WASHINGTON D.C. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D- Batavia, joined state legislative leaders at the White House on Wednesday to launch a nationwide gun safety initiative. 

“I am honored to meet with other state legislators at the White House to discuss the gun violence epidemic that has affected families in every corner of the country,” Hirschauer said. “The deadly status quo is unacceptable. It is important that we come together to share the common sense gun policy ideas that are taking shape in states across the country. Together, we can craft comprehensive legislation to address everything from firearm industry accountability to innovative community-based violence prevention programs.” 

The Safer States Initiative, put forth by the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, will provide key actions states should take in order to reduce gun violence, including responsible gun ownership and safe storage, enhanced background checks, and wrap-around support for survivors and their families. Model pieces of legislation created by the U.S. Department of Justice will be available to attending legislators that curb reckless gun storage and lost or stolen firearms reporting. 

In her first three years as a State Representative, Hirschauer has pushed for several measures in Springfield to curb gun violence, including the Protect Illinois Communities Act, which banned assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines, and Karina’s Law, which addresses the deadly intersection of domestic violence and firearms. This session, Hirschauer has introduced three House bills that prioritize safe gun storage and increased education around guns. 

Hirschauer’s House Bill 2723 will prevent young children from accessing firearms in the home. She is partnering with the Secretary of State’s office to provide accessible information on safe gun storage in the home (House Bill 2545), and she is also working with the Department of Public Health to distribute information to families on the dangers to children with unsecured firearms (House Bill 3371). 

“Reducing gun violence has been my top priority since day one, and knowing the White House is a partner, not a hindrance, in this effort is reassuring as we work with other states to put an end to gun violence once and for all,” said Hirschauer. “By prioritizing gun safety from purchase to storage, we can stop gun violence in the home and in the community. I’m honored to be a part of this progressive movement emphasizing safety and education over pandering to a right-wing extremist wishlist. Together as a country, we are enacting common sense policy that will keep us all safe.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

(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

overhead view of the apartment buildings that burned in the fire on 11-30-23.

Yesterday, nearly 100 of our neighbors in West Chicago became homeless due to a large fire consuming their homes. The support in the community is immense, with over 40 representatives of organizations present on calls to organize the followup to the first responses from West Chicago Fire Protection District,   West Chicago Police Department, and the Red Cross of Illinois.

Thank you to WeGo Together for Kids for coordinating donations and to New Hope Methodist Church for jumping in immediately and receiving donations for these displaced families and to all the community organizations that are supporting and will continue to support these neighbors in the coming weeks.

Donations Needed:

Monetary donations are needed and welcomed. Anything donated at this link between now and Dec 31 will go toward the fire victims (no need to choose a fund).

Clothing donations CLOSED at this time- please consider a monetary donation or check back if additional items are needed.

The following items are needed for victims of the Main Park Apartments fire. ONLY these items. Please do NOT donate summer clothing, shoes, etc. Families are homeless and have very limited space to store items.
Donations can be dropped off at New Hope Methodist Church, 643 E Washington, West Chicago, 9am-4pm.

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Women’s shoes: Sizes 6-9 fulfilled
Kids’ shoes: all sizes
Bras: preferably sports bra type in all sizes

Follow WeGo Together for Kids for the most up-to-date info on donations needed.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Building on years of advocacy, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D- Batavia, passed a balanced budget and legislation that prevents gun violence and invests in youth and community development.

“When the Governor introduced his budget proposal months ago, I made it a priority for the final product to help bolster community safety by tackling the root causes of violence. I am proud to have supported a budget that invests in violence interruption and prevention services to keep our communities safe,” Hirschauer said. “Our budget is a representation of what we value, and this year’s budget sends an unequivocal message that the safety and wellbeing of our children and communities is essential.”

The Hirschauer-backed fiscal year 2024 budget provides millions of dollars in funding for non- profit organizations and local governments for violence interruption and prevention, community development, and youth employment. It also fully funds a multi-million dollar safe gun storage public awareness campaign to help prevent unintentional shootings, saving many, especially children, from accidental death and gun-related injuries.

In concert with the violence prevention measures in the budget, Hirschauer recently passed a House Bill 676 which would, among other measures, keeps guns out of the hands of domestic abusers by clarifying that the respondent of the firearms restraining order is prohibited from acquiring or possessing any firearms for the duration of the order of protection and outlining the process and timeframe for firearms to be seized after the entry of the order of protection. The bill also permits intimate partners to petition for a firearms order of protection, closing what is commonly known as the “boyfriend loophole.”

