Category: News

Hirschauer: Lifesaving Medication Needs to be Accessible

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer

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

Hirschauer: Assault Weapons Ruling Upholds the Work Neighbors Sent Me to Do

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer released the following statement Friday after the Illinois Supreme Court upheld legislation she worked to pass banning the sale of assault rifles, high-capacity magazines, and rapid-fire modifications:

“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.”

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

Assault Weapons Ruling Upholds the Work Neighbors Sent Me to Do

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer

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

23-08-11_AWB-Ruling_LetterDownload

Hirschauer Prioritizes Violence Prevention in Spring Legislative Session

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Building on years of advocacy, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D- Batavia, passed a balanced budget and legislation that prevents gun violence and invests in youth and community development.

“When the Governor introduced his budget proposal months ago, I made it a priority for the final product to help bolster community safety by tackling the root causes of violence. I am proud to have supported a budget that invests in violence interruption and prevention services to keep our communities safe,” Hirschauer said. “Our budget is a representation of what we value, and this year’s budget sends an unequivocal message that the safety and wellbeing of our children and communities is essential.”

The Hirschauer-backed fiscal year 2024 budget provides millions of dollars in funding for non- profit organizations and local governments for violence interruption and prevention, community development, and youth employment. It also fully funds a multi-million dollar safe gun storage public awareness campaign to help prevent unintentional shootings, saving many, especially children, from accidental death and gun-related injuries.

In concert with the violence prevention measures in the budget, Hirschauer recently passed a House Bill 676 which would, among other measures, keeps guns out of the hands of domestic abusers by clarifying that the respondent of the firearms restraining order is prohibited from acquiring or possessing any firearms for the duration of the order of protection and outlining the process and timeframe for firearms to be seized after the entry of the order of protection. The bill also permits intimate partners to petition for a firearms order of protection, closing what is commonly known as the “boyfriend loophole.”

“In Illinois, we can compassionately govern while still maintaining strong fiscal responsibility to create a safer, brighter future,” Hirschauer said. “Though we’ve made tremendous progress this session, our work is still ongoing, and I will always stand up for the safety and wellbeing of Illinois families.”

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 #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Passes Bill to Reduce Gun Violence, Protect Illinois Communities

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, passed a bill out of the Illinois House of Representatives Friday to further prevent gun violence and protect Illinois communities, particularly survivors of domestic abuse.

“The presence of guns can mean the difference between life and death for survivors of domestic violence and people in abusive relationships,” Hirschauer said. “When abusers have access to a gun, the risk of intimate-partner homicide increases by 500 percent, according to research from the American Journal of Public Health. Removing guns from these volatile situations is a commonsense solution that will undoubtedly save the lives of vulnerable people.”

House Bill 676 clarifies that the respondent of the firearms restraining order is prohibited from acquiring or possessing any firearms for the duration of the order of protection, and outlines the process and timeframe for firearms to be seized after the entry of the order of protection. The bill also permits intimate partners to petition for a firearms order of protection, closing what is commonly known as the “boyfriend loophole.”

The bill also includes several other provisions, including the creation of a task force to review public policy options relating to the insurance of firearms in Illinois. It also expands the First Time Weapons Offense Program for first-time, non-violent offenders charged with certain weapons offenses. This successful diversion program provides alternatives to the criminal justice system likely to reduce further crime and promote public safety.

“Gun violence is a complex public health and safety problem that necessitates comprehensive, multifaceted solutions. This bill is another step in our journey to end gun violence and make Illinois a safer place to live, work, and raise a family,” Hirschauer said. “I am grateful to my colleagues, especially the members of the Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group, for passing this bill, and I implore my colleagues in the Senate to do the same and stand up for the safety of Illinois communities once again.”

House Bill 676 awaits consideration by the Illinois Senate. For more information on Hirschauer’s legislative agenda, please visit www.ilga.gov.

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 #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Pushes Measure to Protect Nursing Home Residents

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Nursing home residents would enjoy greater protection from restraining practices and unnecessary overmedication under new legislation led by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia.

“Nursing home residents are some of our most vulnerable community members, and they deserve safe, dignified treatment in all circumstances,” Hirschauer said. “This legislation seeks to prevent harmful restraining practices and the misuse of psychotropic drugs so that nursing home residents receive helpful services free of harm or misconduct.”

Senate Bill 1497 specifies when and how positioning devices can be used to restrain someone in order to maintain the health and safety of a resident. The bill distinguishes between positioning devices and physical restraints, and allows residents to request positioning devices to assist with stability and movement. To prevent the misuse of psychotropic drugs, the bill also clarifies that psychotropic drugs are only to be used to treat a specific diagnosed and documented condition, or if clinical documentation in the resident’s medical record supports the use of the medication over the other alternatively prescribed medications. Senate Bill 1497 is an initiative of Hirschauer and state Sen. Karina Villa’s Joint Senior Advisory Committee, a group of civically-minded community members who discuss and propose legislation.

“According to the American Association of Retired Persons, Illinois is the second worst state in the misuse of psychotropic drugs in nursing homes in America. This is unacceptable,” Hirschauer said. “When we trust nursing homes with the care of our loved ones, we expect them to treat them with the safest and highest quality of care. This bill helps make that so. I encourage my colleagues in the House to pass this bill and protect nursing home residents across Illinois.”

Senate Bill 1497 now heads to the House floor for consideration. For more information on Hirschauer’s legislative agenda, please visit www.ilga.gov.

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

Hirschauer to Host Mobile Secretary of State Event

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is hosting a Mobile Secretary of State event on Friday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hanover Township Senior Center located at 240 Illinois Route 59 in Bartlett.

“Due to a variety of circumstances, many people might not be able to go to the DMV to renew their licenses or access other services,” Hirschauer said. “This event is the perfect opportunity to skip the long lines at the DMV and conveniently receive the services the Secretary of State’s office provides.”

Event attendees will be able to take advantage of basic DMV services, such as vision testing, driver’s license/state ID renewal, license plate stickers, and more. Proper identification is required for these services. No cash will be accepted. All payments must be made by check, credit card, debit card, or money order.

“Bringing useful services to our community through events like this one is one of my top priorities as your state representative,” Hirschauer said. “I will always work to make the lives of my constituents easier. I encourage anyone who needs DMV services to join us for this event.”

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Hirschauer’s district office at 331-465-9661 or 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

Hirschauer Highlighting Nearly $60 Million in Grants for Recreation Projects Throughout Illinois

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is excited to announce that the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Village of South Elgin, and Batavia Park District will be included in the $60 million state grant for parks districts and recreational departments in Illinois.

“I am excited to share that the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Village of South Elgin, and Batavia Park District will be the benefactors of this grant,” Hirschauer said. “This is an investment into the health and well-being of families in our community. Parks and recreational centers have always been a special place in our neighborhoods because they are a place where everyone can gather together to be active and present with their children and friends.”

Gov. Pritzker and the Department of Natural Resources are distributing nearly $60 million in grants for 118 local park projects throughout Illinois. These grants serve to help communities acquire land, and develop recreational opportunities for parks districts and recreational centers. Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Village of South Elgin, and Batavia Park District will all be receiving $600,000 in funding.

“This is an opportunity for our district to invest in renovations and services for members of our community,” Hirschauer said. “We must continue to fund projects that improve and expand services like pools and parks for families in our community to enjoy.”

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

Hirschauer Highlighting New Law Requiring Five Days of Paid Time Off For Employees

Posted on by Office of 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

Hirschauer Fighting to Provide Educational Support Employees with Fair and Livable Wages

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer

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