WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, was presented the 2025 Legislative Champion Award today from The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence for her work leading the passage of Karina’s Law, which took effect this spring.
“After years of fighting in Springfield and in the courts, and after extensive negotiation and advocacy, the passage of Karina’s Law marks a significant step forward in protecting domestic violence survivors from firearms,” Hirschauer said. “This survivor-centered law honors the memory of Karina Gonzalez and her daughter Daniela who were murdered by an abuser who should have never had access to a firearm. Although we cannot erase tragedies in the past, Karina and Daniela’s legacy will live on with each life they save with this law.”
Karina’s Law (House Bill 4144) combats the deadly combination of guns and domestic violence by strengthening the firearm remedy within the order of protection process and allowing judges to order the removal of guns from abusers who have been deemed a credible danger. The bill also clarifies the process for survivors, judges and law enforcement when the firearm remedy is involved in criminal and civil orders of protections.
After years of negotiation by Hirschauer and advocates, Karina’s Law was successfully signed by Governor Pritzker in February.
“We must work to build a better future in memory of victims, survivors, and all who love them. Karina’s Law is a long overdue step in that direction,” said Hirschauer. “Thank you to The Network for this recognition, but ultimately, thank you for continuing your advocacy and support for so many men and women who go through the unconscionable. Your work remains integral to building a future where preventable violence is no longer normalized in our communities.”
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
(D-Batavia) 49th District
Springfield Office: 271-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – Highlighting impactful advancements in public safety and preventative violence legislation, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, was awarded the 2025 Profile in Courage Award from the Gun Violence Prevention PAC (GPAC) Wednesday, October 15.
“Gun safety and gun ownership are not at odds. They go hand in hand. We all share the same goal—keeping firearms out of the wrong hands and preventing tragedies before they happen,” said Hirschauer. “I’m honored to be recognized by such a supportive organization that is steadfast in creating safer communities for our families and children.”
Hirschauer has led significant firearm reform in the Illinois General Assembly as the House Gun Violence Prevention Chair. Earlier this year, the Hirschauer-led Karina’s Bill (House Bill 4144) was passed into law, protecting survivors of domestic violence by ensuring firearms are removed when an order of protection is issued—preventing incidents from turning deadly. Hirschauer also led the passage of the Safe Storage Act (Senate Bill 8), first-of-its-kind legislation that codifies firearm storage so weapons are inaccessible to minors, individuals in crisis and those prohibited under Illinois or federal law from having one. The measure also strengthens firearm reporting (House Bill 850). Studies show that states with similar laws decreased unintentional shootings by children by 78% and the movement of illegal guns in communities by 46%.
“We all have an integral role in reforming our laws that can allow violent offenders to slip through the cracks. Together, we’re building a future where gun violence is no longer normalized, but stopped,” said Hirschauer. “Thank you to GPAC for this award and for shining a light on the urgent need for policy change. Action and advocacy work, and this award is a testament to GPAC’s continued drive toward positive progress for our communities.”
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
(D-Batavia) 49th District
Springfield Office: 271-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
That’s what I tell people who pass through our community of West Chicago on Route 59 or Route 38 on their way to other places. Take a detour, and explore our historic community that was built up and around the railroads, and by immigrants from all over the globe. Wander through our downtown, grab a strong coffee from our local coffee shop, enjoy homemade gorditas and deliciously soft concha.
West Chicago is normally a quiet town, but if you look closer you will now see unmarked SUVs, trucks and vans with tinted windows patrolling our tree lined streets, circling neighborhood schools, spreading fear with every turn. Do not turn away. These are ICE agents, and they are here simply because West Chicago is a largely Latino community. They are not armed with judicial criminal warrants; they are armed with guns and pepper spray. These agents are not protecting our community from criminals; they are abducting fathers on their way home from school drop-off, aunts and uncles leaving a shift at a local factory, college students attending early morning classes.
