WEST CHICAGO, Ill.  — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement following an announcement that Walgreens will be adding Mifepristone, a life-saving reproductive health care medication, to some Illinois stores:

“Here in Illinois, reproductive freedom is a fundamental right. The measures my colleagues and I have passed in recent months — all while a radical Supreme Court and extremists come knocking on our door — prove that the state of Illinois is committed to prioritizing the right to bodily autonomy,” said Hirschauer. “Granting access to a life-saving reproductive health care medication such as mifepristone is a step in the right direction, but we know there is more work to be done as we create a future where reproductive justice is not just a promise — but a reality for all.”

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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

 

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

“Yesterday, we began the hard work of crafting a state budget that reflects our shared values and that will benefit the millions of hardworking Illinoisians that call this state home,” Hirschauer said. “As always, I bring the needs of the 49th District with me to Springfield and will ensure that your voices are heard throughout the budget process. I am proud of the recent work we have done to create a legacy of fiscal responsibility — we will continue to spend our dollars wisely, making sound investments and spending within our means.”

“There is no greater investment we can make than in Illinois family and children,” continued Hirschauer. “I am thrilled that the Governor’s introduced budget prioritizes historic investments in childcare, early childhood, and public education. We will make Illinois the best state in which to raise your family with the brightest and boldest students in the nation. I am excited for the work ahead because when we invest in our communities and families, we all thrive.”

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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

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – State Reps. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, and Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, are partnering to host an open house to showcase resources available to veterans in their communities. 

“Veterans and military families sacrifice so much to keep our communities safe, our freedoms secure, and the future bright,” Hirschauer said. “We have the chance to connect our service members with the state and local services and resources they need, so I’m excited to partner with my colleagues to give back to these veterans and their families.” 

Yang Rohr and Hirschauer are hosting the open house along with state Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, on Wednesday, Jan.10 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the VFW Post #6791 at 431 N. Neltnor Blvd. in West Chicago. Attendees will be given the opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts on upcoming legislation to their elected representatives. This town hall will be the first of many, as the new community advisory committee will meet periodically throughout the year both in-person and virtually. 

“While my work in Springfield has helped honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans, we have to do more at the local level. We owe it to our veterans to provide an easy, approachable setting to access housing, medical and other resources they may need,” Yang Rohr said. “I encourage local organizations to save a table and for the community to come out if they have any questions about the resources available to them.” 

For more information, contact Hirschauer and Yang Rohr at btejeras@hds.ilga.gov

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Rep. Janet Yang RohrRep. Janet Yang Rohr

(D-Naperville)
41st District

Springfield Office:
231-E Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-6507

District Office:
475 River Bend Rd.
Suite 500
Naperville, IL 60540
630-296-4157
info@repyangrohr.com

WASHINGTON D.C. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D- Batavia, joined state legislative leaders at the White House on Wednesday to launch a nationwide gun safety initiative. 

“I am honored to meet with other state legislators at the White House to discuss the gun violence epidemic that has affected families in every corner of the country,” Hirschauer said. “The deadly status quo is unacceptable. It is important that we come together to share the common sense gun policy ideas that are taking shape in states across the country. Together, we can craft comprehensive legislation to address everything from firearm industry accountability to innovative community-based violence prevention programs.” 

The Safer States Initiative, put forth by the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, will provide key actions states should take in order to reduce gun violence, including responsible gun ownership and safe storage, enhanced background checks, and wrap-around support for survivors and their families. Model pieces of legislation created by the U.S. Department of Justice will be available to attending legislators that curb reckless gun storage and lost or stolen firearms reporting. 

In her first three years as a State Representative, Hirschauer has pushed for several measures in Springfield to curb gun violence, including the Protect Illinois Communities Act, which banned assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines, and Karina’s Law, which addresses the deadly intersection of domestic violence and firearms. This session, Hirschauer has introduced three House bills that prioritize safe gun storage and increased education around guns. 

Hirschauer’s House Bill 2723 will prevent young children from accessing firearms in the home. She is partnering with the Secretary of State’s office to provide accessible information on safe gun storage in the home (House Bill 2545), and she is also working with the Department of Public Health to distribute information to families on the dangers to children with unsecured firearms (House Bill 3371). 

“Reducing gun violence has been my top priority since day one, and knowing the White House is a partner, not a hindrance, in this effort is reassuring as we work with other states to put an end to gun violence once and for all,” said Hirschauer. “By prioritizing gun safety from purchase to storage, we can stop gun violence in the home and in the community. I’m honored to be a part of this progressive movement emphasizing safety and education over pandering to a right-wing extremist wishlist. Together as a country, we are enacting common sense policy that will keep us all safe.”

