Category: News

Illinois House Democratic Women’s Caucus Elects
Leadership for 103rd General Assembly

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Illinois House Democratic Women’s Caucus ElectsLeadership for 103rd General Assembly

Originally published at IllinoisHouseDems.com

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois House Democratic Women’s Caucus (IHDWC) recently
elected their leadership team for the 103rd General Assembly. They are:

  • State Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, D-Downers Grove, Chair
  • State Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Champaign, Vice Chair
  • State Rep. Dagmara Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, Secretary
  • State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, Treasurer

“I am honored by the trust my colleagues have placed in me,” Stava-Murray said. “Crafting
policy to promote the interests of women statewide, especially in the post-Dobbs age, is an
important responsibility, and one that will impact the lives of half our state’s population. The
intrinsic set of issues that women face in our society present unique obstacles for advocates and
policymakers to overcome. I welcome the challenge, and I am eager to get started.”

“I am honored to be joining the leadership of the Women’s Caucus and bringing my experience
and perspective to the fights ahead of us,” Ammons said. “Women have always played a critical
role in the fight for equality, justice and a better future for women, minorities and all those who
find their lives wrought by injustice. I am excited to work with my colleagues and the rest of the
caucus in advancing legislation that will lift up women across Illinois.”

“Illinois women, and women of color in particular, face unique challenges that necessitate
collaborative and creative policy solutions,” Avelar said. “As the secretary of the Women’s
Caucus, I am ready to listen to and learn from my sisters-in-service so that we can formulate
legislation that uplifts women across the state. Our diversity is our greatest strength, and I will
work tirelessly to make sure the work of the Women’s Caucus reflects as such.”

“Through my work as a community activist and as a state representative, I know first-hand what
a tremendous impact women leaders have on their communities and the state of Illinois as a
whole,” Hirschauer said. “As a member of the IHDWC leadership team, I am deeply committed
to continuing that legacy so that women of all backgrounds have equal opportunities to grow and
thrive.”

The IHDWC works to promote the leadership of women elected to the Illinois House of
Representatives and to craft inclusive policy outcomes for the state. The caucus is working to
address systemic challenges for women, and to provide resources to elevate the role of women in
public service.

Hirschauer to Prioritize Gun Violence Prevention, Working Families in Second Term

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer to Prioritize Gun Violence Prevention, Working Families in Second Term

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — After taking the oath of office for the 103rd General Assembly, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement: “I am incredibly thankful that my neighbors have once again entrusted me to represent their needs and interests in Springfield.

This is a responsibility that I do not take lightly, and I promise to continue serving with the honor and integrity our community deserves.

“As your state representative, my highest priority is to support working families and children across Illinois. This includes continuing our efforts to further reduce gun violence, strengthen our public education system, increase access to affordable health care, and improve affordability for working families. Though we have made tremendous progress on many of these fronts, our fight is far from over. I am confident that with continued collaboration and compromise among legislators on both sides of the aisle, Illinois’ future is as bright as ever.”

Hirschauer Sends Assault Weapons Ban to Governor

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Sends Assault Weapons Ban to Governor

UPDATE: Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Banning Assault Weapons and Sale of High-Capacity Magazines

 

Original release, Jan 6, 2023
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — After months of negotiation and advocacy, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, helped pass the Protect Illinois Communities Act Tuesday. The bill now heads to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk for signature.

“Gun violence touches all corners of our state, from urban centers to rural towns and everywhere in between. For far too long, we’ve let these weapons of war roam our streets and enact unspeakable violence against innocent people,” Hirschauer said. “Today, the Illinois General Assembly said no more. No more senseless violence. No more assault weapons. Though this ban cannot bring back those whose lives were lost to gun violence, the bill we passed today will undoubtedly save many lives and prevent unspeakable tragedy for generations to come,”

The Protect Illinois Communities Act is the culmination of months of negotiation among advocates, survivor groups, the Senate and the Governor. The proposal will ban the sale of weapons such as assault rifles, high-capacity magazines, and rapid-fire modifications that make semiautomatic weapons function like automatic weapons. The bill also creates a state police anti-trafficking unit to collaborate with federal law enforcement agencies to combat the flow of illegal guns across state lines, and expands and strengthens Illinois’ red flag law.

“I am immensely proud of my colleagues in both chambers for standing up for the safety and wellbeing of Illinois families and communities,” Hirschauer said. “But today’s action will not and can not be the end of our work to prevent gun violence. We have a long road to go to keep guns off our streets and protect those we hold dear. Today we celebrate. Tomorrow, we get back to work.”

For more information on Hirschauer’s legislative agenda, please visit www.ilga.gov.

