Category: News

Pre-construction notice for US Route 20/Lake Street

Posted on by Intern Rep Hirschauer
Pre-construction notice for US Route 20/Lake Street

Spanish

Construction will begin this July on US Route 20 (Lake Street) running through Bartlett. The range of this construction will begin at the intersection of Lake Street and Oak Avenue and run through the intersection of Lake Street and Bartlett Road. This project will modernize the traffic lights and install new street lighting. Traffic delays are expected and it is highly recommended that drivers follow all posted signage to ensure road safety. This project is currently expected to wrap up in October of 2027.

Location & Description of Project:

(3,935-Ft) Traffic Signal Modernization and lighting installation project consists of earth excavation, pavement removal, sidewalk removal, driveway removal, (HMA) surface removal, curb and gutter removal, pavement patching, intallation of aggregate and (HMA) shoulders, widening with (HMA) base course, resurfacing with polymerized (HMA) binder and polymerized (HMA) surface courses, structure adjustments, installation of storm sewer, drainage structures, sidewalk, shared-use path, driveways, lighting, and signing, traffic signal modernization, placement of thermoplastic pavement markings. The project is located on US 20 (Lake Street) at Oak Avenue and Bartlett Road within the Villages of Bartlett and Streamwood in Cook County.

Aviso previo a la construcción para la Ruta estadounidense 20/Lake Street

En julio comenzarán las obras de construcción en la Ruta estadounidense 20 (Lake Street) a su paso por Bartlett. El tramo de la obra abarcará desde la intersección de Lake Street y Oak Avenue hasta la intersección de Lake Street y Bartlett Road. El proyecto contempla la modernización de los semáforos y la instalación de nuevo alumbrado público. Se prevén retrasos en el tráfico, por lo que se recomienda encarecidamente a los conductores seguir toda la señalización instalada para garantizar la seguridad vial. Actualmente, se estima que el proyecto finalizará en octubre de 2027.

Ubicación y descripción del proyecto:

El proyecto de modernización de semáforos e instalación de alumbrado (en un tramo de 3.935 pies) comprende: excavación de tierras; retirada de pavimento, aceras, entradas de vehículos, superficie de mezcla asfáltica en caliente (HMA), bordillos y cunetas; reparación de parches en el pavimento; instalación de arcenes de agregados y HMA; ampliación con capa base de HMA; repavimentación con capas de ligante y superficie de HMA polimerizada; ajustes de estructuras; instalación de alcantarillado pluvial, estructuras de drenaje, aceras, senderos de uso compartido, entradas de vehículos, alumbrado y señalización; modernización de semáforos; y colocación de marcas viales termoplasticas. El proyecto se ubica en la carretera US 20 (Lake Street), en las intersecciones con Oak Avenue y Bartlett Road, dentro de las localidades de Bartlett y Streamwood, en el condado de Cook.

Pre-construction Notice for Barrington Road

Posted on by Intern Rep Hirschauer
Pre-construction Notice for Barrington Road

Spanish

Construction will begin this July on Barrington Road in the municipalities of Hoffman Estates and South Barrington. This two mile stretch of construction will widen and reconstruct the road starting from the intersection of Barrington Rd and Central Rd and ending at the intersection of Barrington Rd and IL Route 62. Daily lane closures and delays are expected and it is recommended that all posted signage be followed in order to ensure drivers safety. At this time, this construction is expected to end in late 2028.

Aviso previo a la contrucción en Barrington Road

Las obras de construcción comenzarán este mes de julio en Barrington Road, dentro de los municipios de Hoffman Estates y South Barrington. Este proyecto, que abarca un tramo de dos millas, consistirá en la ampliación y reconstucción de la vía, comenzando en la intersección de Barrington Road y Central Road y finalizando en la intersección de Barrington Road y la Ruta 62 de Illinois (IL Rout 62). Se prevén cierres de carriles y retrasos diarios, por lo que se recomienda seguir toda la señalización instalada para garantizar la seguridad de los conductores. Actualmente, se estima que las obras concluirán a finales de 2028.


			

	





	

		


			
Hirschauer Reflects on Session Work Addressing Affordability, Advocacy and Consumer Protection
	

				

			Posted on  by Intern Rep Hirschauer		

			

	

					Hirschauer Reflects on Session Work Addressing Affordability, Advocacy and Consumer Protection				

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As the spring legislative session concluded Monday, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, highlighted her work to address the affordability crisis, increase consumer protections, and support vulnerable communities with a responsible and compassionate state budget.





“As a working mom, I’m at the grocery store every other day. I know that affordability is top of mind for all Illinoisans because I feel it, too,” said Rep. Hirschauer. “Hard working people should not live paycheck-to-paycheck, and we need to focus on bringing down the cost of everyday necessities.”