“In Illinois, we can compassionately govern while still maintaining strong fiscal responsibility to create a safer, brighter future,” Hirschauer said. “Though we’ve made tremendous progress this session, our work is still ongoing, and I will always stand up for the safety and wellbeing of Illinois families.”

Hirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

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

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, passed a bill out of the Illinois House of Representatives Friday to further prevent gun violence and protect Illinois communities, particularly survivors of domestic abuse.

“The presence of guns can mean the difference between life and death for survivors of domestic violence and people in abusive relationships,” Hirschauer said. “When abusers have access to a gun, the risk of intimate-partner homicide increases by 500 percent, according to research from the American Journal of Public Health. Removing guns from these volatile situations is a commonsense solution that will undoubtedly save the lives of vulnerable people.”

House Bill 676 clarifies that the respondent of the firearms restraining order is prohibited from acquiring or possessing any firearms for the duration of the order of protection, and outlines the process and timeframe for firearms to be seized after the entry of the order of protection. The bill also permits intimate partners to petition for a firearms order of protection, closing what is commonly known as the “boyfriend loophole.”

The bill also includes several other provisions, including the creation of a task force to review public policy options relating to the insurance of firearms in Illinois. It also expands the First Time Weapons Offense Program for first-time, non-violent offenders charged with certain weapons offenses. This successful diversion program provides alternatives to the criminal justice system likely to reduce further crime and promote public safety.

“Gun violence is a complex public health and safety problem that necessitates comprehensive, multifaceted solutions. This bill is another step in our journey to end gun violence and make Illinois a safer place to live, work, and raise a family,” Hirschauer said. “I am grateful to my colleagues, especially the members of the Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group, for passing this bill, and I implore my colleagues in the Senate to do the same and stand up for the safety of Illinois communities once again.”

House Bill 676 awaits consideration by the Illinois Senate. For more information on Hirschauer’s legislative agenda, please visit www.ilga.gov.

Hirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

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

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Nursing home residents would enjoy greater protection from restraining practices and unnecessary overmedication under new legislation led by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia.

“Nursing home residents are some of our most vulnerable community members, and they deserve safe, dignified treatment in all circumstances,” Hirschauer said. “This legislation seeks to prevent harmful restraining practices and the misuse of psychotropic drugs so that nursing home residents receive helpful services free of harm or misconduct.”

Senate Bill 1497 specifies when and how positioning devices can be used to restrain someone in order to maintain the health and safety of a resident. The bill distinguishes between positioning devices and physical restraints, and allows residents to request positioning devices to assist with stability and movement. To prevent the misuse of psychotropic drugs, the bill also clarifies that psychotropic drugs are only to be used to treat a specific diagnosed and documented condition, or if clinical documentation in the resident’s medical record supports the use of the medication over the other alternatively prescribed medications. Senate Bill 1497 is an initiative of Hirschauer and state Sen. Karina Villa’s Joint Senior Advisory Committee, a group of civically-minded community members who discuss and propose legislation.

“According to the American Association of Retired Persons, Illinois is the second worst state in the misuse of psychotropic drugs in nursing homes in America. This is unacceptable,” Hirschauer said. “When we trust nursing homes with the care of our loved ones, we expect them to treat them with the safest and highest quality of care. This bill helps make that so. I encourage my colleagues in the House to pass this bill and protect nursing home residents across Illinois.”

Senate Bill 1497 now heads to the House floor for consideration. For more information on Hirschauer’s legislative agenda, please visit www.ilga.gov.

Hirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

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 #108
West Chicago IL 60185

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is hosting a Mobile Secretary of State event on Friday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hanover Township Senior Center located at 240 Illinois Route 59 in Bartlett.

“Due to a variety of circumstances, many people might not be able to go to the DMV to renew their licenses or access other services,” Hirschauer said. “This event is the perfect opportunity to skip the long lines at the DMV and conveniently receive the services the Secretary of State’s office provides.”

Event attendees will be able to take advantage of basic DMV services, such as vision testing, driver’s license/state ID renewal, license plate stickers, and more. Proper identification is required for these services. No cash will be accepted. All payments must be made by check, credit card, debit card, or money order.

“Bringing useful services to our community through events like this one is one of my top priorities as your state representative,” Hirschauer said. “I will always work to make the lives of my constituents easier. I encourage anyone who needs DMV services to join us for this event.”

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Hirschauer’s district office at 331-465-9661 or office@repmaura49.com.

Hirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

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 #108
West Chicago IL 60185

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is excited to announce that the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Village of South Elgin, and Batavia Park District will be included in the $60 million state grant for parks districts and recreational departments in Illinois.

