WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – A staunch advocate for safe firearm practices and lessening the rate of preventable gun violence across Illinois, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is highlighting a first-of-its-kind safe storage law that went into effect Jan. 1st. 

“This law is a product of hundreds of hours of collaboration among elected officials, advocates, law enforcement and judicial courts. It is fine-tuned to ensure that Illinoisans who legally carry firearms have the information and tools necessary to keep them stored, locked and safe,” said Hirschauer. “Too many headlines detail the uptick of gun violence in our communities—violence that can be prevented by enforcing safe practices that are too often not followed in cases that end tragically. That’s what this safe gun storage law codifies, and ultimately, keeps guns out of the wrong hands.”

Hirschauer successfully led Senate Bill 8 last spring session, also known as the Safe Gun Storage Act, to enhance gun storage safety and address stolen firearm requirements. The new law requires firearm owners to secure their weapons in a locked container, rendering them inaccessible and unusable to anyone except the owner or an authorized user—with an ultimate goal to prevent access to firearms by minors, at-risk individuals, and those prohibited from possessing them. 

Additional provisions in an accompanying measure, House Bill 850, finetunes lost and stolen gun reporting requirements to lower the chance of mishandled firearms trafficked in Illinois communities. Studies show that states with similar laws decreased unintentional shootings by children by 78% and the movement of illegal guns in communities by 46%. 

“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. “I’m pleased to see this law go into effect after the tireless work of advocates and law enforcement alike. Making these best practices universal will help save lives and keep our communities strong.”

Senate Bill 8 was signed into law in July of last year. The measure went into effect Jan. 1st. 

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. 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

Rep. Maura Hirschauer Reflects after Minnesota ICE Shooting; Emphasizes Duty to Stand Up, Speak Out, and Shine a Light on Truth

WEST CHICAGO — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement in response to the killing of Renee Nicole Good by a federal immigration agent during a reckless immigration enforcement action.

Do not look away. Yesterday, January 7, 2026, federal immigration agents shot and killed Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota leaving her six year old child orphaned and a community in anguish. On September 12, 2025 federal immigration agents shot and killed Silverio Villegas González in Franklin Park, Illinois leaving his two young children orphaned and our community in anguish. We mourn the loss of Renee, Silverio, and every life taken or forever changed by the actions of our reckless federal government. The ripple effects of these tragic events eerily echo throughout cities across the United States where the presence of federal immigration agents threaten community safety. 

No one is safe when inadequately trained federal agents, armed to the hilt with hand guns, assault style weapons and tear gas, speed through city streets sowing chaos at every turn.

Today my thoughts are with the family of Renee Nicole Good and the people of Minnesota. May her memory be a blessing and a spark that ignites meaningful, peaceful change. We must not look away – we all have a responsibility to stand up, speak out, and shine a light on truth. 

My thoughts are also with my neighbors here in Illinois. To our immigrant community who continue to work, go to school, and find joy despite the constant terror of the federal government – I see you and I stand with you. And to our neighbors who continue to protect each other in spite of the danger – you answer the call of pre-dawn signal chats, patrol community streets, and blow whistles to warn of danger – thank you. Together we protect us. 

Representante Maura Hirschauer reflexiona tras el tiroteo de ICE en Minnesota; enfatiza el deber de ponerse de pie, hablar y arrojar luz sobre la verdad

“Ayer, 7 de Enero del 2026, agentes federales de inmigración le dispararon y mataron a Renee Nicole Good en Minnesota dejando huérfano a su hijo de seis años y a toda una comunidad destrozada. El 12 de septiembre de 2025 agentes federales de inmigración le dispararon y mataron a Silverio Villegas Gonzalez en Franklin Park, Illinois, dejando huérfanos  a sus dos hijos pequeños y a nuestra comunidad sumida en dolor.” 

