Hirschauer Streamlines Government Costs to Protect Critical Services in New Budget

Español

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is supporting a new fiscally and
socially responsible state budget plan that passed Saturday, which makes smart cuts to the cost of
government and helps Illinois navigate a chaotic situation stemming from Trump’s Washington.

“My top priority as a lawmaker is to ensure the health and safety of the people in my community.
While the federal level threatens to cut critical services, we’re streamlining our state government
to reinvest in the services our families, seniors, and children need to thrive,” said Hirschauer.

Threats from the Trump Administration jeopardize our healthcare system, putting working
families at risk. Rising premiums and potential cuts to Medicaid could make it even harder for
low- and middle-income Illinoisans to access the care they depend on.

Hirschauer voted to pass the new state budget which trimmed government administration costs
and reinvested the savings into services for Illinoisans that face federal cuts, including new
funding for clinics, safety net hospitals and community health centers for low- and modest-
income families. Additionally, Hirschauer voted to create the Budget Reserve for Immediate
Disbursements & Government Emergency Bridge Fund, positioning the state to patch potential
cuts from Washington.

“Our families work hard to build bright futures and they deserve a system that has their backs,”
said Hirschauer. “By maintaining investments, this budget gives communities the safety nets to
move forward and keeps an eye on the security of Illinois families.”

Hirschauer also voted for a raise in wages for live-in caregivers and direct-support professionals
that will protect seniors and those with disabilities and allow them to access treatment plans
without disturbance of federal impact. In addition to protecting affordable and accessible
healthcare, Hirschauer voted for $300 million in funds to support public schools and after school
programs statewide.

Hirschauer optimiza los costos gubernamentales para proteger servicios críticos en el nuevo presupuesto

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – La representante estatal Maura Hirschauer, demócrata por Batavia, apoya un nuevo plan presupuestario estatal fiscal y socialmente responsable, aprobado el sábado. Este plan implementa recortes inteligentes al gasto público y ayuda a Illinois a sortear la situación caótica derivada del gobierno de Trump.

“Mi principal prioridad como legisladora es garantizar la salud y la seguridad de los habitantes de mi comunidad.
Mientras que el gobierno federal amenaza con recortar servicios críticos, estamos optimizando nuestro gobierno estatal para reinvertir en los servicios que nuestras familias, adultos mayores y niños necesitan para prosperar”, declaró Hirschauer.

Las amenazas de la administración Trump ponen en peligro nuestro sistema de salud, poniendo en riesgo a las familias trabajadoras. El aumento de las primas y los posibles recortes a Medicaid podrían dificultar aún más el acceso de los residentes de Illinois de bajos y medianos ingresos a la atención médica de la que dependen.

Hirschauer votó a favor de aprobar el nuevo presupuesto estatal, que recortó los costos de administración gubernamental y reinvirtió los ahorros en servicios para los habitantes de Illinois que enfrentan recortes federales, incluyendo nuevos fondos para clínicas, hospitales de red de seguridad y centros de salud comunitarios para familias de bajos y moderados ingresos. Además, Hirschauer votó a favor de crear la Reserva Presupuestaria para Desembolsos Inmediatos y el Fondo Puente de Emergencia Gubernamental, lo que posiciona al estado para compensar los posibles recortes de Washington.

“Nuestras familias trabajan arduamente para construir un futuro brillante y merecen un sistema que las respalde”, dijo Hirschauer. “Al mantener las inversiones, este presupuesto brinda a las comunidades las redes de seguridad para avanzar y vela por la seguridad de las familias de Illinois”.

Hirschauer también votó a favor de un aumento salarial para los cuidadores residentes y los profesionales de apoyo directo, que protegerá a las personas mayores y a las personas con discapacidad y les permitirá acceder a planes de tratamiento sin afectar el impacto federal. Además de proteger una atención médica asequible y accesible, Hirschauer votó a favor de $300 millones en fondos para apoyar a las escuelas públicas y los programas extraescolares en todo el estado.

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

Hirschauer Passes First-of-its-Kind Safe Gun Storage Bill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is fighting to keep guns out of the wrong hands, protect children from accidental shootings, and track lost and stolen firearms by passing a new ‘safe storage’ bill through the House and Senate.