Do not turn away—pay attention to the cries of our neighbors. They have been living peacefully, working hard, paying taxes, raising their families, going to church. The vast majority of people here are citizens, while others dream of a path. Everyone in West Chicago now feels as if their world has turned upside down. They are terrified of leaving their house and never seeing their children again. They are not criminals—they are your neighbors and ICE is holding them hostage.
The federal administration’s deployment of ICE in our peaceful neighborhoods is not keeping us safe, in fact it is doing quite the opposite. There is no part of “Operation Midway Blitz” that is aimed at solving the systemic issues in our immigration system. Instead, the “blitz” has left our families and neighborhoods vulnerable. Unaccountable, masked ICE agents are undermining years of work by our law enforcement to build trust with the communities they serve. Families are too afraid to call the police – even in dire emergencies. The fear tactics of ICE have forced our neighbors to think twice before calling for help.
Our current immigration policy is broken, and instead of rolling up his sleeves, doing the work of governing, and offering solutions to fix it, President Trump is choosing to target and torture the very immigrant community that weaves the fabric of this nation. It is a cowardly and weak choice, and above all it is a dangerous one. Every single person in our community is put in harm’s way when ICE agents roam our neighborhoods.
Sadly, our community is not alone. ICE agents are terrorizing communities throughout our state; towns like Elgin, Aurora, Franklin Park, Glendale Heights and Addison; and neighborhoods throughout the city of Chicago.
Please, do not turn away. Witness the educators, administrators and childcare workers who are working overtime—arriving early and staying late—to ensure that students are safely cared for during the school day. Notice the factory workers, who despite the real fear of ICE abduction, continue to show up to do their essential jobs and keep our economy moving. Recognize the laborers who persist on job sites building integral infrastructure, or maybe even improving and repairing your own home. Observe the small business owners who open their doors even as the threat of ICE looms.
Do not turn away, take action. Join community members who have organized to keep watch, document stops, and support each other through fear and uncertainty. Donate to your local foodbank. Shop and eat at immigrant owned businesses and restaurants. And most importantly, spread truth. ICE is not in our community serving judicial criminal warrants. ICE is not detaining violent offenders. Instead, they are stripping away due process rights, profiling people simply based on the color of their skin, and forcing entire communities to live in fear. That does not keep our communities safe—we do. Please join us.
This Mexican Independence Day, while ICE threatens my neighbors and constituents, I choose to honor the hardworking people who make our community thrive.
I celebrate the educators and school administrators who arrive early and stay late to ensure students are safe and cared for as immigration enforcement officials circle our neighborhoods. I honor the union factory workers who protect one another during shift changes. I recognize the business owners who stand firm, refusing to let ICE enter without a federal judicial warrant. And I uplift the community members who organize to keep watch, document stops, and support each other through fear and uncertainty.
ICE does not keep our communities safe—we do. ICE sows division, chaos, and fear. We build unity, peace, and care for our immigrant neighbors and for each other.
So we chose joy. We chose to dance and sing with ballet folklórico and mariachi. We chose to support Mexican businesses, savor delicious food, and celebrate beautiful art. We chose to create safe spaces filled with peace and celebration.
Viva México!
Día de la Independencia de México
Este Día de la Independencia de México, mientras ICE amenaza a mis vecinos y electores, elijo honrar a las personas trabajadoras que hacen prosperar a nuestra comunidad.
Celebro a los educadores y administradores escolares que llegan temprano y se quedan hasta tarde para garantizar la seguridad y el cuidado de los estudiantes mientras los agentes de inmigración patrullan nuestros vecindarios. Honro a los trabajadores sindicalizados de fábricas que se protegen mutuamente durante los cambios de turno. Reconozco a los dueños de negocios que se mantienen firmes, negándose a permitir la entrada de ICE sin una orden judicial federal. Y aplaudo a los miembros de la comunidad que se organizan para vigilar, documentar las detenciones y apoyarse mutuamente ante el miedo y la incertidumbre.