“Estamos de luto y lamentamos profundamente la pérdida de Renee, Silverio, y de cada vida arrebatada o marcada para siempre por las acciones insensatas de nuestro gobierno federal. Los efectos secundarios de estos eventos trágicos que recorren ciudades de todo Estados Unidos, donde la presencia de agentes federales de inmigración pone en riesgo la seguridad de las comunidades.”

“Nadie está a salvo cuando agentes federales deficientemente mal capacitados, armados hasta los dientes con pistolas, armas tipo asalto y gas lacrimógeno, se lanzan a toda velocidad por las calles de la ciudad, sembrando caos a cada paso.” 

Hoy mis pensamientos están con la familia de Renee Nicole Good y con la  gente de Minnesota. Que su memoria sea una bendición y una luz que encienda un cambio real y pacifico. No debemos apartar la mirada y todos tenemos la responsabilidad de resistir, alzar la voz, y sacar la verdad a la luz.”

“Mis pensamientos también están con mis vecinos aquí en Illinois. A nuestra comunidad inmigrante que sigue trabajando, yendo a la escuela, y encontrando alegría a pesar del terror constante del gobierno federal. Yo los veo y estoy con ustedes. Y a nuestros vecinos que continúan protegiéndose unos a los otros a pesar del peligro.  Que responden a los chats de alerta antes del amanecer, patrullan las calles y hacen sonar silbatos para avisar del peligro, gracias. Juntos nos cuidamos.”

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 Responds to Additional Round of Trump Child  Care, Family Assistance Cuts to Illinois

WEST CHICAGO — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement in response to the federal administration’s partisan decision to halt over $10 billion in child care funding across democratic-majority states, including over $1 billion to Illinois families and children facing poverty, chronic illness or disability:

“This continuous stripping of funds that are explicitly set aside for the neediest of parents and their young ones is a blatant attack on low- and modest-income families. Just last month, tens of millions of dollars were erased for schools in my community that provide critical lifelines for children—taking away funding to feed kids, to train educators, and to support families. Once again, these families now have to face a painful reality that the federal government is not on their side. This administration does not want to maintain the safety nets we have for chronically ill children, for young families juggling multiple jobs, nor for moms or dads who need an extra hour or two at day care—an expense that is notoriously the biggest bill for families across our state,” said Hirschauer. “As a mother myself, I reflect often on how working parents pay more for day care than they do for health insurance—even housing. This is yet another example of Trump’s inhumane, and simply grotesque, cuts to make life more and more unaffordable for all families in Illinois.”

Tuesday evening the Trump Administration effectively froze all funds for programs and services provided through the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The funding freeze will affect over 100,000 families, more than 152,000 children, 275 organizations and 17 programs that protect the welfare of Illinois children, seniors, people with disability, and families facing poverty and food insecurity. 

“My focus remains on what we can control here at home, as the cruelty of the federal government truly knows no bounds. I will continue to use my platform to fight for the families of my community, and our families in each corner of the state. This is our home, and we will not bow down to someone set on erasing our dignity and livelihoods.”

Hirschauer responde a la nueva ronda de recortes de Trump en materia de cuidado infantil y asistencia familiar en Illinois

La Representante estatal, Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, publicó la siguiente declaración en respuesta a la decisión partidista del gobierno federal de detener más de $10 billones en fondos para el cuidado infantil en los estados con mayoría demócrata, incluyendo más de $1 billón destinados a familias y niños de Illinois que enfrentan a la pobreza, enfermedades crónicas o discapacidades:
“Esta continua retirada de fondos que se reservan explícitamente para los padres más necesitados y sus hijos es un ataque evidente a las familias con ingresos bajos y modestos. Justo el mes pasado, se eliminaron decenas de millones de dólares destinados a las escuelas de mi comunidad que proporcionan un apoyo vital a los niños – quitándoles los fondos para alimentarlos, entrenar a los educadores, y apoyar a las familias. Una vez más, estas familias tienen que enfrentarse a la dolorosa realidad de que el gobierno federal no está de su lado. Esta administración no quiere mantener las redes de seguridad que tenemos para los niños con enfermedades crónicas, para las familias jóvenes que manejan varios empleos, ni para las mamás o los papás que necesitan una o dos horas extra en la guardería – un gasto que es la mayor factura para las familias de todo nuestro estado,” dijo Hirschauer. “Como madre, reflexiono a menudo sobre cómo los padres que trabajan pagan más por la guardería que por el seguro médico – incluso por el hogar. Este es otro ejemplo más de los recortes inhumanos y simplemente grotescos de Trump, que hace que la vida sea cada vez más inasequible para todas las familias de Illinois.”