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer-Backed Assault Weapons Ban Passes House

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer-Backed Assault Weapons Ban Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A comprehensive proposal sponsored by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, to prohibit the sale of assault weapons, among other gun safety regulations, was passed by the Illinois House of Representatives Thursday.

“Losing a loved one to gun violence is an unthinkable reality that far too many Illinoisans must grapple with each day. We grieve for the children and family members lost too soon, for the survivors whose scars are both mental and physical,” Hirschauer said. “By passing the Protect Illinois Communities Act, we will prevent many of these horrific tragedies by removing weapons of war from our streets and keeping guns out of the wrong  hands. Today’s vote will both improve the safety of our communities while also honoring the lives lost to and changed by gun violence.”

The Protect Illinois Communities Act prohibits the sale of assault weapons, extended ammunition magazines and rapid-fire modifications. The bill also creates a state police anti-trafficking unit to collaborate with federal law enforcement agencies to reduce and prevent the flow of illegal guns over state lines. Finally, the legislation also strengthens Illinois’ red flag law to keep guns out of the hands of those who are a danger to themselves or others.

“Gun violence is a complex public health and safety crisis that deserves holistic, multifaceted policy solutions. Though today’s action will undoubtedly save lives and lead to safer communities, we must continue to take meaningful action to end gun violence across Illinois,” Hirschauer said. “I wholeheartedly urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass the Protect Illinois Communities Act and help lead us toward a safer Illinois. Our families, our children and our lives depend on it.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer Sends Assault Weapons Ban to Governor

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Defends Reproductive Health Rights

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Defends Reproductive Health Rights

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Upon the passage of the Patient and Provider Protection Act by the Illinois House of Representatives, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, released the following statement:

“Illinois is a state where everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, is welcome to access the health care they need to live as their truest selves. Today, the Illinois House of Representatives reaffirmed that truth by passing the Patient and Provider Protection Act. Among other provisions, this legislation strengthens and expands reproductive freedoms and access to reproductive and gender-affirming health care.

“Abortion, contraception, PrEP and PEP medication and gender-affirming care are all forms of healthcare — often life-changing and lifesaving health care. By expanding access to these resources, vulnerable Illinoisans will receive the care they need to live happy and healthy lives. I urge the Senate to take up this bill to positively benefit all Illinoisans and help our state maintain its stature as a leader in reproductive freedoms and inclusive health care.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer Sends Assault Weapons Ban to Governor

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Fights for Assault Weapons Ban, Gun Safety

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Fights for Assault Weapons Ban, Gun Safety

CHICAGO, Ill. — As a long-time advocate for gun safety reform, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, participated in a hearing of the proposed assault weapons ban by the Judiciary – Criminal committee.

“Gun violence is a complex issue, and we cannot properly address it without hearing the input and experiences of survivors, the families of victims, health care professionals, and other stakeholders,” Hirschauer said. “Today we heard the stories of so many brave individuals who have lived through unspeakable tragedy. Their courage and honesty cannot be understated and will continually inspire my work to reduce gun violence and pass a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines.”

Hirschauer is a chief co-sponsor of House Bill 5855, also known as the Protect Illinois Communities Act. The proposal would ban assault weapons, large capacity magazines, and rapid-fire devices, strengthen firearm restraining order laws and hold gun manufacturers accountable for marketing firearms products using deceptive marketing tactics. The committee also passed House Joint Resolution 97, which mourns the lives lost in the Fourth of July shooting in Highland Park.

“Illinoisans have experienced too much gun violence, with impacts that go beyond the devastating loss of life or physical injury. Lingering trauma, from Chicago to East St. Louis to Aurora, destroys us from within. To force our constituents to endure these effects is negligent and reprehensible,” said Hirschauer. “Now is the time for Illinois’ leaders to set aside their differences and take concrete action to ban assault weapons and reduce the plague of gun violence that has been ravaging our communities.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer Sends Assault Weapons Ban to Governor

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Supports Plan to Eliminate Pandemic Unemployment Debt

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Supports Plan to Eliminate Pandemic Unemployment Debt

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

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

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

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

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

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer Sends Assault Weapons Ban to Governor

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

Illinois Democrats say potential assault weapon ban will keep communities safe

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Illinois Democrats say potential assault weapon ban will keep communities safe

from WGEM

Maura was recently interviewed on HB5855, which includes an assault weapons ban similar to her bill introduced earlier this year. It includes some changes as well as other provisions to help keep communities safer.

View on WGEM.com


(Other ads, links, and articles on the below embedded content are from WGEM site and not affiliated with Representative Hirschauer or her office.)

