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

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — Every worker in Illinois will have access to paid leave that can be used for any reason under a new law backed by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia.

“Not all parents can call off work to care for their sick child, and too many people have no way to take time for their mental health or life needs,” Hirschauer said. “This legislation addresses working parents’ needs by allowing them to take off during unexpected circumstances. Requiring that all employees receive paid leave protects Illinois working families from having to choose between losing a paycheck and caring for a family member.”

Hirschauer voted to pass the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, which requires all employers to grant their employees working a minimum of 40 hours a week five days of paid leave per year for personal use. Under this new law, workers can earn paid leave starting on their first day of employment, which translates to one hour of leave for every 40 hours of work. The law ensures that employees can use their paid leave as soon as the 90th day of employment. Paid leave may be used as employees desire to conduct personal business without providing a reason or any documentation or certification for the absence. The law will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024

“As a working parent, I understand the unexpectedness of family illnesses, doctor appointments, and or auto repair emergencies,” Hirschauer said. No one should be penalized or lose a paycheck for missing work because of an unforeseen emergency. This legislation is a step in the right direction, and we need more like it to address working families’ needs.”

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

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

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

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. —State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is working hard to pass a bill that will provide fair compensation for all educational support service employees in Illinois.

“Our school employees are the backbone of our education system,” Hirschauer said. “They play a large role in our children’s lives by ensuring that every student has the support they need to thrive. Yet, so many of these dedicated individuals struggle to make ends meet, which is why they deserve fair compensation for their hard work.”

The proposed bill will amend the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code, which will increase the minimum hourly rate for school district employees to a rate of not less than $20 for the 2024-2025 school year and increase by a dollar consecutively through the 2026-2027 school year. The legislation aims to provide educational support service employees with a fair and livable wage, including custodial employees, transportation employees, food service providers, classroom assistants, and administration staff.

“Behind every student, there is a team of dedicated school employees who work tirelessly to ensure their success,” Hirschauer said. “This bill is not just about fair wages, it’s also about showing our appreciation for those who care for our children every day. It’s time we stand together to demonstrate to these incredible individuals that their selflessness and dedication have not gone unnoticed.”

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

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

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

Members of the 103rd general assembly of Illinois take the oath of office. The members face to their right with their right hands raised. A banner above them reads Inauguration 2023.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — After taking the oath of office for the 103rd General Assembly, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement: “I am incredibly thankful that my neighbors have once again entrusted me to represent their needs and interests in Springfield.

This is a responsibility that I do not take lightly, and I promise to continue serving with the honor and integrity our community deserves.

“As your state representative, my highest priority is to support working families and children across Illinois. This includes continuing our efforts to further reduce gun violence, strengthen our public education system, increase access to affordable health care, and improve affordability for working families. Though we have made tremendous progress on many of these fronts, our fight is far from over. I am confident that with continued collaboration and compromise among legislators on both sides of the aisle, Illinois’ future is as bright as ever.”

from WGEM

Maura was recently interviewed on HB5855, which includes an assault weapons ban similar to her bill introduced earlier this year. It includes some changes as well as other provisions to help keep communities safer.

View on WGEM.com


(Other ads, links, and articles on the below embedded content are from WGEM site and not affiliated with Representative Hirschauer or her office.)

The Protect Illinois Communities Act Is a logical, necessary step to reduce the harm from assault weapons and large capacity magazines. We owe it to all whose lives have been irreversibly touched by gun violence.

Op-Ed By  State Rep. Maura Hirschauer (Click here to read in the Chicago Sun Times)

Before I was a state representative, I was a volunteer and community leader with Moms Demand Action. My work with that organization informs my daily commitment to making sure that no parent drops their children off at school and fears they might not see them alive again, and that no person looks for active shooters in the grocery aisle, church pew or parade route.

When I took office, I promised to honor the lives lost and changed by gun violence with action — the action that drove me to run for office in the first place. It is why I filed HB5522 back in January. After the mass shooting in Highland Park, I recommitted myself to banning assault-style weapons and large capacity magazines.

I am proud to co-sponsor the new gun reform package that will keep Illinois on the path to leading the nation in gun safety. The Protect Illinois Communities Act Is a logical, necessary step to reduce the harm caused by gun violence. Now more than ever, we must see change. We owe it to all whose lives have been irreversibly touched by gun violence.