El martes por la noche, la Administración Trump congeló efectivamente todos los fondos destinados a programas y servicios proporcionados a través de la Subvención en Bloque para el Cuidado y Desarrollo infantil (CCDBG), la Subvención en Bloque para Servicios Sociales (SSBG) y la Asistencia Temporal para Familias Necesitadas (TANF). La congelación de fondos afectará a más de 100,000 familias, más de 152,000 niños, 275 organizaciones y 17 programas que protegen el bienestar de los niños, las personas mayores, las personas con discapacidad y las familias que se enfrentan a la pobreza y la inseguridad alimentaria en Illinois.

“Mi atención sigue centrada en lo que podemos controlar aquí en nuestro estado, ya que la crueldad del gobierno federal realmente no conoce límites. Seguiré utilizando mi plataforma para luchar por las familias de mi comunidad y por nuestras familias en todos los rincones del estado. Este es nuestro hogar, y no nos doblegaremos ante nadie que se proponga arrebatarnos nuestra dignidad y nuestros medios de vida.”

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 Responds to Devastating Funding Cuts to West  Chicago Schools, Programs, Social Services

Spanish

WEST CHICAGO — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is responding to recent news that the federal administration will halt tens of millions of dollars in grants set aside to strengthen schools in low-income communities, including District 33 in West Chicago.

“This abrupt decision to pull funding from schools serving some of our most vulnerable students is absolutely devastating,” said Hirschauer. “These funds provide critical lifelines—hot meals, enrichment programs, and after-school sports and clubs that support children’s positive development as they grow. What makes this even more gut-wrenching is that the president’s anti-DEI rhetoric is being used to justify stripping away resources from our children. The cruelty of the federal government truly knows no bounds.”

District 33 is one of 70 Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) grantees that were expecting more than $380 million in federal awards between now and 2028. In Illinois, the organization ACT Now facilitates these funds to serve over 19,000 students across 32 public schools annually, including support for Leman Middle School (LMS) and Wegner Elementary Schools in District 33.

Due to the Trump Administration’s executive orders limiting DEI in school settings, the West Chicago school district was notified Friday that it will lose access to critical funds starting Jan. 1st—leaving handfuls of staff and several community partners scrambling to provide for students relying on programs, including extended learning time, health care, tutoring programs, meals, and more.

A total of over $55 million in funding will be discontinued over the next three years across Illinois, jeopardizing the district’s full-time Community School Administrator, academic and enrichment programming, mental health and social service partnerships, and more.

“To take funding away from students, educators, and families with no notice, and during the holiday season is unconscionable. While the decisions made in Washington continue to wreak havoc on hard working Illinoisans, my focus remains fighting for the communities we deserve,” said Hirschauer. “That includes protecting and investing in our schools to ensure that every child has access to learning, opportunity, and the unforgettable lessons that take place in classrooms every day.”

“To take funding away from students, educators, and families with no notice, and during the holiday season is unconscionable. While the decisions made in Washington continue to wreak havoc on hard working Illinoisans, my focus remains fighting for the communities we deserve,” said Hirschauer. “That includes protecting and investing in our schools to ensure that every child has access to learning, opportunity, and the unforgettable lessons that take place in classrooms every day.”

Hirschauer responde a devastadores recortes de financiamiento a las escuelas, programas y servicios sociales de West Chicago

La representante estatal Maura Hirschauer, demócrata de Batavia, está respondiendo a noticias recientes de que la administración federal suspenderá decenas de millones de dólares en subvenciones destinadas a fortalecer las escuelas en comunidades de bajos ingresos, incluido el Distrito 33 en West Chicago.