Some highlights of Hirschauer’s affordability agenda include:





    

  • Creating new protections against artificial intelligence (AI) schemes that use personal data to unfairly raise prices (House Bill 4248);
    • 




  • Freezing the state gas tax and instituting a sales tax holiday (Senate Bill 3019),
    • 




  • Making groceries and everyday purchases more affordable by giving everyone access to deals offered by digital coupons, so that the price people see is the price they pay (House Bill 45);
    • 




  • Delivering transparency requirements to crack down on hidden junk fees (House Bill 228);
    • 




  • Making everyday purchases more accessible by requiring retail establishments to accept cash payments for purchases under $500 (House Bill 4592); and
    • 




  • Protecting property owners from equity theft by ensuring no Illinois resident loses the equity in their home due to old taxes (House Bill 4537).
    • 






Hirschauer also backed a human-centered budget plan Monday that increases investment in schools, ensures no new taxes on working people, fully funds afterschool programs and pushes state agencies to realize an additional $65 million in reductions to government operations, reducing administrative costs to fully fund services that communities so desperately need right now.





“We cannot balance our budget on the backs of everyday people,” said Hirschauer. “That’s why I continue pushing for responsible revenue options that ask the wealthiest corporations to finally pay their fair share instead of forcing cuts onto our families. Our communities deserve leaders who are willing to protect critical services, stand up to corporate greed and fight for a government that actually reflects the people it serves.”





This session Hirschauer continued to fight for commonsense gun safety passing a bipartisan measure to expand access for FOID mental health exams in Senate Bill 3229. She also remained dedicated to advocating for our local schools and academic programs by leading House Bill 4791, which invests in critical early childhood workforce by allowing Head Start and Early Head Start programs to participate in the Smart Child Care Workforce Compensation Program. 





“Keeping our communities safe, expanding access to critical supports, and investing in our children will continue to be my focus. Our children are the future, and we must provide them an opportunity to grow in an environment that has all the resources they need,” said Hirschauer. “There’s more work ahead, let’s continue to build a stronger Illinois that offers greater opportunity for every child.”









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





			

	





	

		


			
Gong-Gershowitz-Led AI Working Group Discusses Consumer Protection, Responsible Innovation
	

				

			Posted on  by Office of Maura Hirschauer		

			

	

					Gong-Gershowitz-Led AI Working Group Discusses Consumer Protection, Responsible Innovation				

CHICAGO – The House Democratic AI Working Group, chaired by state Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview, held a subject matter hearing on Monday, May 4, to discuss efforts to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) in order to protect consumers and safeguard elections in Illinois.





“These discussions are about protecting consumers and ensuring fairness in our state’s liability statutes,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “AI-powered technologies are no longer simply an emerging technology, they’re impacting almost every aspect of our lives right now.”





Four bills were discussed during the hearing, all pertaining to AI regulation and consumer protection.





Gong-Gershowitz’s House Bill 4557 would create the Digital Forgeries in Politics Act, which places new disclosure requirements on the use of digital manipulation in images, video and audio in political advertising. 





“When voters can no longer trust what they see and hear, democracy itself is at risk,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “AI-generated deepfakes of political candidates and elected officials are not a distant threat — they are already being weaponized to deceive the public, suppress participation and undermine elections. HB4557 draws a clear line: if you use artificial intelligence to fabricate the words or likeness of a political figure to deceive voters, there will be consequences. Illinoisans deserve to make their voices heard based on facts.”





House Bill 5044, also by Gong-Gershowitz, would create the Chatbot Provider Liability Act, defining chatbots as products and establishing that providers have a duty to ensure that the use of a chatbot does not cause injury to a user.





“We have always held manufacturers accountable when their products cause serious harm — and an AI chatbot is a product,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “When companies deploy these systems knowing they have the potential to deceive, manipulate or injure the people who interact with them, they should be held to exactly the same standard we apply to any other dangerous product under Illinois law,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “This legislation closes a loophole that Big Tech has been counting on. If your chatbot causes real harm, you bear real responsibility — full stop.”





State Rep. Daniel Didech’s House Bill 4705 would create the Artificial Intelligence Public Safety and Child Protection Transparency Act, requiring frontier AI developers and large chatbot providers to create a public safety and child protection plan.





“The pace of AI development and the capabilities of frontier models are accelerating, and the General Assembly has an obligation to ensure that Illinois residents are protected from catastrophic outcomes,” Didech said. “This legislation puts enforceable guardrails in place so Big Tech companies must prioritize safety, be transparent about the risks tied to their systems and take responsibility for preventing serious harm, especially when it comes to protecting children.”