More than 110 Americans are killed by guns each day, and the wide availability of high-capacity assault weapons extends this danger beyond reason. I respect the right of Illinoisans to bear arms and protect their families, but no one needs to wield a weapon capable of firing 30 bullets in 10 seconds to feel secure in their home. There is no reason for assault weapons, whose sole purpose is to kill efficiently and effectively, to be available in Illinois. Yet these weapons of war have made their way onto our streets and into our schools, grocery stores, workplaces and community celebrations. 

Another sad truth is that young people ages 18 to 20 commit gun homicides at three times the rate of those over 21. Far too often, young people suffering from mental illness are able to access weapons that turn their darkest thoughts into a nightmarish reality. Putting killing machines into their hands is reckless endangerment.

Children and teens are actively targeted in the marketing of firearms, despite the gun industry’s clear knowledge of the risk factors of gun ownership by young people. Guns are not toys or video game controllers. It is irresponsible to treat them as such. We must close the loophole that allows young people to obtain firearms before they understand the gravity and potential consequences of that decision. 

Although Illinois’ current laws continue to be weakened by those in neighboring states that refuse to take action for gun safety, we aren’t helpless to fight back. We can reduce the flow of incoming illegal weapons by empowering the Illinois State Police to work with federal and local officials to trace illegal guns and hold straw purchasers accountable. Giving law enforcement the tools and technology to track illegal crime guns while simultaneously strengthening the laws on our books is essential to keep guns out of the wrong hands. 

The ripple effect of gun violence can be felt all across Illinois, from Chicago to Highland Park to Aurora to East St. Louis. The trauma from gun violence is disproportionately felt by Black Illinoisans, who are 32 times more likely than white Illinoisans to die by gun homicide. Guns are the leading cause of death of Illinois children ages 1-17 years old. Throughout the pandemic, Illinois led the country in gun sales, and today there are more guns in Illinois households than ever before, leaving our children at risk. We cannot ignore the fact that the rise in gun violence is related to easy access to firearms.

Children are being killed and families torn apart while lawmakers allow their hands to be tied by the gun lobby. The outsized influence of the NRA has endangered us all for far too long, and it is high time we stood up to their bullying. If legislators have the courage to stand up to the NRA and ban weapons of war from our streets, we can move closer to making Illinois a state where no one has to live in fear of being gunned down in their community.

This goes far beyond partisan politics. We have a moral obligation to fight for this change. 

We’ve reached a flashpoint, beyond which to do nothing is to be complicit in avoidable and unacceptable tragedy. Enough is enough. We must pass the Protect Illinois Communities Act.

https://www.wifr.com/2022/05/25/legislators-push-make-schools-feel-safer-kids/

Thank you to WIFR reporter Colin Hollingsworth who reached out this week to talk about Representative Hirschauer’s HB2400, signed into law last year, that changed the way Illinois schools conduct lockdown drills. Here is a clip from Wednesday’s livecast and you can see their final posted article at their website.

View this newsletter on the MailChimp archive

What’s Happening in the 49th District!

Updates from Representative Hirschauer

Contents
Notes from Maura
Legislative Update

Around the District
District Office in Action
Upcoming Events
Notices of Funding Opportunities
Scholarships Available
Internships Available
Employment Opportunities

Notes from Maura

Hello friends!

April is National Volunteer Month and I would like to give a special shout-out to all you amazing volunteers out there! Whether you help out at your local food bank, hang with the animals at a nearby shelter, or volunteer at your kiddo’s school, you make our community a better place by sharing your time and your talents with others. We all rise when we help others. Thank you for making our community great!

Are you looking for volunteer opportunities? Join our office on Fridays and Saturdays as we help with weekly food distribution at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in West Chicago. Many families in our community are feeling the effects of inflation and unsure of where to find their next meal. Pastor Josh’s weekly food distribution provides resources for those who need it the most. Volunteers are needed to help pack and distribute food boxes. Call or email our office for details.
 

Legislative Update

The first week of April was a busy one in Springfield as my colleagues and I worked hard to meet the end of session deadline of April 9. Our number one priority was passing a fiscally and socially responsible budget. I am proud that we came together to create a budget that gives financial relief to the people and families that need it most, while also taking steps to restore the fiscal responsibility of the state. This budget also funds key initiatives around health care equity, community development, and business attraction. 