“We’ve heard too many tragedies involving firearms that could have easily been prevented,” said Hirschauer. “I’m pleased that we’re moving forward with this legislation where I anticipate the governor will agree with its importance. Putting a law like this in our books means we’re taking the necessary steps to address the deadly implications of firearms not being properly stored and falling into the wrong hands.”

Hirschauer passed Senate Bill 8, known as the Safe Gun Storage Act, which will 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.

Additional provisions in House Bill 850 will tighten lost and stolen gun reporting requirements.

“Commonsense gun safety and the rights of law-abiding gun owners are not mutually exclusive —in fact they are one and the same,” said Hirschauer. “This bill codifies the storage practices that most safe gun owners do instinctively. Making these best practices universal will help save lives.”

Senate Bill 8 passed out of the Senate chamber last month. Hirschauer successfully led the measure through the House Wednesday, where it now awaits the governor’s signature for final consideration.

“Commonsense gun safety and the rights of law-abiding gun owners are not mutually exclusive —in fact they are one and the same,” said Hirschauer. “This bill codifies the storage practices that most safe gun owners do instinctively. Making these best practices universal will help save lives.”

Maura Hirschauer headshot 2022

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

Hirschauer Leads Early Childhood Bill, Secures Bicameral Support

Español

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –  Former early childhood educator state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, has successfully passed a bicameral measure that aims to ease communication between the newly formed Department of Early Childhood and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), specifically for special education students aged 3 to 5 years old. 

“As we move forward with the creation of our Department of Early Childhood and move services from their silos, we recognize that there are some early childhood services which cannot migrate over to the new department,” said Hirschauer. “Requiring the Secretary or their designee’s participation on this ISBE council ensures there is open communication between the new agency and ISBE to continue serving the needs of special education students.”

Senate Bill 1555 adds the Secretary of Early Childhood, or their designee, as a member of ISBE’s Advisory Council of Children with Disabilities to maintain critical services for younger special education students. 

“This is a small, but effective way to recognize the needs of our early childhood special education students and families, and ultimately provide better services for those children,” said Hirschauer. “The first few years of schooling are highly impressionable for students’ success and this measure is integral to our promise that no child is left behind.”

Senate Bill 1555 was favorably passed out of the House chamber Friday after receiving unanimous Senate support last month. The bill awaits the governor’s signature for final consideration.

Hirschauer Presenta un Proyecto de Infancia Tempera en la Cámara de Representantes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –   La ex educadora de infancia temprana, la rep. Estatal Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, ha aprobado con éxito una medida bicameral para facilitar la comunicación entre el recién formado Departamento de Infancia Temprana y la Junta Estatal de Educación de Illinois (ISBE) específicamente con respecto a los estudiantes con educación especial de 3 y 5 años de edad. 

“Al tiempo que avanzamos con la creación del Departamento de Infancia Temprana y movemos los servicios de sus silos, admitimos que hagan algunos servicios de infancia temprana que no pueden migrar al nuevo departamento,” dijo Hirschauer. “Exigiendo la participación de la Secretaría o de su designado en este consejo de ISBE garantiza comunicación abierta entre la agencia nueva e ISBE para que sigan atendiendo a las necesidades de estudiantes con educación especial.” 

El Proyecto del Senado 1555 incorpora a la Secretaría de Infancia Temprana, o a su persona designada, como un miembro de la Junta Asesor de Niños con Discapacidades de ISBE para mantener los servicios críticos para los estudiantes jóvenes con necesidades especiales. 

“Esta es una forma incremental, pero eficaz, de reconocer las necesidades de nuestras familias y estudiantes de infancia temprana con necesidades especiales, y al final lograrles mejores servicios,” dijo Hirschauer. “Los primeros años de escuela son muy impresionantes para el éxito de los estudiantes, y esta medida es fundamental para hacer que ningún niño sea abandonado.”

El Proyecto del Senado 1555 fue aprobado favorablemente por la Cámara de Representantes el viernes después de un voto unánime por el Senado el mes pasado. El proyecto ahora espera la firma del gobierno para su consideración final. 

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

Hirschauer Reacts To Governor’s Budget Address

Spanish

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement
Wednesday in response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s annual budget address:

“I have always believed that our state finances should be run the way smart, hard-working Illinoisans run their household budgets: spend wisely, pay our bills on time, and save for a rainy day. Using the resources we have available, we must take care of children, combat rising costs for families and seniors, and plan for the future.

