well-deserved break, our communities are coming together for a season filled with celebrations, events, and opportunities to connect. I look forward to seeing many of you out in the community this summer.
My office is always here to help connect residents with state resources and services for families, and individuals. If you have questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
49th District News
Big Boy in West Chicago
The City of West Chicago welcomed 61,000 visitors to see Big Boy, the largest operating steam locomotive in the world, on its journey across the nation for the Union Pacific America’s 250th Anniversary Tour. Huge shout out to all the city staff who made an incredibly well-run event!
For more information regarding the event click here.
New District Office Interns
Our office has 4 amazing interns this summer! Kayla Zamora, Zoya Photowala, Megan Fox, and Lexie Horne are excited to assist in serving the residents of the 49th District.
Service and Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer with WeGo Together for kids
WeGo Together for Kids has a number of opportunities for those who want to give back to the community, including a Mobile Rx every month.
Join the University of Illinois for SNAP Listening sessions throughout the month of June. This is an opportunity SNAP recipients to share their perspectives and experiences.
Celebrating Grant Recipients in the 49th District
IDNR Biodiversity Field Trip Grants
The Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant program announced its grants to schools in the 49th bringing $6,270.95 back to your schools in the district!
Evergreen Elementary School, West Chicago
West Chicago Community High School
Vanguard Gifted Academy, Batavia
Kenyon Woods Middle School, South Elgin
See the full list HERE and learn about next year’s application HERE
OSFM Small Equipment Grants
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal announced the 2026 Small Equipment Grant recipients, bringing over $76,600 back to D-49!
The Illinois Arts Council in partnership with the Office of the Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois Humanities awarded grants to twenty-two public art projects throughout Illinois to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Congrats to awardee Batavia Artists Association NFP Inc., for their $15,000 grant!
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grants
IL DCEO awards a number of grants for local governments and community groups. Deadlines are fast approaching, be sure to apply today.
Construction Notice: US Route 20/Lake Street Bartlett IL
Construction will begin in July on US Route 20/ Lake Street in Bartlett. From Oak Avenue to Bartlett Road, you’ll see traffic light modernization and new street lighting. This project is expected to run through October of 2027.
Upcoming Community Events
End of Session Townhall 6/30
Join Representative Hirschauer at her End of Session Town Hall on Tuesday, June 30 at 7:00 pm in the Bartlett Public Library. We hope to see you there!
Join our office on September 5 at the West Chicago Public Library for free document shredding from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Mobile DMV 10/26
Rep Hirschauer is bringing the DMV to the Hanover Township Senior Center from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm on October 26. Appointments are Required- click below for more information.
Ahora que el verano ha comenzado y los estudiantes disfrutan de un merecido descanso, nuestras comunidades se reúnen para vivir una temporada llena de celebraciones, eventos y oportunidades para conectar. Espero ver a muchos de ustedes en la comunidad durante este verano.
Mi oficina está siempre a su disposición para ayudar a conectar a los residentes con recursos y servicios estatales destinados a familias y particulares. Si tiene alguna pregunta o necesita ayuda, no dude en ponerse en contacto con nosotros.
Noticias del Distrito 49
La locomotora “Big Boy” en West Chicago
La ciudad de West Chicago recibió a 61,000 visitantes para ver la “Big Boy” —la locomotora de vapor en funcionamiento más grande del mundo— durante su recorrido nacional como parte de la gira “America’s 250th Anniversary Tour” de Union Pacific. ¡Un gran reconocimiento a todo el personal de la ciudad que hizo posible un evento tan bien organizado!
Para más información sobre el evento, haga clic aquí.
Nuevos pasantes en la oficina del distrito
¡Nuestra oficina cuenta con 4 pasantes increíbles este verano! Kayla Zamora, Zoya Photowala, Megan Fox y Lexie Horne están entusiasmadas por ayudar a servir a los residentes del Distrito 49.
Oportunidades de servicio y voluntariado
Sea voluntario con “WeGo Together for Kids”
“WeGo Together for Kids” ofrece varias oportunidades para quienes deseen retribuir a la comunidad, incluyendo un evento mensual de farmacia móvil (Mobile Rx).
Acompañe a la Universidad de Illinois en las sesiones de escucha sobre SNAP durante el mes de junio. Es una oportunidad para que los beneficiarios de SNAP compartan sus perspectivas y experiencias.
Para más información sobre el evento, haga clic aquí.