ICE no mantiene seguras a nuestras comunidades; nosotros sí. ICE siembra división, caos y miedo. Construimos unidad, paz y cuidado para nuestros vecinos inmigrantes y para nosotros mismos.
Así que elegimos la alegría. Elegimos bailar y cantar con ballet folklórico y mariachi. Elegimos apoyar a los negocios mexicanos, disfrutar de la deliciosa comida y celebrar el arte. Elegimos crear espacios seguros llenos de paz y celebración.
¡Viva México!
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. – Working to keep firearms out of the wrong hands and prevent accidental shootings, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, successfully passed the Safe Gun Storage Act into law Monday. The new law works to keep guns out of the wrong hands, protect children from unintentional shootings, and track lost and stolen firearms by codifying ‘safe storage’ practices widely used by Illinois firearm owners.
“Safe firearm storage and responsible gun ownership are practices on which all of us, gun owners and non-gun owners alike, can agree,” said Hirschauer. “Senate Bill 8 is a common-sense gun safety measure that enhances safe firearm storage requirements and strengthens the reporting and data collection processes for lost and stolen guns.”
Hirschauer’s Senate Bill 8, known as the Safe Gun Storage Act, will enhance gun storage safety and address stolen firearm requirements with the ultimate goal of preventing access to firearms by minors, at-risk individuals, and those prohibited from possessing them. The bill would require firearm owners to secure their weapons in a locked container, rendering them inaccessible and unusable to anyone except the owner or an authorized user.
Additional provisions in a companion bill, House Bill 850, will tighten the reporting requirements for lost and stolen guns. House Bill 850 was signed into law last month.
“By promoting responsible gun ownership, this bill aims to prevent unauthorized access to firearms — helping reduce unintentional injuries, suicides, and acts of intentional harm, including school shootings," said Hirschauer. “This is a big step in promoting universal firearm safety and storage, and will ultimately save lives.”
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
(D-Batavia) 49th District
Springfield Office: 271-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
Cook County, IL – The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County(VACCC) has announced the expansion of their Emergency Financial Assistance Program to better support veterans in need. Find details on the benefits below:
Qualified veterans can now receive $100 towards past due phone and internet bills, both of which can be used once every 12 months
Hygiene Assistance can now be accessed every 6 months instead of once a year
The Food Assistance Program has been doubled! Eligible veterans will now receive two $100 Aldi gift cards, as well as an additional $100 gift card for each dependent and spouse
The Rent and Mortgage Assistance cap has been raised from $1,400 to $2,000 to account for rising housing costs
Families can now receive $3,000 in Funeral and Burial Assistance, up from $1,500 previously
If you or a loved one may be eligible for this program, reach out to the VACCC at (312) 433-6010.
La Comisión de Asistencia a Veteranos del Condado de Cook amplía sus beneficios de emergencia
Condado de Cook, IL – La Comisión de Asistencia para Veteranos del Condado de Cook (VACCC) anunció la expansión de su Programa de Asistencia Financiera de Emergencia para brindar un mejor apoyo a los veteranos necesitados. Encuentre detalles sobre los beneficios a continuación:
Los veteranos que califiquen ahora pueden recibir $100 para pagar facturas vencidas de teléfono e internet, ambos disponibles una vez cada 12 meses.
La Asistencia para la Higiene ahora se puede acceder cada 6 meses en lugar de una vez al año.
El Programa de Asistencia Alimentaria se ha duplicado! Los veteranos elegibles recibirán ahora dos tarjetas de regalo de Aldi de $100, además de una tarjeta de regalo adicional de $100 por cada dependiente y cónyuge.
El límite de la Asistencia para el Alquiler e Hipoteca se ha incrementado de $1,400 a $2,000 para compensar el aumento en el costo de la vivienda.
Las familias ahora pueden recibir $3,000 en Asistencia para Funerales y Entierros, en comparación con los $1,500 anteriores.
Si usted o un ser querido puede ser elegible para este programa, comuníquese con el VACCC al (312) 433-6010.