“We begin this process with a strong foundation set by the smart, balanced budgets that restored our credit to an A-rating while making investments in our schools, healthcare, and community safety. Illinoisans shouldn’t have to choose between a compassionate state and a responsible state; we can, and we will be both.“I’m glad to see the governor shares my vision for a balanced budget that holds the line on taxes and continues our work to bring down costs. Now, the real work begins. I’ll be going line-by-line through the budget to make it even better, more efficient, and more responsive. I am a working mom; I know how difficult these rising costs are on a family budget. You can trust that Illinois families will be at the forefront of my mind as we work towards a state budget that works for you.”

Declaración De la Representante Estatal Maura Hirschauer

Hirschauer Reacciona al Discurso de Presupuesto del Gobierno

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – La rep. estatal Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, publicó la siguiente
declaración el miércoles respondiendo al discurso del presupuesto anual del Gob. JB Pritzker:

“Siempre he creído que la economía estatal debe administrarse de la misma manera de un
presupuesto del hogar de los ciudadanos inteligentes y trabajadores de Illinois: gastar
sabiamente, pagar las cuentas a tiempo, y ahorrar para los tiempos difíciles. Con los recursos
disponibles, tenemos que cuidar a los hijos, combatir los costos en aumento para familias y
personas mayores y planear el futuro.

“Comenzamos este proceso con una base sólida establecida por los presupuestos inteligentes y
equilibrados que restablecieron nuestra calificación crediticia estatal a un nivel A mientras
invertimos en nuestras escuelas, salud médica, y en la seguridad comunitaria. Los ciudadanos de
Illinois no deberían tener que elegir entre un estado compasivo y un estado responsable;
podemos y seremos ambos.

“Me alegra ver que el gobierno comparte mi visión de un presupuesto equilibrado que mantenga
fija la línea de impuestos y siga nuestro trabajo para reducir costos. Ahora, empieza el trabajo
verdadero. Voy a revisar cada línea del presupuesto para hacerlo mejor, más eficiente, y más
receptivo. Soy una mamá trabajadora; yo se que es difícil enfrentar los costos en aumento para el
presupuesto de una familia. Puede confiar en que las familias de Illinois van a estar en el frente
de mi mente mientras trabajamos para lograr un presupuesto estatal que funciona para usted.”

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

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Hirschauer Passes “Karina’s Bill” to Protect Domestic Violence Survivors From Firearms

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, delivered Karina’s Bill (HB4144), legislation that will protect domestic violence survivors from firearms. The product of years of negotiation and advocacy by Hirschauer along with domestic violence and gun violence prevention advocates, Karina’s Bill will clarify and strengthen the law regarding the firearm remedy in criminal and civil orders of protection. 

“After years of fighting in Springfield and in the courts, and after extensive negotiation and advocacy, the passage of Karina’s Bill marks a significant step forward in protecting domestic violence survivors from firearms,” Hirschauer said. “This survivor-centered bill 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.

Everyone who dreams of a future without gender-based violence knows that we cannot erase tragedies in the past, but we can and we must work to build a better future in memory of victims, survivors, and all who love them. The passage of Karina’s Bill is a long overdue step in that direction.” 

Karina’s Bill combats the deadly combination of guns and domestic violence by strengthening the firearm remedy within the order of protection process and empowering judges with the ability 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. Research has shown that the presence of a gun in a home where domestic abuse occurs increases the risk of homicide by 500%. 

“In a domestic abuse situation, a gun becomes a means of control. It is used to stop survivors from leaving threatening situations, it can perpetuate the cycle of abuse, and ultimately it can turn a dangerous situation into a deadly situation,” Hirschauer said. “This bill is about protecting survivors. And most importantly, it is about valuing women’s lives more than we value guns.”

Temporary Visitor Drivers Now Eligible to Apply for Standard Driver’s License (Haga Click Aqui para Espanol)

Starting July 1st, 2024, the Temporary Visitor Driver’s License was discontinued, and all previous holders are eligible to apply for a Standard Driver’s License/State ID in its place. Immigrants with a TVDL, whether documented (without an SSN) or undocumented, can visit ILSOS.gov/TVDL or their nearest Secretary of State building in-person to apply. There is no test required, but applicants must have their TVDL card and number on-hand and pay a $5 service fee.

