SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, helped pass a bill encouraging and expanding access to youth civic engagement. It requires high schools to provide voter registration opportunities and information and is inspired by the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.
“The future of our democracy depends on the voice of our young voters, that’s why it’s important that schools provide the opportunity for them to register to vote,” said Hirschauer. “Empowering young voters to become essential members of their communities by providing them with information on how they can register and why it matters is crucial to send them towards the path of adulthood.”
House Bill 4339, also known as the Jesse Jackson Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Act, ensures that all public high schools offer students of voting age the opportunity to register to vote. This opportunity will take place during the school day in an accessible and nonpartisan environment. Registering to vote can be complicated, especially for first-time voters. This bill will give high schoolers a safe space to learn, ask questions, and take steps towards civic engagement.
Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. famously said, “On that graduation day or night, we must put a diploma in one hand symbolizing knowledge and wisdom, and put a voter registration card in that other hand symbolizing power and responsibility.” This bill honors Rev. Jackson, Sr. and his dedication to equal rights and public service.
“Every U.S. citizen has the fundamental right to vote and participate in our democracy. Voters have the power and responsibility to vote for someone who represents their morals, values, and community needs. That’s why it is important for young voters to be taught, and given, those fundamentals before graduating from high school,” said Hirschauer.
House Bill 4339 passed the House and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
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 new bill led by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, would require online retailers to disclose their use of “surveillance pricing”—a growing phenomena that uses artificial intelligence-powered tools to charge higher prices for certain customers based on prior browsing history and demographic information inferred by a consumer’s digital footprint.
“HB 4248 is about drawing a clear line: no more secret pricing games. If companies are using your personal data to charge you more, you have a right to know—and a right to say no. This bill forces transparency, bans the use of deeply personal characteristics, and cracks down on deceptive tactics designed to trick consumers. It protects real choice, real fairness, and real accountability. HB 4248 makes it clear: in Illinois, consumers come first.”
With the growing consumer preference for mobile shopping, retailers are increasingly collecting data from online shoppers. Hirschauer is sponsoring House Bill 4248 which would create standards for businesses utilizing surveillance pricing. The measure would require online businesses to provide a clear disclosure when they are using the consumer’s personal information or search history to dictate the cost of a good or service. The bill would further allow consumers to opt-out and pay a baseline price. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of sensitive personal information, like race, religion and immigration status, to determine pricing.
House Bill 4248 is now on second reading and awaits a vote on the House floor.
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
(D-Batavia) 49th District
Springfield Office: 270-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, passed legislation out of the Revenue and Finance Committee that would incentivize the purchase of firearm safety devices including gun safes, lock boxes, or any device that is secured by a key or combination.
“The best and most effective gun violence prevention policies are based on common sense with input from responsible gun owners,” said Hirschauer. “Advancements in biometric technology allow firearm owners to prioritize the ability to secure their firearms without sacrificing quick access for reasons of self defense. We secure our phones with a fingerprint – imagine how effective this technology is for a small handgun safe in your car or bedside table.”
Hirschauer’s House Bill 1790 would create the Safe Storage Tax Credit, which would make it easier for gun owners to purchase firearm safety devices by creating a new tax credit, for up to $300 per year.
“It is on all of us to keep our families and communities safe by practicing safe gun ownership and locking all firearms in the home,” said Hirschauer. “Many gun deaths are preventable with simple and commonsense safety measures.”
House Bill 1790 is advancing to the House Floor for consideration.
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
(D-Batavia) 49th District
Springfield Office: 270-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Representative Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, introduced legislation that would establish a grant program for the restoration or replacement of natural resources that have been damaged resulting from court settlements due to hazardous waste release, pollution events or long-term industrial contamination.
“As the federal government continues to cut down protections and funding for our natural resources, major corporations have taken the opportunity to disregard the health of our natural environment,” said Hirschauer. “This grant program would allow local government, environmental organizations and recognized tribes to help continue to restore and protect our wetlands, waterways, forest preserves and agricultural lands.”