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. – With college and university tuition costs reaching historical highs, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is sponsoring a bill that would require Illinois colleges and universities to disclose their historical and current cost of attendance so prospective students and families can make better informed decisions about their college of choice.
“The more information we can arm Illinois families with while they are making these important financial and education decisions, the better,” said Hirschauer. “This measure will benefit high school students applying for college, parents who want to realistically budget, and ultimately foster transparency and empower students to make the best decisions based on their financial situation.”
Senate Bill 1376 states all Illinois public and private colleges and universities must post their cost of attendance on their website for the past 10 academic years and each year going forward. By promoting this tuition transparency, prospective students and families can easily compare institutions and understand price trends, in which historical data can help track how financial aid may impact overall cost of attendance.
“As costs of attendance climb to new heights each year, it’s extremely important students and families have the tools available to navigate an already stressful process,” said Hirschauer.
Senate Bill 1376 passed favorably out of the Senate Chamber and awaits a final House floor vote, expected later this month.
Hirschauer Aboga por la Transparencia de Costos de Matrícula Universitarios
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Con los costos de matrícula universitarios alcanzando máximos históricos, la rep. estatal Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, está promoviendo un proyecto que exigiría que las universidades de Illinois revelen el costo actual e histórico de asistencia para que los estudiantes potenciales y sus familias puedan tomar decisiones informadas sobre su universidad elegida.
“Es importante que las familias de Illinois tomen decisiones fiscales y escolares importantes con más información,” dijo Hirschauer. “Esta medida beneficiará a los estudiantes de nivel secundaria que solicitan ingreso a universidades, los padres que quieren presupuestar de manera realista, y al final creará más transparencia y empoderará a los estudiantes para tomar las mejores decisiones basadas en su situación financiera.”
El Proyecto del Senado 1376 declara que todos las universidades públicas y privadas de Illinois tienen que publicar en sus sitios de web su costo de asistencia de los últimos 10 años académicos y cada año que viene. Promoviendo esta transparencia con el costo de matrícula, los estudiantes potenciales y sus familias pueden comparar fácilmente las instituciones y comprender las tendencias de precios. Los datos históricos pueden afectar el costo total de matrícula y ayuda financiera.
“Mientras que los costos de matrícula aumentan a nuevos máximos históricos cada año, es fundamental que haga herramientas disponibles a los estudiantes y sus familiares para navegar un proceso que ya es muy estresante,” dijo Hirschauer.
El Proyecto del Senado 1376 fue aprobado favorablemente por la Cámara del Senado y espera un voto en la Cámara de Representantes a finales del mes.
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-Batavia, joined veterans organizations, community members, and fellow legislators on Saturday to support dedicating a section of Illinois State Route 59 honoring Sergeant First Class (SFC) Theordore Katsoolias, a beloved West Chicago serviceman who made the ultimate sacrifice while deployed.
Highlighted through an ongoing House Joint Resolution, the stretch of Route 59 from State Route 64 to State Route 38 would officially bear the name “SFC Theodore A. Katsoolias Memorial Highway” if passed. The joint resolution currently awaits House consideration.
“I want to thank my colleague Rep. Kifowit for bringing this dedication before the House and to the organizations and countless others who have fought for this memorial for SFC Katsoolias,” said Hirschauer. “We often see roads dedicated in honor of the service members who have represented not only our country but our great state. I hope that once this dedication is enacted it serves as a reminder that the countless servicemen and women who choose every day to be a part of our military have a profound impact not only on our families, but on our communities and nation as a whole.”
SFC Katsoolias was a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army’s Company B, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. During his service in the Korean War, SFC Katsoolias was deemed missing in action (MIA) before being presumed dead. His remains have not been recovered.
“Sergeant First Class Theodore Katsoolias is an American hero who should be remembered for his bravery and ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom,” said state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego. “He was never able to return home, but we can permanently honor his memory and the countless sacrifices made by our service members in Korea with this recognition. I appreciate the support of Rep. Hirschauer on this important measure.”