To combat inflation, our budget includes a one time infusion of more than $1.8 billion dollars in aid for people and families. Here are some key elements: 

  • We are suspending the grocery tax for a year, saving consumers $400 million
  • We are freezing the gas tax for 6 months-saving consumers $70 million
  • We are doubling the property tax rebate to save up to $300 per household
  • We are increasing and expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit to cover more people, including immigrants. 
  • To assist working-class parents as they manage the pressures of inflation, we are giving EIC tax filers additional one-time direct checks for $50 per adult filer and $100 for each of their children.
  • We are doubling the teacher tax credit for purchasing classroom materials and creating a back-to-school tax holiday for all consumers.
In addition to supporting Illinois families we have made strides to be responsible stewards of our state finances. The fiscally-responsible steps we are taking will continue to raise Illinois’ credit rating and improve our financial forecast. These steps will also save on future interest payments that otherwise would continue to eat into our budget. We will be able to spend that extra money on essential services for the people of Illinois.
  • $9.6B will go to fully funding our pension obligations for fiscal year 2023. Countless Illinoisans worked for years to earn their pensions, and we must honor the commitment we made to them. 
  • We are paying down $4B in unpaid bills which includes:
    • All COVID-19-related borrowing
    • $900M in delayed health insurance bills
    • $500M in pension stabilization
    • Late payment interest
  • We’re infusing $1B into the once-depleted Rainy Day Fund
After the budget signing, my social media highlighted different areas of the budget in more detail. You can find these on my Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter feeds.

I am proud to announce that the Fox Valley Park District was awarded a much needed appropriation for exciting new improvements to Lippold Park. As part of their comprehensive plan to expand outdoor education programming and multi-use space at Lippold Park the FVPD will be constructing a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Fox River to connect East to West. This project will increase access to Red Oak Nature Center and will open up the trail for even more folks to use. We are so excited about this project and I am happy to have helped advocate for this much needed capital appropriation.

In addition to the budget, in the last days of session we passed important public safety legislation.
  • HB4383 Senate Amendment 2 – Ghost Gun Ban (Hirschauer Chief-Cosponsor) – with the passage of this bill Illinois became the 12th state to ban unserialized firearms, including those that can be 3D printed or made from kits. As an advocate of common sense gun violence prevention, I am very proud of this bill. The rise in ghost guns is the fastest growing gun safety problem facing our state. Requiring serial numbers for ghost guns will help law enforcement solve crimes. Furthermore, prohibiting the purchase, sale, and manufacturing of ghost guns is a critical component to common-sense gun safety legislation.
  • Other public safety initiatives in this budget total nearly half a billion, with new dollars going toward youth intervention programs, witness protection, and police recruitment. More than $70 million has been allocated for domestic violence prevention, as well as $2 million for expanding trauma recovery centers.
Despite the shortened session, we were very busy in Springfield! For a more in depth update please consider joining me for my “End of Session Town Hall” on Tuesday May 10 at 7pm. Register on my website.
Register to come to the Town Hall on Tuesday, May 10, 7pm on Zoom

Maura

Around the District

Rep Hirschauer  had so much fun talking with 4th grade students at Alice Gustafson and 5th graders at J.B. Nelson Elementary Schools in Batavia. The future is BRIGHT with these smart, curious, and thoughtful kiddos at the helm. Thank you having Batavia Public School District 101 for having the Representative!

District Office in Action

Intern Mariah and Rep Maura work to package perishable foods for tomorrow's food drive.You may have seen our recent press release highlighting the additional needs of our local food pantries. The office is in contact with Pastor Josh at St.Andrew’s on a regular basis, is hosting a food drive this month along with Senator Villa’s office, and securing additional donations from some of our local companies and organizations. Today we helped with the preparations for tomorrow’s food pick up and are looking forward to next week’s Whole Family Health Fair at that same location!
If you hear a knock at your door, it may be our office out connecting with constituents and getting the word out about our services and events. After her time in Springfield, Maura is enjoying these opportunities to get out into the district to meet up with constituents one-on-one and hear about their needs and concerns.
District 49 is expanding our staff! If you have a passion for serving the community and are interested in the ways our state office can serve constituents, then this could be an opportunity for you! We are currently accepting local applicants for a Constituent Service and Community Outreach Coordinator, as well as for Fall Interns. Contact the office at 331-465-9661 with questions or submit a cover letter, resume, and references to office@repmaura49.com.

