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. 

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — A bipartisan plan backed by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, to reduce Illinois’ unemployment insurance loan debt and invest in the state’s rainy day fund was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday.

“The COVID-19 pandemic brought us unprecedented challenges, and this proposal provides a solution to the financial problems our state has faced,” Hirschauer said. “This legislation is an incredible step toward strengthening the financial outlook of our state while supporting workers and saving businesses millions of dollars.”

Hirschauer supported Senate Bill 1698 which bolsters the health of the Unemployment Trust Fund by increasing the Target Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund balance and Taxable Wage Base, and outlines a $450 million interest free loan to Illinois’ Unemployment Trust Fund. Money paid back from the loan will be directed toward the state’s rainy-day fund. The bill also moves statutory hurdles that would have automatically raised taxes on employers and cut benefits for claimants. Payment of the remaining unemployment insurance loan debt and the $450 million loan are expected to be appropriated through a separate action in January 2023.

“This bill is a result of weeks of negotiations among legislators from both sides of the aisle, as well as business and labor groups. I am thankful for their hard work and willingness to set aside their differences for the good of the state,” Hirschauer said. “This proposal is a great step in the right financial direction, and I will continue to support legislation that protects the working families in our community.”

Senate Bill 1698 passed the Illinois General Assembly with bipartisan support. For more information on Hirschauer’s legislative agenda, please visit www.ilga.gov.