“Esta decisión abrupta de retirar fondos a escuelas que atienden a algunos de nuestros estudiantes más vulnerables es absolutamente devastadora”, dijo Hirschauer. “Estos fondos brindan apoyos esenciales: comidas calientes, programas de enriquecimiento y deportes y clubes extracurriculares que respaldan el desarrollo positivo de los niños a medida que crecen. Lo que hace esto aún más doloroso es que la retórica anti-DEI del presidente se esté utilizando para justificar el despojo de recursos a nuestros niños. La crueldad del gobierno federal realmente no conoce límites”.

El Distrito 33 es uno de los 70 beneficiarios del programa de Escuelas Comunitarias de Servicio Completo (Full-Service Community Schools, FSCS) que esperaban recibir más de 380 millones de dólares en fondos federales entre ahora y 2028. En Illinois, la organización ACT Now administra estos fondos para atender a más de 19,000 estudiantes cada año en 32 escuelas públicas, incluido el apoyo a la Escuela Intermedia Leman (LMS) y a la Escuela Primaria Wegner en el Distrito 33.

Debido a las órdenes ejecutivas de la Administración Trump que limitan las iniciativas de DEI en entornos escolares, el distrito escolar de West Chicago fue notificado el viernes de que perderá acceso a fondos críticos a partir del 1 de enero, dejando a varios miembros del personal y a numerosos socios comunitarios luchando por seguir apoyando a los estudiantes que dependen de programas como tiempo de aprendizaje extendido, atención médica, tutorías, comidas y más.

Un total de más de 55 millones de dólares en fondos será descontinuado en Illinois durante los próximos tres años, poniendo en riesgo el puesto de Administrador de Escuelas Comunitarias de tiempo completo del distrito, así como programas académicos y de enriquecimiento, alianzas de salud mental y servicios sociales, entre otros.

“Quitar fondos a estudiantes, educadores y familias sin previo aviso y durante la temporada navideña es inconcebible. Mientras las decisiones tomadas en Washington continúan causando estragos entre los trabajadores de Illinois, mi enfoque sigue siendo luchar por las comunidades que merecemos”, dijo Hirschauer. “Eso incluye proteger e invertir en nuestras escuelas para garantizar que cada niño tenga acceso al aprendizaje, a oportunidades y a las lecciones inolvidables que ocurren todos los días en las aulas”.

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-Backed Bill Defends Science, Reaffirms Support  for Evidence-Based Immunizations

CHICAGO — Working to defend public health and modern medicine against pseudoscience, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, led a new law to establish immunization guidelines and require vaccines recommended by the Illinois Department of Public Health(IDPH) to be covered by health insurance.

“Ensuring our vaccination guidelines are reviewed and set by a team of experts, doctors and scientists is critical to combat the misinformation pouring out of the current federal administration—misinformation that can rapidly impair the safety of modern medicine,” said Hirschauer. “Whether or not you personally choose to vaccinate yourself, you still have the right to factual information and resources. That’s why this new law is so important to ensure families and individuals are equipped with the tools to seek recommended vaccines for themselves or young ones.”

House Bill 767 establishes transparent, evidence-based immunization guidelines for Illinois and reaffirms the state’s commitment to defending science. To keep vaccines accessible and affordable to those who seek them, the bill will require vaccinations recommended by IDPH to be fully covered by state-regulated health insurance plans.

Additionally under the measure, experts will make up a new Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee to ensure all recommendations are rooted in science. With heightened claims from the federal government and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grossly linking vaccines to autism, House Bill 767 critically ensures that immunization recommendations are being made by medical experts to thwart sickness and diseases for unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals—not politicians out of Washington.

“By empowering the state to set its own vaccine guidelines, we’re sending a clear message to Washington that in Illinois, we care about the health and safety of our residents—and that means maintaining affordable access to the preventative medicine Illinois families and residents count on,” said Hirschauer.