If you’ve never had a TVDL card, you are still eligible for a First Time Driver’s License by setting up an appointment with your nearest DMV. You will be required to take a vision, written, behind-the-wheel driving tests, and additionally must bring:

  • A current or expired (up to two years)
    passport or consular card
  • Proof you have auto insurance
  • Proof you are a current Illinois resident
  • Proof you have lived in Illinois for at least a year

If you have any further questions, please reach out to us at (331) 465-9661, or email us at office@repmaura49.com.



Los conductores visitantes temporales ahora son elegibles para solicitar una licencia de conducir estándar.

A partir del 1 de julio de 2024, se suspendió la licencia de conducir temporal para visitantes y todos los titulares anteriores son elegibles para solicitar una licencia de conducir estándar/identificación estatal en su lugar. Los inmigrantes con una TVDL, ya sean documentados (sin SSN) o indocumentados, pueden visitar ILSOS.gov/TVDL o el edificio de la Secretaría de Estado más cercano en persona para presentar la solicitud. No se requiere prueba, pero los solicitantes deben tener su tarjeta TVDL y su número a mano y pagar una tarifa de servicio de $5.

Si nunca ha tenido una tarjeta TVDL, aún es elegible para obtener una licencia de conducir por primera vez al programar una cita con el DMV más cercano. Se le pedirá que realice exámenes de la vista, escritos y de conducción al volante y, además, deberá traer:

  • Pasaporte o tarjeta consular, vigente o vencido (hasta dos años)
  • Prueba de que tienes seguro de auto
  • Prueba de que es residente actual de Illinois
  • Prueba de que ha vivido en Illinois durante al menos un año

Si tiene más preguntas, comuníquese con nosotros al (331) 465-9661 o envíenos un correo electrónico a office@repmaura49.com.

Members of the Illinois House of Representatives Democratic Women’s Caucus and allies statement on recent gun violence:

Members of the Illinois House of Representatives Democratic Women’s Caucus and allies release the following statement:

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the recent gun violence that has again struck our state and our nation. How many people must die before addressing the deadly intersection between domestic violence and firearms? This fatal combination was again painfully evident in the recent murder of Adrianna Lopez, who was shot and killed allegedly by an abusive ex-boyfriend who also shot an Illinois State Trooper. These incidents are grim reminders that the ripple effects of trauma echo far beyond the intimate relationship – affecting children who live with and witness it, and the family members, and law enforcement who respond to it.

The tragic events that unfolded in Maine are all too common, and we cannot relent in our mission to get weapons of war off our streets and out of our communities. Though details are still emerging, early news reports have suggested the suspect, Robert Card may have a history of domestic violence. A recent study showed that in more than two-thirds of mass shootings, the perpetrator either killed family or intimate partners or the shooter had a history of domestic violence.

“While we have made progress in recent years to combat the gun violence epidemic, our work is far from over. We have one more week of the veto session upcoming, and collectively, we urge the General Assembly to pass additional legislation like Karina’s Bill to combat gun violence and get guns out of the hands of domestic abusers.”

Rep. Dagmara Avelar-85th

Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock-46th

Rep. Mary Beth Canty-54th

Rep. Kelly Cassidy-14th

Rep. Sharon Chung-91st

Rep. Terra Costa Howard-42nd

Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado-3rd

Rep. Laura Faver Dias-62nd

Leader Robyn Gabel-18th

Rep. Mary Gill-35th

Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz-17th

Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar-22nd

Rep. Will Guzzardi-39th

Leader Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez-2nd

Leader Barbara Hernandez-50th

Rep. Norma Hernandez-77th

Rep. Maura Hirschauer-49th

Rep. Hoan Huynh-13th

Rep. Jenn Ladisch Douglass-45th

Rep. Lindsey Lapointe-19th

Leader Natalie Manley-98th 

Leader Theresa Mah-24th

Rep. Joyce Mason-61st

Rep. Anna Moeller-43rd

Rep. Michelle Mussman-56th

Rep. Suzanne Ness-66th

Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid-21st

Rep. Anne Stava-Murray-81st, Women’s Caucus Chair

Rep. Nabeela Syed-51st

Rep. Ann M Williams-11th

Rep. Janet Yang Rohr-41st

Learn more about Karina’s Bill.

Karina’s Bill will close loopholes and strengthen state law to keep more survivors safe and ultimately save lives.