Upcoming Events

April 27 – Mobile DMV
with Senator Karina Villa
10am-2pm
West Chicago Public Library
118 W Washington St, West Chicago
Whole Family Health Fair
Food Distribution and Health Resources
Saturday Apr 30, 8am-12pm
St. Andrew Church
155 N Prince Crossing Rd, West Chicago
Spring Town Hall Meeting
Tuesday May 10, 7pm-8pm
Zoom
Registration Required
Veterans’ Breakfast
Saturday June 4, 9am-11am
VFW West Chicago
431 N Neltnor Blvd, West Chicago

Around the State

Notices of Funding Opportunities

Description Deadline
Illinois BioDiversity Field Trip Grant January 31, 2023
DCEO (State + Federal) Various
Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance Various
Upcoming: IDOA Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA)
 

Scholarships

Aspiring Black CPA Scholarship May 1

Internships

District Office Academic Internships – Fall Submit resume & cover letter to office@repmaura49.com
IDES- Summer Job Info & Career Planning for High Schoolers & College Students

Employment

Work For Illinois – State Employment Portal
Constituent Service and Community Outreach Coordinator ongoing
Apprenticeships in Illinois – info for jobseekers as well as employers!
 

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What’s Happening in the 49th District!

Updates from Representative Hirschauer

Contents
Reflection
In Springfield

Around the District
District Office in Action
Upcoming Events
Notices of Funding Opportunities
Scholarships Available
Internships Available
Employment Opportunities

Reflection

March was Women’s History month and I spent time reflecting on important contributions that women made throughout our history. I want to share one very special reflection.
I often say that I am who I am because of the strong women who came before me. These two fierce young women – who came after me – also play a huge role in shaping me not only as a mom, but as a leader and legislator. I would like to take time today to honor my daughters, who push me out of my comfort zone, hold my feet to the fire on tough issues, and show me everyday what leadership looks like.
 
“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” – Unknown

In Springfield

March was a busy month for passing legislation through the House. My bill HB5193, a bill to add safe gun storage to the school safety curriculum code passed with bi-partisan support on the house floor and has now passed Committee in the Senate and is headed to the floor. Promoting positive messages about keeping children and communities safe through safe gun storage is a key strategy to reducing unintentional gun injuries and death, death by homicide, and suicide. 

HB4332, a bill that will tackle our ongoing nursing shortage by breaking down barriers and opening pathways to future employment in the nursing sector, also passed the House with bipartisan support. The COVID-19 pandemic has proved to be an opportunity to re-examine the way we do many things here in Illinois. The CNA/MA workforce has provided critical care to our homebound and elderly community during the COVID-19 pandemic and their numbers are waning. This bill will help increase our nursing pipeline and help medical professionals reflect the communities they serve.  The bill has passed the Senate Executive Committee and is headed to the floor.

Reproductive health care is under attack across the country and we cannot count on the Supreme Court to uphold our fundamental right to make personal decisions about our reproductive health. That is why I passed HB1464 to protect qualified Illinois health care providers from attacks on their licensure from extreme politicians in neighboring states. Illinois sits as a beacon of safety for reproductive freedom and we must stand strong behind our providers who are committed to providing safe, accessible reproductive health care. My colleagues and I were proud to pass this bill to protect health care providers and shine our beacon of reproductive freedom a bit brighter.

Finally, we recently took necessary action to address the ongoing issues regarding the unemployment trust fund, which took a hit due to the pandemic. By doing so we made a clear commitment to good government and fiscal responsibility by paying off debts early to yield significant savings for Illinois taxpayers. 
SB2803 dedicates $2.7 billion of ARPA funds to help replenish the unemployment trust fund after a global pandemic forced businesses to shut down. The bill also supplements our current FY22 budget with new payments for pensions, the Prepaid Tuition Fund, and the state’s group insurance plan — yielding more than $1 billion in savings. All told, this is another step toward stronger credit, paying down debt, and developing the financial stability we need to get to work for families.

I am here to listen to the needs of all constituents. Feel free to reach out to my office at 331-465-9661 for any issues or concerns. I am here to serve.