“The prospective SFC Theodore Katsoolias Memorial Highway runs right in front of my and state Sen. Villa’s office, and I’m honored I’ll be able to look out my window and remind myself how SFC Katsoolias and so many others like him gave their all for our country. My hope is that this dedication will serve as a reminder that SFC Katsoolias’s willingness to protect his family, community, and country is an example to each of us to do the same in our own ways,” said Hirschauer.
Working with local members in her Veterans Advisory Committee, Hirschauer recently passed bipartisan legislation designating the third Friday of September of each year as POW/MIA Recognition Day in honor of prisoners of war (POW) and those missing in action (MIA). House Bill 1312 will ultimately dedicate time for all Illinoisans to reflect on U.S. soldiers’ service, and currently awaits Senate consideration.
Hirschauer se une a líderes comunitarios para apoyar autopista conmemorativa en honor al sargento de primera clase Theodore Katsoolias
WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – La representante estatal Maura Hirschauer, demócrata de Batavia, se unió el sábado a organizaciones de veteranos, miembros de la comunidad y otros legisladores para apoyar la dedicación de una sección de la Ruta Estatal 59 de Illinois en honor al Sargento de Primera Clase (SFC) Theodore Katsoolias, un querido militar de West Chicago que hizo el máximo sacrificio mientras estaba desplegado.
Destacada a través de una resolución conjunta de la Cámara en curso, el tramo de la Ruta 59 desde la Ruta Estatal 64 hasta la Ruta Estatal 38 llevaría oficialmente el nombre de “Autopista Conmemorativa SFC Theodore A. Katsoolias” si se aprueba. La resolución conjunta actualmente espera la consideración de la Cámara.
“Quiero agradecer a mi colega, la representante Kifowit, por presentar esta dedicación ante la Cámara y a las organizaciones y a los innumerables que han luchado por este homenaje al SFC Katsoolias”, dijo Hirschauer. “A menudo vemos carreteras dedicadas en honor a los miembros del servicio que han representado no solo a nuestro país, sino también a nuestro gran estado. Espero que, una vez que se concrete esta dedicación, sirva como recordatorio de que los innumerables hombres y mujeres del servicio que eligen cada día formar parte de nuestras fuerzas armadas tienen un profundo impacto no solo en nuestras familias, sino también en nuestras comunidades y en la nación en su conjunto.”
El SFC Katsoolias fue un veterano condecorado de la Compañía B del 1er Batallón del 38.º Regimiento de Infantería, 2.ª División de Infantería del Ejército de los EE. UU. Durante su servicio en la Guerra de Corea, el SFC Katsoolias fue reportado como desaparecido en combate (MIA) antes de ser dado por muerto. Sus restos no han sido recuperados.
“El Sargento de Primera Clase Theodore Katsoolias es un héroe estadounidense que debe ser recordado por su valentía y por el sacrificio supremo que hizo en nombre de la libertad”, dijo la representante estatal Stephanie Kifowit, demócrata de Oswego. “Nunca pudo regresar a casa, pero podemos honrar permanentemente su memoria y los innumerables sacrificios realizados por nuestros militares en Corea con este reconocimiento. Agradezco el apoyo de la representante Hirschauer en esta importante medida.”
“La futura Autopista Conmemorativa SFC Theodore Katsoolias pasa justo frente a mi oficina y la de la senadora estatal Villa, y me honra poder mirar por la ventana y recordarme a mí misma cómo el SFC Katsoolias y tantos otros como él lo dieron todo por nuestro país. Mi esperanza es que esta dedicación sirva como recordatorio de que la disposición del SFC Katsoolias para proteger a su familia, su comunidad y su país sea un ejemplo para que cada uno de nosotros haga lo mismo a su manera”, dijo Hirschauer.