The intersection of intimate partner violence and gun violence is deadly and the ripple effects of the trauma echo far beyond the intimate relationship – affecting children who live with and witness it, and the family members, coworkers, and law enforcement who respond to it. Our top priority in the legislature is keeping people safe, especially survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. An order of protection is a key tool to help protect survivors, especially as they try and leave a violent relationship.

Right now, the order of protection process is failing too many domestic violence survivors, especially when firearms are involved. When an order of protection is granted with the firearm remedy, that gun needs to be removed from the home immediately. We cannot have any ambiguity about this process, the stakes are too high.

Karina’s Bill will clarify the law and give law enforcement clear directives on removing firearms from the home. This legislation is critically important as domestic violence is on the rise both in Chicago and across our state. Last year, there were 56 domestic violence homicides across Illinois, up from 40 in 2021 and 37 in 2020. Added to the rise in domestic violence is the proliferation of firearms across our state. In the US, intimate partner homicide represents 40-50% of the murders of all women.

We have taken a number of important steps forward in gun violence prevention in Illinois in recent years, but we cannot stop doing this important work. Karina’s Bill will close loopholes and strengthen state law to keep more survivors safe and ultimately save lives.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the legislature is scheduled to be in session in a few weeks. I am going to do everything in my power to ensure this bill is passed during the Veto Session. We cannot sit by while tragedies like the one that struck Karina, Daniela, and their family continue to occur.

Get the latest bill one-pager

Karina’s bill:

  • Requires firearm removal to occur during service of an emergency order of protection (OP) when granted by a judge.
  • Clarifies existing language in statute for a judge to issue a warrant when granting the firearm remedy to allow for consistent firearm removal enforcement across the state.
  • Closes a loophole in current statute by barring transfer of ownership of firearms when the firearm remedy is granted.
  • Adds dating partners and ex-dating partners to the list of petitioners in the firearm restraining orders act to create additional avenues of firearm relief when an OP is not needed.
text reads "Guns make domestic violence deadly. Access to a gun makes a survivor of domestic violence 5 times more likely to be fatally shot by an intimate partner."
Hirschauer: Lifesaving Medication Needs to be Accessible

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is continuing her commitment to cutting healthcare costs by lowering the price of costly, life saving medications through two new reforms that are now law. 

“Too many people depend on insulin in their day-to-day lives for us to do nothing about outrageous price gouging by major pharmaceutical companies,” Hirschauer said. “By lowering the cost of insulin, we will help countless people manage their diabetes, and afford to do so.” 

Hirschauer championed House Bill 2189 which lowered the cap on the price of insulin to $35, making it more attainable to low-income people with diabetes. Insulin helps diabetic people manage their blood sugar levels and helps turn food into energy. 

Allergic reactions can turn deadly at a moment’s notice. That’s why Hirschauer fought for House Bill 3639, requiring insurance companies to cap the costs of a twin-pack of medically necessary epinephrine injectors. Due to large-scale price gouging, the cost of this life saving medication has risen dramatically, often causing those with severe allergies to navigate precariously around potentially deadly interactions. 

“It is unacceptable that those with severe allergic reactions to things like nuts, household products and environmental triggers have to take their life into their hands every time they walk outside, because they can’t afford an Epi-pen,” Hirschauer said. “Epinephrine can mean the difference between life and death for many, so I am thankful to Governor Pritzker, my colleagues and all those who helped make this possible.” 

For more information on this and other Hirschauer-backed legislation, visit ilga.gov. 

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. 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

Assault Weapons Ruling Upholds the Work Neighbors Sent Me to Do

I applaud today’s ruling for commonsense gun safety as a lawmaker, as a Moms Demand Action volunteer, and as a mother myself.

First and foremost, I’m glad to see our Supreme Court upholding the work so many of my neighbors sent me to Springfield to do. I know there is more work to be done, so I am heartened to see that the voices of so many students, moms, and other advocates means more than the money and clout of the gun lobby. And I’m grateful to know, at least in Illinois, we will value our children more than we value guns.

We will not accept the national mania that would have us believe that seeing people massacred in our classrooms, in movie theaters, and on our streets is a price we must pay again and again.

We will act on behalf of the students who have spoken clearly about the need for change; we will comfort the parents who drop their kids off at school and say a silent prayer that they make it home safe; and we will continue the work of ending gun violence in every community in this state.

Yours sincerely,

Maura Hirschauer