“I am excited to share that the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Village of South Elgin, and Batavia Park District will be the benefactors of this grant,” Hirschauer said. “This is an investment into the health and well-being of families in our community. Parks and recreational centers have always been a special place in our neighborhoods because they are a place where everyone can gather together to be active and present with their children and friends.”

Gov. Pritzker and the Department of Natural Resources are distributing nearly $60 million in grants for 118 local park projects throughout Illinois. These grants serve to help communities acquire land, and develop recreational opportunities for parks districts and recreational centers. Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Village of South Elgin, and Batavia Park District will all be receiving $600,000 in funding.

“This is an opportunity for our district to invest in renovations and services for members of our community,” Hirschauer said. “We must continue to fund projects that improve and expand services like pools and parks for families in our community to enjoy.”

For more information, please contact office@repmaura49.com.

Hirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

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 #108
West Chicago IL 60185

Group photo of all speakers from press conference and representatives of local municipalities.

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, and other state and local officials joined the Coalition to Stop CPKC Monday to formally oppose the proposed merger of Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern Railroad. The Coalition, made up of the Villages of Bartlett, Bensenville, Hanover Park, Itasca, Roselle, and Schaumburg, the Cities of Elgin and Wood Dale, and DuPage County, condemns the merger due to the health and safety risks it poses to local communities.

“Though rail travel is important to state commerce, we cannot put profit over the health and safety of our communities. The proposed merger between Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern Railroad will greatly increase the amount of freight trains running through our communities, undoubtedly increasing the risk of derailment and other dangers,” Hirschauer said. “As we watch and pray for the victims of the disastrous chemical spill in Ohio, caused by a derailed train, we must take action to ensure a similar tragedy does not befall our communities because of this reckless proposal.”

The $31 billion merger would increase the risk of derailments by quadrupling the number of trains traveling through the listed communities, as well as increase traffic gridlock and noise pollution. The Coalition is advocating for the U.S. Surface Transportation Board to deny the merger.

“Aside from the serious health and safety concerns we have over the merger, there is also potential for severe environmental impact to the Fox River, similar to the mass wildlife deaths in Ohio,” Hirschauer said. “We’ve seen the devastating effects of train derailment and we want better for our communities.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

(D-Batavia)
49th District

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

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

Hirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, and other state lawmakers from Colorado, Florida, Michigan, and Minnesota, met with senior White House officials on Wednesday to discuss extreme risk protection order legislation.

“When we remove guns from the hands of reckless individuals who may be a danger to themselves or others, we can prevent mass shootings, firearm suicides, and other gun-related deaths and injuries. Though Illinois has made tremendous progress on this front through the Firearms Restraining Order Act, there’s still work to be done to keep guns away from dangerous people and keep our communities safe,” Hirschauer said. “I am pleased that Illinois continues to be a model other states can follow when it comes to responsible gun safety legislation, and I am grateful to learn from the other states present.”

Illinois passed the Firearm Restraining Order Act in 2018, which allows members of an individual’s household and law enforcement officers to petition a court for an order to prevent the individual from accessing firearms if the court finds they present a significant danger. Building on that significant legislation, Hirschauer recently introduced House Bill 1404, which aims to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and expands the petitioners for extreme risk laws to intimate dating partners.

“Gun violence knows no borders, so solutions to the gun violence epidemic should not either. It was a privilege to collaborate with other states on this serious issue, and I look forward to seeing how our work creates safer communities nationwide,” Hirschauer said. “We have a long way to go to prevent gun violence, but I am confident that through meaningful legislative actions, we can keep our children and families safe.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

(D-Batavia)
49th District

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

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

Hirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — In response to recent statements by the Kane County Sheriff misrepresenting the Protect Illinois Communities Act, the state lawmakers representing Kane County issued a letter to county residents to clarify the law and ensure its enforcement in the interest of public safety. Signatories include state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, state Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, and state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville.

“The Protect Illinois Communities Act was the culmination of hundreds of hours of negotiations among survivors, law enforcement and other stakeholders. This landmark legislation will vastly improve public safety and reduce gun violence. Illinoisans spoke out against assault weapons and we answered their call. It is time for every elected official to do the same,” said Hirschauer, a chief co-sponsor of the Protect Illinois Communities Act. “As Kane County’s state representatives, we are eager to collaborate with the Illinois State Police, the Governor’s Office, the Attorney General, the Kane County Sheriff, and local law enforcement to ensure that this life-saving law is successfully implemented.”

In the letter, the lawmakers disprove misinformation about the Act and highlight recent state investments in mental health services and law enforcement as important components of gun violence prevention. The letter can be found here.

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

(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