Trabajando con miembros locales de su Comité Asesor de Veteranos, Hirschauer aprobó recientemente una legislación bipartidista que designa el tercer viernes de septiembre de cada año como el Día de Reconocimiento a los Prisioneros de Guerra (POW) y Desaparecidos en Combate (MIA), en honor a los prisioneros de guerra y a los desaparecidos en combate. El Proyecto de Ley 1312 de la Cámara dedicará finalmente un tiempo para que todos los habitantes de Illinois reflexionen sobre el servicio de los soldados estadounidenses, y actualmente espera la consideración del Senado.
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. – A dedicated advocate for commonsense gun laws that prioritize public safety while adhering to constitutional rights, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is spearheading a measure that aims to keep firearms out of reach of small children and at-risk minors.
“When we address a topic as contentious as guns and ownership rights, it is extremely important to hear concerns on both sides of the aisle. It’s possible to have smart gun reform that still protects 2A rights, and that’s exactly what we’re working toward, ” said Hirschauer. “We’ve had many positive and productive conversations. I look forward to getting this legislation through the finish line to truly prioritize public safety in our communities.”
Senate Bill 8, known as the Safe Gun Storage Act, aims to enhance gun storage safety and address stolen firearm requirements with the ultimate goal to prevent access to firearms by minors, at-risk individuals, and those prohibited from possessing them. The bill would require firearm owners to secure their weapons in a locked container, rendering them inaccessible and unusable to anyone except the owner or an authorized user.
“We’ve heard too many tragedies of firearms landing in the wrong hands. This is a smart way we can work toward a solution to keeping guns away from children and those who absolutely should not have access to a weapon,” said Hirschauer. “This legislation is a baby step in the realm of keeping our kids safe and away from nonsensical gun violence.”
Senate Bill 8 favorably passed out of the Senate Chamber and awaits House consideration.
More information regarding Senate Bill 8 found here!
Hirschauer Lidera Proyecto de ley Sobre Almacenamiento Seguro de Armas
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – Como defensora comprometida de leyes de armas con sentido común que priorizan la seguridad pública mientras respetan los derechos constitucionales, la representante estatal Maura Hirschauer, demócrata de Batavia, está liderando una medida que busca mantener las armas de fuego fuera del alcance de niños pequeños y menores en situación de riesgo.
“Cuando abordamos un tema tan polémico como las armas y los derechos de propiedad, es sumamente importante escuchar las preocupaciones de ambos lados del espectro político. Es posible lograr una reforma sensata sobre armas que también proteja los derechos de la Segunda Enmienda, y eso es exactamente hacia lo que estamos trabajando,” dijo Hirschauer. “Hemos tenido muchas conversaciones positivas y productivas. Espero con entusiasmo que esta legislación avance hasta la meta para realmente priorizar la seguridad pública en nuestras comunidades.”
El Proyecto de Ley del Senado 8, conocido como la Ley de Almacenamiento Seguro de Armas, busca mejorar la seguridad en el almacenamiento de armas y abordar los requisitos sobre armas robadas, con el objetivo de prevenir el acceso a armas por parte de menores, personas en situación de riesgo y aquellas a quienes la ley les prohíbe poseerlas. El proyecto requeriría que los propietarios de armas aseguren sus armas en un contenedor cerrado con llave, de modo que sean inaccesibles e inutilizables por cualquier persona que no sea el propietario o un usuario autorizado.
“Hemos escuchado demasiadas tragedias sobre armas que terminan en las manos equivocadas. Esta es una forma sensata de avanzar hacia una solución para mantener las armas lejos de los niños y de quienes absolutamente no deberían tener acceso a ellas,” señaló Hirschauer. “Esta legislación es un pequeño paso dentro del esfuerzo por mantener a nuestros niños seguros y alejados de la violencia armada sin sentido.”