House Bill 767 was signed into law Tuesday and is effective immediately, with insurance changes to be effective January 1 of next year.

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

Join State Representative Hirschauer for a Property Tax Appeal Workshop with Hanover Township and the Cook County Assessor’s Office

Spanish

Residents of Hanover Township received their property reassessment letters by mail on Thursday, November 6, 2025. These notices are part of the regular assessment cycle conducted to ensure property values are kept up to date.

Upon receiving your reassessment notice, please review the information carefully. If you have any questions or believe your assessment is inaccurate, you can join us on Thursday, November 20 at our Property Tax Appeal Workshop with Hanover Township and the Cook County Acessor’s office to help you file an appeal or help you answer any other questions.

For more information please contact the Cook County Assessor’s Office or please reach out to our office for further support.

Los residentes del Municipio de Hanover recibieron por correo sus cartas de reevaluación de propiedades el jueves 6 de noviembre de 2025. Estos avisos forman parte del ciclo regular de evaluación que se realiza para garantizar que los valores de las propiedades se mantengan actualizados.

Al recibir su aviso de reevaluación, revise la información cuidadosamente. Si tiene alguna pregunta o cree que su evaluación es incorrecta, puede acompañarnos el jueves 20 de noviembre en nuestro Taller de Apelación de Impuestos a la Propiedad, junto con el Municipio de Hanover y la Oficina del Tasador del Condado de Cook, donde podremos ayudarle a presentar una apelación o responder cualquier otra pregunta que pueda tener.

Para más información, por favor contacte a la Oficina del Tasador del Condado de Cook o comuníquese con nuestra oficina para recibir apoyo adicional.

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 #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Backs Climate Smart Measure Aimed to Cut  Utility Costs

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – Working to provide more relief to Illinoisans facing rising energy costs, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, passed comprehensive legislation Oct. 30 that seeks to bring down home energy bills both immediately and in the long term for residents, while being advantageous to our environment.
“Families across the state are struggling to make ends meet,” said Hirschauer. “We aren’t going to sit idly by while utility companies jack up prices, forcing many Illinoisans to choose between
turning their lights on and feeding their families— we’re going to offer solutions.”

Many Illinois residents have seen home energy costs skyrocket. Increased power demands from new high-tech businesses and Washington’s massive tax bill threaten to raise costs even
further—resulting in $9.5 billion in increased state energy costs. The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (Senate Bill 25) puts Illinois on better footing to counteract rising energy prices by tapping into:

● Capturing clean energy: By capturing and redistributing energy already being produced, including from home solar panels, Ameren and ComEd customers can see immediate relief on monthly costs.
● Increasing battery storage: By building out our grid to increase the state’s battery storage, power systems will become more reliable and affordable to power millions of Illinois homes.
● Investing in energy efficiency programs: Senate Bill 25 directly expands energy efficiency programs for residents, lowering electricity prices by reducing overall demand, and improves equity in programs by allocating a minimum amount of funds to support
low-income customers.

The measure will additionally create up to 115,000 jobs, counteracting job insecurity and layoffs caused by the federal budget bill— including over 50,000 lost manufacturing jobs in Illinois. As utility demands increase during the fall and winter months, Senate Bill 25 will play a significant role in meeting the state’s energy needs, strengthening reliability and helping manage untenable costs for customers for both short- and long-term relief.

“By investing in clean energy and our grid, we not only reduce energy demand, but ultimately strengthen our power systems to be more reliable and affordable in the long-term—giving our families and seniors on already strapped incomes relief they can count on in the upcoming winter months,” said Hirschauer.

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

Hirschauer Backs Landmark Bill to Protect Immigrant Families  and Uphold Constitutional Rights

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, passed a sweeping civil rights and community-protection bill last Friday to safeguard immigrant families and defend due process in the face of escalating immigration enforcement actions.

“We took a stand against the violence, the fear, and the trauma that has been unfairly and unlawfully unleashed onto our communities—a war inflicted to divide, dehumanize and silence so many Illinoisans,” said Hirschauer.