State Rep. Maura Hirschauer’s House Bill 5756, would create the Algorithmic Pricing Transparency Act, requiring online retailers to disclose their use of “surveillance pricing”—a growing phenomena that uses artificial intelligence-powered tools to charge higher prices for certain customers based on a user’s personal data.





“House Bill 5756 prioritizes transparency and fairness,” Hirschauer said. “This legislation makes clear that pricing powered by personal data cannot happen in the shadows. By requiring disclosure, banning the use of sensitive information, and guaranteeing an opt-out, we are putting fairness and accountability back into the marketplace.”





The House Democratic AI Working Group was established by Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch earlier this year in order to launch a multifaceted approach to AI policy in Illinois.









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 Passes Bill Empowering Young Voters, Inspired by Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.
	

				

			Posted on  by Office of Maura Hirschauer		

			

	

					Hirschauer Passes Bill Empowering Young Voters, Inspired by Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.				

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, helped pass a bill encouraging and expanding access to youth civic engagement. It requires high schools to provide voter registration opportunities and information and is inspired by the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. 





“The future of our democracy depends on the voice of our young voters, that’s why it’s important that schools provide the opportunity for them to register to vote,” said Hirschauer. “Empowering young voters to become essential members of their communities by providing them with information on how they can register and why it matters is crucial to send them towards the path of adulthood.”





House Bill 4339, also known as the Jesse Jackson Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Act, ensures that all public high schools offer students of voting age the opportunity to register to vote. This opportunity will take place during the school day in an accessible and nonpartisan environment. Registering to vote can be complicated, especially for first-time voters. This bill will give high schoolers a safe space to learn, ask questions, and take steps towards civic engagement.





Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. famously said, “On that graduation day or night, we must put a diploma in one hand symbolizing knowledge and wisdom, and put a voter registration card in that other hand symbolizing power and responsibility.” This bill honors Rev. Jackson, Sr. and his dedication to equal rights and public service.





“Every U.S. citizen has the fundamental right to vote and participate in our democracy. Voters have the power and responsibility to vote for someone who represents their morals, values, and community needs. That’s why it is important for young voters to be taught, and given, those fundamentals before graduating from high school,” said Hirschauer.





House Bill 4339 passed the House and now heads to the Senate for consideration.









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 Bill Targets Tracking Data, Protecting Consumers From Price Increases
	

				

			Posted on  by Office of Maura Hirschauer		

			

	

					Hirschauer Bill Targets Tracking Data, Protecting Consumers From Price Increases				












SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A new bill led by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, would require online retailers to disclose their use of “surveillance pricing”—a growing phenomena that uses artificial intelligence-powered tools to charge higher prices for certain customers based on prior browsing history and demographic information inferred by a consumer’s digital footprint.


“HB 4248 is about drawing a clear line: no more secret pricing games. If companies are using your personal data to charge you more, you have a right to know—and a right to say no. This bill forces transparency, bans the use of deeply personal characteristics, and cracks down on deceptive tactics designed to trick consumers. It protects real choice, real fairness, and real accountability. HB 4248 makes it clear: in Illinois, consumers come first.”


With the growing consumer preference for mobile shopping, retailers are increasingly collecting data from online shoppers. Hirschauer is sponsoring House Bill 4248 which would create standards for businesses utilizing surveillance pricing. The measure would require online businesses to provide a clear disclosure when they are using the consumer’s personal information or search history to dictate the cost of a good or service. The bill would further allow consumers to opt-out and pay a baseline price. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of sensitive personal information, like race, religion and immigration status, to determine pricing.


House Bill 4248 is now on second reading and awaits a vote on the House floor.


























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















			

	





	

		


			
Hirschauer Introduces Bill That Would Create the Natural Resources Restoration Trust Grant Program
	

				

			Posted on  by Office of Maura Hirschauer		

			

	

					Hirschauer Introduces Bill That Would Create the Natural Resources Restoration Trust Grant Program				














SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Representative Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, introduced legislation that would establish a grant program for the restoration or replacement of natural resources that have been damaged resulting from court settlements due to hazardous waste release, pollution events or long-term industrial contamination.


“As the federal government continues to cut down protections and funding for our natural resources, major corporations have taken the opportunity to disregard the health of our natural environment,” said Hirschauer. “This grant program would allow local government, environmental organizations and recognized tribes to help continue to restore and protect our wetlands, waterways, forest preserves and agricultural lands.”


Hirschauer is sponsoring House Bill 4566, which would create the Natural Resources Restoration Trust Grant Program. The grant program would be administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The grant would not be awarded to applicants that are responsible for the damage of natural resources. 