Celebrando a los beneficiarios de subvenciones en el Distrito 49
Subvenciones del IDNR para excursiones sobre biodiversidad
¡El programa de subvenciones para excursiones sobre biodiversidad de Illinois (Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant) anunció fondos para escuelas del Distrito 49, destinando un total de $6,270.95 a las escuelas de nuestra zona!
Evergreen Elementary School, West Chicago
West Chicago Community High School
Vanguard Gifted Academy, Batavia
Kenyon Woods Middle School, South Elgin
Vea la lista completa AQUÍ y obtenga información sobre la solicitud para el próximo año AQUÍ.
Subvenciones del OSFM para equipos pequeños
La Oficina del Jefe de Bomberos del Estado de Illinois (OSFM) anunció los beneficiarios de las subvenciones para equipos pequeños de 2026, ¡destinando más de $76,600 al Distrito 49!
Bartlett FPD (Distrito de Protección contra Incendios)
West Chicago FPD
Batavia Fire Dept (Departamento de Bomberos)
South Elgin & Countryside FPD
Subvención para proyectos de arte público “Illinois America 250”
El Consejo de las Artes de Illinois (Illinois Arts Council), en colaboración con la oficina del gobernador JB Pritzker e Illinois Humanities, otorgó subvenciones a veintidós proyectos de arte público en todo Illinois para conmemorar el 250.º aniversario de la Declaración de Independencia. ¡Felicidades a la organización Batavia Artists Association NFP Inc. por haber recibido una subvención de $15,000!
Subvenciones del Departamento de Comercio y Oportunidades Económicas de Illinois (IL DCEO)
El IL DCEO otorga diversas subvenciones a gobiernos locales y grupos comunitarios. Los plazos de solicitud vencen pronto; asegúrese de presentar su solicitud hoy mismo.
Aviso de obras: US Route 20/Lake Street en Bartlett, IL
En julio comenzarán las obras en la US Route 20/Lake Street, en Bartlett. Entre Oak Avenue y Bartlett Road, se llevarán a cabo trabajos de modernización de semáforos e instalación de nuevo alumbrado público. Se prevé que este proyecto se extienda hasta octubre de 2027.
Próximos eventos comunitarios
Reunión pública de fin de sesión legislativa (30 de junio)
Acompañe a la representante Hirschauer en su reunión pública de fin de sesión el martes 30 de junio a las 7:00 p. m. en la Biblioteca Pública de Bartlett. ¡Esperamos verle allí!
Visite nuestra oficina el 5 de septiembre en la Biblioteca Pública de West Chicago para el servicio gratuito de destrucción de documentos, de 9:00 a. m. a 12:00 p. m.
Unidad móvil del DMV (26 de octubre)
La representante Hirschauer traerá la unidad móvil del DMV al Centro para Personas Mayores de Hanover Township (Hanover Township Senior Center) el 26 de octubre, de 10:00 a. m. a 2:00 p. m. Es necesario concertar cita; haga clic a continuación para obtener más información.
Construction will begin this July on US Route 20 (Lake Street) running through Bartlett. The range of this construction will begin at the intersection of Lake Street and Oak Avenue and run through the intersection of Lake Street and Bartlett Road. This project will modernize the traffic lights and install new street lighting. Traffic delays are expected and it is highly recommended that drivers follow all posted signage to ensure road safety. This project is currently expected to wrap up in October of 2027.
Location & Description of Project:
(3,935-Ft) Traffic Signal Modernization and lighting installation project consists of earth excavation, pavement removal, sidewalk removal, driveway removal, (HMA) surface removal, curb and gutter removal, pavement patching, intallation of aggregate and (HMA) shoulders, widening with (HMA) base course, resurfacing with polymerized (HMA) binder and polymerized (HMA) surface courses, structure adjustments, installation of storm sewer, drainage structures, sidewalk, shared-use path, driveways, lighting, and signing, traffic signal modernization, placement of thermoplastic pavement markings. The project is located on US 20 (Lake Street) at Oak Avenue and Bartlett Road within the Villages of Bartlett and Streamwood in Cook County.
Aviso previo a la construcción para la Ruta estadounidense 20/Lake Street
En julio comenzarán las obras de construcción en la Ruta estadounidense 20 (Lake Street) a su paso por Bartlett. El tramo de la obra abarcará desde la intersección de Lake Street y Oak Avenue hasta la intersección de Lake Street y Bartlett Road. El proyecto contempla la modernización de los semáforos y la instalación de nuevo alumbrado público. Se prevén retrasos en el tráfico, por lo que se recomienda encarecidamente a los conductores seguir toda la señalización instalada para garantizar la seguridad vial. Actualmente, se estima que el proyecto finalizará en octubre de 2027.