House Bill 1312 strengthens constitutional protections across Illinois by creating clear guardrails for civil immigration enforcement and ensuring that essential community spaces—hospitals, courthouses, universities, and licensed daycare centers—remain safe and accessible to all residents, regardless of immigration status. The bill further empowers individuals to seek justice when their constitutional rights, including those under the Fourth Amendment, are violated.

The legislation creates new pathways for accountability, allowing individuals to bring civil actions against civil law enforcement who violate their constitutional rights while engaging in civil immigration enforcement. House Bill 1312 also establishes policies that ensure state- licensed facilities and public campuses respond lawfully and responsibly to immigration activities, while protecting the privacy and dignity of those they serve.

“No one should fear losing their child, parent or loved ones to unaccountable, masked men. And particularly, no one in Illinois seeking care in a hospital room, justice from inside a courthouse, or simply picking up their toddler from daycare should ever be hunted down without due process. That is our constitutional right—a right we successfully affirmed—but should never have to. I’m honored to be a part of this historic legislation that finally draws the line on Trump’s unlawful actions.”

House Bill 1312 now moves to the Governor’s desk.

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

Hirschauer Named Legislative Champion for Karina’s Law

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, was presented the 2025 Legislative Champion Award today from The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence for her work leading the passage of Karina’s Law, which took effect this spring.

“After years of fighting in Springfield and in the courts, and after extensive negotiation and advocacy, the passage of Karina’s Law marks a significant step forward in protecting domestic violence survivors from firearms,” Hirschauer said. “This survivor-centered law 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. Although we cannot erase tragedies in the past, Karina and Daniela’s legacy will live on with each life they save with this law.”

Karina’s Law (House Bill 4144) combats the deadly combination of guns and domestic violence by strengthening the firearm remedy within the order of protection process and allowing judges 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.

After years of negotiation by Hirschauer and advocates, Karina’s Law was successfully signed by Governor Pritzker in February.

“We must work to build a better future in memory of victims, survivors, and all who love them. Karina’s Law is a long overdue step in that direction,” said Hirschauer. “Thank you to The Network for this recognition, but ultimately, thank you for continuing your advocacy and support for so many men and women who go through the unconscionable. Your work remains integral to building a future where preventable violence is no longer normalized in our communities.”

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

Hirschauer Receives GPAC Award for Gun Violence  Prevention Work

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – Highlighting impactful advancements in public safety and preventative violence legislation, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, was awarded the 2025 Profile in Courage Award from the Gun Violence Prevention PAC (GPAC) Wednesday, October 15.

“Gun safety and gun ownership are not at odds. They go hand in hand. We all share the same goal—keeping firearms out of the wrong hands and preventing tragedies before they happen,” said Hirschauer. “I’m honored to be recognized by such a supportive organization that is steadfast in creating safer communities for our families and children.”

Hirschauer has led significant firearm reform in the Illinois General Assembly as the House Gun Violence Prevention Chair. Earlier this year, the Hirschauer-led Karina’s Bill (House Bill 4144) was passed into law, protecting survivors of domestic violence by ensuring firearms are removed when an order of protection is issued—preventing incidents from turning deadly. Hirschauer also led the passage of the Safe Storage Act (Senate Bill 8), first-of-its-kind legislation that codifies firearm storage so weapons are inaccessible to minors, individuals in crisis and those prohibited under Illinois or federal law from having one. The measure also strengthens firearm reporting (House Bill 850). Studies show that states with similar laws decreased unintentional shootings by children by 78% and the movement of illegal guns in communities by 46%.

“We all have an integral role in reforming our laws that can allow violent offenders to slip through the cracks. Together, we’re building a future where gun violence is no longer normalized, but stopped,” said Hirschauer. “Thank you to GPAC for this award and for shining a light on the urgent need for policy change. Action and advocacy work, and this award is a testament to GPAC’s continued drive toward positive progress for our communities.”

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