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

    Hirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

    UPDATE: Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Banning Assault Weapons and Sale of High-Capacity Magazines

     

    Original release, Jan 6, 2023
    SPRINGFIELD, Ill.
    — After months of negotiation and advocacy, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, helped pass the Protect Illinois Communities Act Tuesday. The bill now heads to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk for signature.

    “Gun violence touches all corners of our state, from urban centers to rural towns and everywhere in between. For far too long, we’ve let these weapons of war roam our streets and enact unspeakable violence against innocent people,” Hirschauer said. “Today, the Illinois General Assembly said no more. No more senseless violence. No more assault weapons. Though this ban cannot bring back those whose lives were lost to gun violence, the bill we passed today will undoubtedly save many lives and prevent unspeakable tragedy for generations to come,”

    The Protect Illinois Communities Act is the culmination of months of negotiation among advocates, survivor groups, the Senate and the Governor. The proposal will ban the sale of weapons such as assault rifles, high-capacity magazines, and rapid-fire modifications that make semiautomatic weapons function like automatic weapons. The bill also creates a state police anti-trafficking unit to collaborate with federal law enforcement agencies to combat the flow of illegal guns across state lines, and expands and strengthens Illinois’ red flag law.

    “I am immensely proud of my colleagues in both chambers for standing up for the safety and wellbeing of Illinois families and communities,” Hirschauer said. “But today’s action will not and can not be the end of our work to prevent gun violence. We have a long road to go to keep guns off our streets and protect those we hold dear. Today we celebrate. Tomorrow, we get back to work.”

    For more information on Hirschauer’s legislative agenda, please visit www.ilga.gov.

    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

    Hirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

    SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A comprehensive proposal sponsored by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, to prohibit the sale of assault weapons, among other gun safety regulations, was passed by the Illinois House of Representatives Thursday.

    “Losing a loved one to gun violence is an unthinkable reality that far too many Illinoisans must grapple with each day. We grieve for the children and family members lost too soon, for the survivors whose scars are both mental and physical,” Hirschauer said. “By passing the Protect Illinois Communities Act, we will prevent many of these horrific tragedies by removing weapons of war from our streets and keeping guns out of the wrong  hands. Today’s vote will both improve the safety of our communities while also honoring the lives lost to and changed by gun violence.”

    The Protect Illinois Communities Act prohibits the sale of assault weapons, extended ammunition magazines and rapid-fire modifications. The bill also creates a state police anti-trafficking unit to collaborate with federal law enforcement agencies to reduce and prevent the flow of illegal guns over state lines. Finally, the legislation also strengthens Illinois’ red flag law to keep guns out of the hands of those who are a danger to themselves or others.

    “Gun violence is a complex public health and safety crisis that deserves holistic, multifaceted policy solutions. Though today’s action will undoubtedly save lives and lead to safer communities, we must continue to take meaningful action to end gun violence across Illinois,” Hirschauer said. “I wholeheartedly urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass the Protect Illinois Communities Act and help lead us toward a safer Illinois. Our families, our children and our lives depend on it.”

    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

      Hirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

      SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — In the wake of the hundreds of mass shootings suffered by the United States this year alone, including the Highland Park Fourth of July shooting, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is sponsoring a gun safety measure that includes a statewide ban on assault weapons.

      “Far too many communities in our country and in Illinois suffer from the effects of gun violence. They grieve for children lost too soon, teachers who take bullets for their students, and survivors who feel guilty for living through unspeakable tragedy,” Hirschauer said. “No one should have to endure such pain. It is for that reason that I proudly support an assault weapons ban. By strengthening our gun safety laws and limiting access to deadly weapons, we both honor the lives of those lost to gun violence and protect our families and communities.”

      House Bill 5855 bans assault weapons, large capacity magazines, and rapid-fire devices that help weapons function like fully automatic guns. The bill would also prevent individuals under age 21, with the exception of active members of the military and Illinois National Guard, from owning a firearm. Among other functions, the legislation strengthens firearm restraining order laws and holds gun manufacturers accountable for marketing firearms products using deceptive marketing tactics.

      “As a state representative, my top priority is to protect and advocate for the safety of children and families within our community. Every day assault weapons roam our streets is a day we cannot guarantee the wellbeing of those we hold dear,” Hirschauer said. “This assault weapons ban will undoubtedly save many innocent lives and protect communities across the state. I urge my colleagues to stand behind this historic proposal and help protect the people of Illinois.”

      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

        Hirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

        WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — To help families prepare for the new school year, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, and state Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, partnered with WeGo Together for Kids to hand out hundreds of backpacks full of school supplies to local students.

        “Thanks to the generosity of dozens of community organizations, West Chicago students will have what they need to learn and thrive in the classroom,” Hirschauer said. “I am tremendously proud of our community for coming together and helping those in need. When we work together, we can make a real difference in the lives of our young people.”