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

overhead view of the apartment buildings that burned in the fire on 11-30-23.

Yesterday, nearly 100 of our neighbors in West Chicago became homeless due to a large fire consuming their homes. The support in the community is immense, with over 40 representatives of organizations present on calls to organize the followup to the first responses from West Chicago Fire Protection District,   West Chicago Police Department, and the Red Cross of Illinois.

Thank you to WeGo Together for Kids for coordinating donations and to New Hope Methodist Church for jumping in immediately and receiving donations for these displaced families and to all the community organizations that are supporting and will continue to support these neighbors in the coming weeks.

Donations Needed:

Monetary donations are needed and welcomed. Anything donated at this link between now and Dec 31 will go toward the fire victims (no need to choose a fund).

Clothing donations CLOSED at this time- please consider a monetary donation or check back if additional items are needed.

The following items are needed for victims of the Main Park Apartments fire. ONLY these items. Please do NOT donate summer clothing, shoes, etc. Families are homeless and have very limited space to store items.
Donations can be dropped off at New Hope Methodist Church, 643 E Washington, West Chicago, 9am-4pm.

NEW

Men’s underwear (boxer briefs): size S-2XL
Women’s underwear size S-XL
Children’s underwear all sizes
Socks for all genders

GENTLY USED

Sweatpants: Men’s size S-2XL, Women’s size S-XL, Kids all sizes
Sweatshirts and warm tops: Men’s size S-2XL, Women’s size S-XL, Kids all sizes
Men’s shoes: Sizes 7, 7.5, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 13
Women’s shoes: Sizes 6-9 fulfilled
Kids’ shoes: all sizes
Bras: preferably sports bra type in all sizes

Follow WeGo Together for Kids for the most up-to-date info on donations needed.

Illlinois State Seal in color with text "Illinois House of Representatives" centered at top and "103rd General Assembly" centered at bottom.

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.

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, joined more than 600 other representatives from across the country to urge the U.S. Supreme Court to defend access to mifepristone, which can safely end a pregnancy and treat miscarriages.

“As far-right judges and groups push regressive, anti-choice policies, we will continue to push back and reaffirm the fundamental right to bodily autonomy,” Hirschauer said. “This drug has been a safe and reliable option for countless Americans for over 20 years. We will not sit idly by as this becomes less available to those who need it most. I am proud to join 48 other Illinois House and Senate members to reaffirm the right to choose.” 

Hirschauer co-signed an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court urging the high court to reject a right-wing judge’s effort to restrict access to mifepristone, which can be used to end a pregnancy or treat a miscarriage. The judge’s initial ruling not only diminishes a provider’s ability to prescribe mifepristone over the phone, online or through the mail but also lowers the period in which someone can access the drug. Typically, at-home pregnancy tests are reliable after four weeks of a missed menstruation cycle. If the Supreme Court upholds the lower court’s ruling, the time limit would decrease from ten weeks to seven weeks. 

Hirschauer has a strong history of fighting for the right to choose. She passed the Patient and Provider Protection Act, legislation introduced to counter the Supreme Court’s Dobbs ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade. Additionally, Hirschauer worked to expand access to emergency contraception, keep sensitive information out of the hands of politicians who seek to prosecute women seeking reproductive healthcare in Illinois and allow patients to receive hormonal birth control over-the-counter.

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

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 Champions Trauma-Informed Care in Task Force Appointment

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, was appointed to the Healing-Centered Illinois Task Force, continuing her commitment to more effective and compassionate  approaches to tackling Illinois’ biggest health issues. 

“We need to move beyond old ways of treating patients and problems if we are going to combat our state’s physical and mental health issues,” Hirschauer said. “I am excited to bring the voices and insight of my community and stakeholders to this appointment as we work collaboratively to shape a better future for healthcare in Illinois. By looking at our leading health problems through the lens of individual and generational trauma, our healthcare system can better serve the people.” 

The Healing-Centered Illinois Task Force is a product of Senate Bill 646, which moves Illinois into a trauma-informed direction. The task force would align definitions and goals laid out in the Whole Child Task Force, Children’s Mental Health Plan, and the recent Children’s Mental Health Transformation Initiative. Receiving trauma-informed care means that healthcare professionals at the clinical and organizational level understand a patient’s complete history, even the history often overlooked in mainstream healthcare practices. By opening up relationships between patients and providers, treating health issues can become more long-lasting and effective.

For more information on Senate Bill 646 and the Healing-Centered Illinois Task Force, 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

    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