Hirschauer is sponsoring House Bill 4566, which would create the Natural Resources Restoration Trust Grant Program. The grant program would be administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The grant would not be awarded to applicants that are responsible for the damage of natural resources.
Eligible applicants include:
Units of local government
Soil and water conservation districts
Area-wide agencies, including counties regional planning agencies, or both
Nonprofit organizations
Public or private institutes of higher education
Port authorities
Federally recognized tribes.
“The health of our environment directly affects our health, that’s why it is important that we, in the state of Illinois, provide grants to local organizations to help our natural environments thrive,” said Hirschauer. “A healthy natural environment means a healthier life.”
House Bill 4566 is out of committee and awaits further process.
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
(D-Batavia) 49th District
Springfield Office: 270-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
I am very proud to be the representative of West Chicago, a vibrant community in western DuPage County. In West Chicago we have a saying, “West Chicago has heart; West Chicago tiene corazón.” and in West Chicago we DO have heart: the beating heart of the community is our schools.
Our schools do more than educate: They feed hungry families, they provide mental health care, they create leadership opportunities for students and parents. They help solve transportation challenges. They support families facing food and housing instability. They truly wrap their arms around the whole child and the whole family. And because of that, they have earned trust in our community.
The reason West Chicago School District 33 has been able to provide these life-changing services is they receive federal Full Service Community Schools grant dollars. And let me tell you: those dollars are stretched, maximised, and poured directly back into children and families.
Then, just days before winter break, everything changed. The rug was ripped out from West Chicago.
Effective December 31, 2025, the Donald Trump administration froze $18,500,000 ($18.5M) in Full Service Community School Grants across Illinois. And over the past year, the US Department of Education has cancelled hundreds of grants, serving schools from Metropolis to Chicago. Schools that depend on this funding to serve our most vulnerable children.
These are not items on a spreadsheet. These are children, these are our families, and these are real lives. This is not just happening in West Chicago, it is happening from Southern Illinois all the way to Northern Illinois.
Let’s be clear: feeding a hungry child is not political. Providing mental health care is not ideological. Helping a student learn English is not controversial. And offering after-school tutoring is not radical. It is compassionate. It is responsible. And it is necessary.
This is not fiscal responsibility. This is abandonment.
We call on Congress to release every single dollar of Congressionally-approved funding for Illinois children.
We are not turning our backs on our kids here in Illinois. If Washington refuses to stand up for our families, we will stand up for ourselves. We will fight for our schools. We will fight for our communities. And we will fight for every child’s and family’s right to opportunity. That’s whaty HB5362 and HB5363 are so important: so as a state we can continue to fund the good work that Illinois’ schools are doing. Because in Illinois we do not balance our budget on the backs of families and children.
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
(D-Batavia) 49th District
Springfield Office: 270-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, is working to honor service members who never returned home with new legislation creating a commemorative day for Prisoners of War (POW) and those declared as Missing in Action (MIA) during their service to the United States.
“Our communities thrive because others answered the call to serve. We remember with deepest gratitude those who never returned, the missing and the captured, whose sacrifice remains unfinished in our hearts,” said Hirschauer. “It is especially important to the family members of those missing and captured that we keep the memories of their loved ones alive through an annual recognition day.”
Hirschauer’s House Bill 4309 commemorates the third Friday of September each year with a POW/MIA Recognition Day Proclamation. This official proclamation will call the public to reflect on the sacrifices made by United States armed forces, especially those who were held as prisoners in foreign countries or who have been designated as missing in action during war or hostile times. The bill also recognizes the resolve of family and friends who continue to seek the fullest possible accounting for missing loved ones.
“More than 80,000 service members remain unaccounted for from the United States with over 4,000 of those soldiers from Illinois. That’s why, it is crucial that as a state, we make sure our communities don’t forget our service members who answered our country’s call to action and were never able to come back home, said Hirschauer. “Their lives and sacrifices need to be honored and remembered in our history.”
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
(D-Batavia) 49th District
Springfield Office: 270-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State 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
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.”
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. – Former early childhood educator state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, has successfully passed a bicameral measurethat 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
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