Maura

Around the District

District 49 Chiefs of Police Roundtable March 14, 2022
Representative Hirschauer met virtually with the Chiefs of Police from IL-49 to talk about their concerns and learn about the ongoing issues in our police departments. The Chiefs brought attention issues that impact their departments along with recommendations to move forward as a state. Rep Hirschauer is committed to continue listening and learning from our local police departments to better serve the IL-49th district and to taking that feedback to Springfield. Thank you Chief Passarelli, Chief Ullrich, Chief Krawczyk, Chief Fisher, Chief Cross, Chief Eul, and Deputy Chief Shackelford for taking time to talk about your police departments.
Representative Hirschauer joins Lieutenant Governor at the Wilma Rudolph Learning Center to Celebrate Women’s History Month March 14, 2022
Rep. Hirschauer had the privilege of representing not just the 49th, but women throughout the state and history as part of Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton‘s Women’s History Month visit at Wilma Rudolph Learning Center. Students from William H. Brown School of Technology also joined the assembly.
With their school’s namesake as a role model demonstrating that they can do anything, these kids show every day that they’re advocating for themselves and ready for the next challenge.
Schools are Maura’s favorite places to visit because, as a former teacher, she knows that investment in the education of tomorrow’s leaders is essential to the health and prosperity of our state.
Moms Demand Action Advocacy Day March 23, 2022
Representative Hirschauer was a panelist for Moms Demand Action Advocacy Day. The Representative informed constituents about ongoing legislation to prevent gun violence in the community. She emphasized the need for education on safe gun storage to prevent further death of young children and suicide. Representative Hirschauer says that now is the time to advocate for bills like HB5193  for schools to have safe gun storage information more available for families and HB4729 to fund gun storage campaigns to reduce gun violence all throughout Illinois.  Rep. Hirschauer is grateful for all the work Moms Demand Action does in our community to reduce gun violence and save lives.

District Office in Action

March 24th, 2022
Batavian Ethan Tarver completed his Eagle Scout Project in collaboration with Suicide Prevention Services of America and Chief of Staff Miguel was present to witness.  The informative event included a screening of The S Word, a film that amplifies the voices of attempted suicide survivors, followed by a live panel that talked about ways to reach out to people who are in need of help. The overarching message was, “Do not fear using the word suicide.” We are proud of Eagle Scout Ethan for having this difficult conversation with the Batavia community. This is what advocacy looks like!
District 49 is expanding our staff! If you have a passion for serving the community and are interested in the ways our state office can serve constituents, then this could be an opportunity for you! We are currently accepting local applicants for a Constituent Service and Community Outreach Coordinator, as well as for Fall Interns. Contact the office at 331-465-9661 with questions or submit a cover letter, resume, and references to office@repmaura49.com.

Upcoming Events

April 27 – Mobile DMV
with Senator Karina Villa
10am-2pm
West Chicago Public Library
118 W Washington St, West Chicago
Whole Family Health Fair
Food Distribution and Health Resources
Saturday Apr 30, 8am-12pm
St. Andrew Church
155 N Prince Crossing Rd, West Chicago
Veterans’ Breakfast
Saturday June 4, 9am-11am
VFW West Chicago
431 N Neltnor Blvd, West Chicago

Around the State

Notices of Funding Opportunities

Description Deadline
IDOA Specialty Crop Block Grant April 15
Illinois BioDiversity Field Trip Grant January 31, 2023
DCEO (State + Federal) Various
Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance Various
Upcoming: IDOA Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA)
 

Scholarships

Description Deadline
Conference of Women Legislators (COWL) April 15
Aspiring Black CPA Scholarship May 1
 

Internships

DCFS Academic Internships – Fall April 15
District Office Academic Internships – Fall Submit resume & cover letter to office@repmaura49.com
 

Employment

Illinois Solar Energy Association Virtual Solar Job Fair April 14
Work For Illinois – State Employment Portal
Constituent Service and Community Outreach Coordinator ongoing until position is filled
 
Illinois House Democrats pass measure protecting providers of abortion-related medical services

Representative Hirschauer’s leadership on HB1464 was featured in this article from Capitol News Illinois! Learn more about this legislation and how Illinois is supporting women and their reproductive rights while many states are trying to remove these essential health services.