Ubicación y descripción del proyecto:
El proyecto de modernización de semáforos e instalación de alumbrado (en un tramo de 3.935 pies) comprende: excavación de tierras; retirada de pavimento, aceras, entradas de vehículos, superficie de mezcla asfáltica en caliente (HMA), bordillos y cunetas; reparación de parches en el pavimento; instalación de arcenes de agregados y HMA; ampliación con capa base de HMA; repavimentación con capas de ligante y superficie de HMA polimerizada; ajustes de estructuras; instalación de alcantarillado pluvial, estructuras de drenaje, aceras, senderos de uso compartido, entradas de vehículos, alumbrado y señalización; modernización de semáforos; y colocación de marcas viales termoplasticas. El proyecto se ubica en la carretera US 20 (Lake Street), en las intersecciones con Oak Avenue y Bartlett Road, dentro de las localidades de Bartlett y Streamwood, en el condado de Cook.
Construction will begin this July on Barrington Road in the municipalities of Hoffman Estates and South Barrington. This two mile stretch of construction will widen and reconstruct the road starting from the intersection of Barrington Rd and Central Rd and ending at the intersection of Barrington Rd and IL Route 62. Daily lane closures and delays are expected and it is recommended that all posted signage be followed in order to ensure drivers safety. At this time, this construction is expected to end in late 2028.
Aviso previo a la contrucción en Barrington Road
Las obras de construcción comenzarán este mes de julio en Barrington Road, dentro de los municipios de Hoffman Estates y South Barrington. Este proyecto, que abarca un tramo de dos millas, consistirá en la ampliación y reconstucción de la vía, comenzando en la intersección de Barrington Road y Central Road y finalizando en la intersección de Barrington Road y la Ruta 62 de Illinois (IL Rout 62). Se prevén cierres de carriles y retrasos diarios, por lo que se recomienda seguir toda la señalización instalada para garantizar la seguridad de los conductores. Actualmente, se estima que las obras concluirán a finales de 2028.
CHICAGO – The House Democratic AI Working Group, chaired by state Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview, held a subject matter hearing on Monday, May 4, to discuss efforts to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) in order to protect consumers and safeguard elections in Illinois.
“These discussions are about protecting consumers and ensuring fairness in our state’s liability statutes,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “AI-powered technologies are no longer simply an emerging technology, they’re impacting almost every aspect of our lives right now.”
Four bills were discussed during the hearing, all pertaining to AI regulation and consumer protection.
Gong-Gershowitz’s House Bill 4557 would create the Digital Forgeries in Politics Act, which places new disclosure requirements on the use of digital manipulation in images, video and audio in political advertising.
“When voters can no longer trust what they see and hear, democracy itself is at risk,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “AI-generated deepfakes of political candidates and elected officials are not a distant threat — they are already being weaponized to deceive the public, suppress participation and undermine elections. HB4557 draws a clear line: if you use artificial intelligence to fabricate the words or likeness of a political figure to deceive voters, there will be consequences. Illinoisans deserve to make their voices heard based on facts.”
House Bill 5044, also by Gong-Gershowitz, would create the Chatbot Provider Liability Act, defining chatbots as products and establishing that providers have a duty to ensure that the use of a chatbot does not cause injury to a user.
“We have always held manufacturers accountable when their products cause serious harm — and an AI chatbot is a product,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “When companies deploy these systems knowing they have the potential to deceive, manipulate or injure the people who interact with them, they should be held to exactly the same standard we apply to any other dangerous product under Illinois law,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “This legislation closes a loophole that Big Tech has been counting on. If your chatbot causes real harm, you bear real responsibility — full stop.”
State Rep. Daniel Didech’s House Bill 4705 would create the Artificial Intelligence Public Safety and Child Protection Transparency Act, requiring frontier AI developers and large chatbot providers to create a public safety and child protection plan.
“The pace of AI development and the capabilities of frontier models are accelerating, and the General Assembly has an obligation to ensure that Illinois residents are protected from catastrophic outcomes,” Didech said. “This legislation puts enforceable guardrails in place so Big Tech companies must prioritize safety, be transparent about the risks tied to their systems and take responsibility for preventing serious harm, especially when it comes to protecting children.”
State Rep. Maura Hirschauer’s House Bill 5756, would create the Algorithmic Pricing Transparency Act, requiring online retailers to disclose their use of “surveillance pricing”—a growing phenomena that uses artificial intelligence-powered tools to charge higher prices for certain customers based on a user’s personal data.