Eligible applicants include:


    

  • Units of local government
    • 

  • Soil and water conservation districts
    • 

  • Area-wide agencies, including counties regional planning agencies, or both
    • 

  • Nonprofit organizations
    • 

  • Public or private institutes of higher education
    • 

  • Port authorities
    • 

  • Federally recognized tribes. 
    • 



“The health of our environment directly affects our health, that’s why it is important that we, in the state of Illinois, provide grants to local organizations to help our natural environments thrive,” said Hirschauer. “A healthy natural environment means a healthier life.”


House Bill 4566 is out of committee and awaits further process.


























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















			

	





	

		


			
Hirschauer To Host Know Your Rights Town Hall March 10
	

				

			Posted on  by Office of Maura Hirschauer		

			

	

					Hirschauer To Host Know Your Rights Town Hall March 10				














WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, is inviting residents to attend a virtual Know Your Rights Town Hall in partnership with State Representative Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on Tuesday, March 10 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.


The Know Your Rights Town Hall will focus on topics such as first amendment rights, civil rights overview, governor’s accountability commission information, best practices for engaging with law enforcement, discretionary decertification process and new complaint portal for Illinois law enforcement training and standards board. Constituents must RSVP in advance to receive the link to the meeting on March 10 at: https://forms.gle/QMXuX7R7Y2V1U5Cj8.


“Now more than ever, it’s important to provide our communities with resources to protect their constitutional rights from unlawful federal government actions,” said Hirschauer. “We need to empower our communities to speak up and protect their rights, and through this town hall, we are providing them with crucial knowledge and power.”


The Know Your Rights Town Hall will be held virtually. Community members interested in attending must RSVP prior to the event. 


For more information, please contact Rep. Moeller’s district office at (847) 841-7130 or email at staterepmoeller@gmail.com. 








WHO




State Representative Maura Hirschauer










WHAT




Know Your Rights Town Hall








WHEN




Tuesday, March 10, 2026
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.








WHERE




Virtual






 


Attendees must RSVP in advance. 


RSVP: https://forms.gle/QMXuX7R7Y2V1U5Cj8  
































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















			

	





	

		


			
Hirschauer Focusing on Budget that Invests in Affordable Future for Illinois Families
	

				

			Posted on  by Office of Maura Hirschauer		

			

	

					Hirschauer Focusing on Budget that Invests in Affordable Future for Illinois Families				

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Representative Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, responded to the governor’s annual budget address on Wednesday, releasing a statement to establish her commitment to a state budget focused on families’ budgets.









“Since the federal administration has taken office, they have overwhelmed working-class families by increasing taxes, disinvesting in affordable healthcare, freezing funds for educational programs and cutting investments for childcare services. While we can’t reverse Washington’s failed policies or extreme cuts, we can take charge of what we can control.





“For the next couple of months, my colleagues and I will negotiate a compassionate and responsible state budget that invests in an affordable future for all Illinoisans. Our priorities will focus on bringing costs down for families to help them make ends meet. 





“I personally will focus on funding the Child Tax Credit, expanding Child Care Assistance, investing and funding education at every level and directing funding to food security resources for at-risk communities. 





“I will continue to work here in Springfield to make sure our future continues to be bright and strong for our constituents. I look forward to negotiating a compassionate budget worthy of our community.”






















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 Bill Aims to Establish POW/MIA Recognition  Day Proclamation
	

				

			Posted on  by Office of Maura Hirschauer		

			

	

					Hirschauer Bill Aims to Establish POW/MIA Recognition  Day Proclamation				

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, is working to honor service members who never returned home with new legislation creating an annual proclamation for Prisoners of War (POW) and those declared as Missing in Action (MIA) during their service to the United States.





“Our communities thrive because others answered the call to serve. We remember with deepest gratitude those who never returned, the missing and the captured, whose sacrifice remains unfinished in our hearts,” said Hirschauer. “It is especially important to the family members of those missing and captured that we keep the memories of their loved ones alive through an annual recognition day.”





Hirschauer’s House Bill 4309 commemorates the third Friday of September each year with a POW/MIA Recognition Day Proclamation. This official proclamation will call the public to reflect on the sacrifices made by United States armed forces, especially those who were held as prisoners in foreign countries or who have been designated as missing in action during war or hostile times. The bill also recognizes the resolve of family and friends who continue to seek the fullest possible accounting for missing loved ones.





“More than 80,000 service members remain unaccounted for from the United States with over 4,000 of those soldiers from Illinois. That’s why, it is crucial that as a state, we make sure our communities don’t forget our service members who answered our country’s call to action and were never able to come back home, said Hirschauer. “Their lives and sacrifices need to be honored and remembered in our history.”









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