        Hirschauer and Villa co-hosted WeGo Together for Kids’ seventh annual school supply event in late August, distributing 976 backpacks to School District 33 students from kindergarten to eighth grade. During her time in the Illinois General Assembly, Hirschauer has been a fierce advocate for education. Most recently, she passed a budget that increases evidence-based education funding by $350 million and invests millions of dollars in special and early childhood education.

        “I couldn’t be prouder to represent such a giving community,” said Villa. “I’m incredibly grateful for all the local organizations and community members who came together to help our students start the year off on the right foot.”

        For a full list of donors, please visit https://repmaura.tiny.us/backpacks22.

        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

          WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — To help families prepare for the new school year, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, and state Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, partnered with WeGo Together for Kids to hand out hundreds of backpacks full of school supplies to local students.

          “Thanks to the generosity of dozens of community organizations, West Chicago students will have what they need to learn and thrive in the classroom,” Hirschauer said. “I am tremendously proud of our community for coming together and helping those in need. When we work together, we can make a real difference in the lives of our young people.”

          Hirschauer and Villa co-hosted WeGo Together for Kids’ seventh annual school supply event in late August, distributing 976 backpacks to School District 33 students from kindergarten to eighth grade. During her time in the Illinois General Assembly, Hirschauer has been a fierce advocate for education. Most recently, she passed a budget that increases evidence-based education funding by $350 million and invests millions of dollars in special and early childhood education.

          “I couldn’t be prouder to represent such a giving community,” said Villa. “I’m incredibly
          grateful for all the local organizations and community members who came together to help our
          students start the year off on the right foot.”

          Our office thanks all of the partners who made this backpack event possible:

          • Art of Fadez
          • Atlas Chicken
          • AVIENT
          • ComEd
          • Costco Wholesale
          • DuPage County Regional Office of Education
          • Dynamic Utility Solutions
          • Elgin Sweepers
          • Ethekos Consulting
          • Farmers Insurance
          • Graham Packaging
          • Hearth & Hammer
          • Integrated Pain Management
          • JelSert
          • Lakeshore Recycling Systems
          • LandCare
          • Marian Chicago
          • Mars
          • Meridian
          • Nationwide
          • North Arrow Partners
          • Owens & Minor
          • Realty of Chicago
          • Red Hive Market
          • RJ Lipscomb Engineering
          • Sandi Llano and Associates
          • St. Andrew Lutheran Church
          • Suncast
          • The Kelly Family
          • The Slice Spot
          • Thoro Bred Fitness
          • UPS
          • Wise Plastics
          Hirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

          WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, in partnership with state Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates, and state Rep. Seth Lewis, R-Bartlett, is inviting residents to experience the Mobile Museum of Tolerance. The museum will visit Hawk Hollow Elementary School, Sunnydale Elementary School and Kenyon Woods Middle School from Sept. 6-9.

          “As we experience a rise in hate crimes nationwide, teaching our children to respect and celebrate people of different races, religions and cultures is now more important than ever,” Hirschauer said. “Education plays a key role in promoting tolerance and civility, and I am so excited to bring this outstanding educational opportunity to our community.”

          The Mobile Museum of Tolerance is an initiative of the Simon Wiesenthal Center aimed at empowering people to stand against racism, antisemitism and all forms of hate. The museum uses technology and interactive lessons to spread the message of tolerance and promote human dignity.

          “We are all responsible for creating a community where everyone is welcomed and respected,” Hirschauer said.  “I invite everyone to visit and learn from the Mobile Museum of Tolerance so we can create a more inclusive community where everyone can thrive.”

          Members of the public can visit the museum at Hawk Hollow Elementary on Sept. 6 from 2:30-4 p.m. at 235 Jacaranda Dr. in Bartlett or at Sunnydale Elementary on Sept. 7 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at 716 Sunnydale Blvd. in Streamwood. For more information, please contact Hirschauer’s office at office@repmaura49.com or 331-465-9661.

          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

          Hirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

          WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is hosting a job fair on Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Elgin Community College Building E-1700 Spartan Drive in Elgin. The event, hosted in partnership with state Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, state Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin, state Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, and the Illinois Department of Employment Security will have on-site interviews with local businesses. Job candidates are encouraged to bring their resume.

          “As we continue to deal with the effects of inflation, good-paying jobs are more important than ever,” Hirschauer said. “Our community is fortunate to have manufacturers and small businesses in need of workers, so I encourage anyone seeking employment to join us at this event.”

          Several employers from around the area will be in attendance, including Suncast, Elgin Sweepers, Jel Sert, JP Morgan Chase, Ecker Center for Behavioral Health, Saint Joseph Hospital, SAS Retail Services, Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, KCT Credit Union, International Paper and more. Several state agencies, such as the Illinois Department of Corrections, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Human Services, Department of Juvenile Justice and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency will attend the event as well.

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

          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