El Proyecto de Ley del Senado 8 fue aprobado favorablemente en la Cámara del Senado y ahora espera consideración en la Cámara de Representantes.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Following the announcement last week in the press release, Hirschauer Advances Bill regarding its committee passing, State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, announced today that House Bill 1312 has successfully passed both its committee and the full House with unanimous support. The legislation, which amends the state Commemorative Dates Act, now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
Key Legislative Changes
House Bill 1312 permanently redesignates POW/MIA Recognition Day by requiring the governor to annually proclaim the third Friday of September as a day of official remembrance. This change marks a departure from the current practice of issuing a resolution every year to designate the day. The shift to a permanent designation reflects the call from service members and their families for a consistent, lasting tribute to the sacrifices of U.S. armed forces personnel who are prisoners of war (POW) or missing in action (MIA).
Honoring Personal Legacies
A special acknowledgment was made for Bill and Traci Wood, who led in the legislative effort by bringing their advocacy to Hirschauer’s Veterans Advisory Committee. Their personal connections to the issue are profound—both have uncles still missing in action from the Vietnam War. The legislation pays tribute to Bill’s uncle, Air Force Maj. Ronald Mayercik, and Traci’s uncle, Thomas Pilkington of the United States Navy. Their advocacy underscores the seriousness of honoring the legacy of those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.
“I would especially like to recognize Bill and Tracy Wood,” Rep. Hirschauer said. “Their dedication and personal connection to this cause remind us of the real impact these legislative changes have on families across Illinois. In honor of their uncles and all those families, I ask for your vote.” – Transcript clip from floor speech, April 7, 2025
Next Steps
With its unanimous, bipartisan approval in the House, this legislation now advances to the Senate. Rep. Hirschauer and her supporters remain confident that the Senate will share their commitment to honoring our service members and supporting veteran families.
El proyecto de ley de reconocimiento POW/MIA de la Representante Estatal Maura Hirschauer aprueba la Cámara de manera unánime y ahora avanza al Senado
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Tras el anuncio la semana pasada Hirschauer Avanza Proyecto, de su aprobación en el comité, la Representante Estatal Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, anunció hoy que el Proyecto de Ley de la Cámara 1312 ha pasado exitosamente tanto su comité como la Cámara completa con apoyo unánime. La legislación, que modifica la Ley de Fechas Conmemorativas del estado, ahora avanza al Senado para su consideración adicional.
Principales cambios legislativos El Proyecto de Ley de la Cámara 1312 redesigna permanentemente el Día de Reconocimiento POW/MIA al requerir que el gobernador proclame anualmente el tercer viernes de septiembre como un día de recuerdo oficial. Este cambio marca una desviación de la práctica actual de emitir una resolución cada año para designar este día. El cambio a una designación permanente refleja el llamado de los miembros del servicio y sus familias a un homenaje consistente y duradero a los sacrificios del personal de las fuerzas armadas de EE. UU. que son prisioneros de guerra (POW) o desaparecidos en acción (MIA).
Rindiendo homenaje a los legados personales Se hizo un reconocimiento especial a Bill y Traci Wood, quienes lideraron el esfuerzo legislativo al llevar su defensa al Comité Asesor de Veteranos de Hirschauer. Sus conexiones personales con el tema son profundas: ambos tienen tíos aún desaparecidos en acción de la Guerra de Vietnam. La legislación rinde homenaje al tío de Bill, el Mayor de la Fuerza Aérea Ronald Mayercik, y al tío de Traci, Thomas Pilkington de la Armada de los Estados Unidos. Su defensa resalta la seriedad de honrar el legado de aquellos que han sacrificado tanto por nuestra nación.
“Me gustaría reconocer especialmente a Bill y Traci Wood”, dijo la Representante Hirschauer. “Su dedicación y conexión personal con esta causa nos recuerdan el verdadero impacto que estos cambios legislativos tienen en las familias de todo Illinois. En honor a sus tíos y a todas esas familias, les pido su voto.” – Fragmento de discurso en el pleno, 7 de abril de 2025
Próximos pasos
Con su aprobación unánime y bipartidista en la Cámara, esta legislación ahora avanza al Senado. La Representante Hirschauer y sus seguidores siguen confiados en que el Senado compartirá su compromiso de honrar a nuestros miembros del servicio y apoyar a las familias de los veteranos.
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