“House Bill 5756 prioritizes transparency and fairness,” Hirschauer said. “This legislation makes clear that pricing powered by personal data cannot happen in the shadows. By requiring disclosure, banning the use of sensitive information, and guaranteeing an opt-out, we are putting fairness and accountability back into the marketplace.”
The House Democratic AI Working Group was established by Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch earlier this year in order to launch a multifaceted approach to AI policy in Illinois.
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
(D-Batavia) 49th District
Springfield Office: 270-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Representative Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, introduced legislation that would establish a grant program for the restoration or replacement of natural resources that have been damaged resulting from court settlements due to hazardous waste release, pollution events or long-term industrial contamination.
“As the federal government continues to cut down protections and funding for our natural resources, major corporations have taken the opportunity to disregard the health of our natural environment,” said Hirschauer. “This grant program would allow local government, environmental organizations and recognized tribes to help continue to restore and protect our wetlands, waterways, forest preserves and agricultural lands.”
Hirschauer is sponsoring House Bill 4566, which would create the Natural Resources Restoration Trust Grant Program. The grant program would be administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The grant would not be awarded to applicants that are responsible for the damage of natural resources.
Eligible applicants include:
Units of local government
Soil and water conservation districts
Area-wide agencies, including counties regional planning agencies, or both
Nonprofit organizations
Public or private institutes of higher education
Port authorities
Federally recognized tribes.
“The health of our environment directly affects our health, that’s why it is important that we, in the state of Illinois, provide grants to local organizations to help our natural environments thrive,” said Hirschauer. “A healthy natural environment means a healthier life.”
House Bill 4566 is out of committee and awaits further process.
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
(D-Batavia) 49th District
Springfield Office: 270-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, is inviting residents to attend a virtual Know Your Rights Town Hall in partnership with State Representative Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on Tuesday, March 10 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Know Your Rights Town Hall will focus on topics such as first amendment rights, civil rights overview, governor’s accountability commission information, best practices for engaging with law enforcement, discretionary decertification process and new complaint portal for Illinois law enforcement training and standards board. Constituents must RSVP in advance to receive the link to the meeting on March 10 at: https://forms.gle/QMXuX7R7Y2V1U5Cj8.
“Now more than ever, it’s important to provide our communities with resources to protect their constitutional rights from unlawful federal government actions,” said Hirschauer. “We need to empower our communities to speak up and protect their rights, and through this town hall, we are providing them with crucial knowledge and power.”
The Know Your Rights Town Hall will be held virtually. Community members interested in attending must RSVP prior to the event.
For more information, please contact Rep. Moeller’s district office at (847) 841-7130 or email at staterepmoeller@gmail.com.
WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, is one of over 200 lawmakers from all 50 states to sign a comprehensive letter organized by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX), the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), and the Child Care for Every Family Network urging the federal government to restore childcare funding.
“It’s simply unacceptable that families nationwide are now in a position where their child’s future is jeopardized by the federal government, who has inhumanely made it their mission to remove the most basic of support systems for children and their families—especially children who live with disability, chronic illness, or are facing traumatic conditions such as poverty—by no fault of their own,” said Hirschauer. “It’s terrifying to see the safety nets parents and children count on daily unravel right before our eyes.”
In January, the Trump administration announced its intention to cut childcare funding in five states, including Illinois. The funding freeze will affect over 100,000 Illinois families, more than 152,000 children, and 275 organizations statewide. Additionally, the federal government’s “Defend the Spend” policy is targeting social services and childcare programs by forcing agencies to provide excessive and unnecessary documents before receiving any kind of funding, causing nationwide delays.
Hirschauer serves as vice-chairman for the House Child Care Accessibility & Early Childhood Education and has been integral to passing progressive measures that protect and support young families, children, and education access. Recently, Hirschauer passed House Resolution 621, calling for the immediate release of the $10 billion in child care funds frozen across democratic-majority states, including over $1 billion to Illinois families and children facing poverty, chronic illness or disability.
“Child care costs remain the biggest bill for families across the state—no matter their income or situation. As a mother myself, I’ve seen firsthand how working parents pay more for day care than they do for health insurance—even housing in some cases. I’m proud to stand alongside over 200 lawmakers to call out this grotesque move that directly harms our nation’s children. They deserve to grow up in a country that supports them, not one that sweeps the most vulnerable of lives under the rug.”
Child care costs remain the biggest bill for families across the state—no matter their income or situation. As a mother myself, I’ve seen firsthand how working parents pay more for day care than they do for health insurance—even housing in some cases.
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
(D-Batavia) 49th District
Springfield Office: 270-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