Illinois lawmakers have a moral obligation to pass gun safety bill

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Illinois lawmakers have a moral obligation to pass gun safety bill

The Protect Illinois Communities Act Is a logical, necessary step to reduce the harm from assault weapons and large capacity magazines. We owe it to all whose lives have been irreversibly touched by gun violence.

Op-Ed By  State Rep. Maura Hirschauer (Click here to read in the Chicago Sun Times)

Before I was a state representative, I was a volunteer and community leader with Moms Demand Action. My work with that organization informs my daily commitment to making sure that no parent drops their children off at school and fears they might not see them alive again, and that no person looks for active shooters in the grocery aisle, church pew or parade route.

When I took office, I promised to honor the lives lost and changed by gun violence with action — the action that drove me to run for office in the first place. It is why I filed HB5522 back in January. After the mass shooting in Highland Park, I recommitted myself to banning assault-style weapons and large capacity magazines.

I am proud to co-sponsor the new gun reform package that will keep Illinois on the path to leading the nation in gun safety. The Protect Illinois Communities Act Is a logical, necessary step to reduce the harm caused by gun violence. Now more than ever, we must see change. We owe it to all whose lives have been irreversibly touched by gun violence.

More than 110 Americans are killed by guns each day, and the wide availability of high-capacity assault weapons extends this danger beyond reason. I respect the right of Illinoisans to bear arms and protect their families, but no one needs to wield a weapon capable of firing 30 bullets in 10 seconds to feel secure in their home. There is no reason for assault weapons, whose sole purpose is to kill efficiently and effectively, to be available in Illinois. Yet these weapons of war have made their way onto our streets and into our schools, grocery stores, workplaces and community celebrations. 

Another sad truth is that young people ages 18 to 20 commit gun homicides at three times the rate of those over 21. Far too often, young people suffering from mental illness are able to access weapons that turn their darkest thoughts into a nightmarish reality. Putting killing machines into their hands is reckless endangerment.

Children and teens are actively targeted in the marketing of firearms, despite the gun industry’s clear knowledge of the risk factors of gun ownership by young people. Guns are not toys or video game controllers. It is irresponsible to treat them as such. We must close the loophole that allows young people to obtain firearms before they understand the gravity and potential consequences of that decision. 

Although Illinois’ current laws continue to be weakened by those in neighboring states that refuse to take action for gun safety, we aren’t helpless to fight back. We can reduce the flow of incoming illegal weapons by empowering the Illinois State Police to work with federal and local officials to trace illegal guns and hold straw purchasers accountable. Giving law enforcement the tools and technology to track illegal crime guns while simultaneously strengthening the laws on our books is essential to keep guns out of the wrong hands. 

The ripple effect of gun violence can be felt all across Illinois, from Chicago to Highland Park to Aurora to East St. Louis. The trauma from gun violence is disproportionately felt by Black Illinoisans, who are 32 times more likely than white Illinoisans to die by gun homicide. Guns are the leading cause of death of Illinois children ages 1-17 years old. Throughout the pandemic, Illinois led the country in gun sales, and today there are more guns in Illinois households than ever before, leaving our children at risk. We cannot ignore the fact that the rise in gun violence is related to easy access to firearms.

Children are being killed and families torn apart while lawmakers allow their hands to be tied by the gun lobby. The outsized influence of the NRA has endangered us all for far too long, and it is high time we stood up to their bullying. If legislators have the courage to stand up to the NRA and ban weapons of war from our streets, we can move closer to making Illinois a state where no one has to live in fear of being gunned down in their community.

This goes far beyond partisan politics. We have a moral obligation to fight for this change. 

We’ve reached a flashpoint, beyond which to do nothing is to be complicit in avoidable and unacceptable tragedy. Enough is enough. We must pass the Protect Illinois Communities Act.

Rep. Hirschauer Backs Assault Weapons Ban

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Rep. Hirschauer Backs Assault Weapons Ban

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — In the wake of the hundreds of mass shootings suffered by the United States this year alone, including the Highland Park Fourth of July shooting, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is sponsoring a gun safety measure that includes a statewide ban on assault weapons.

“Far too many communities in our country and in Illinois suffer from the effects of gun violence. They grieve for children lost too soon, teachers who take bullets for their students, and survivors who feel guilty for living through unspeakable tragedy,” Hirschauer said. “No one should have to endure such pain. It is for that reason that I proudly support an assault weapons ban. By strengthening our gun safety laws and limiting access to deadly weapons, we both honor the lives of those lost to gun violence and protect our families and communities.”

House Bill 5855 bans assault weapons, large capacity magazines, and rapid-fire devices that help weapons function like fully automatic guns. The bill would also prevent individuals under age 21, with the exception of active members of the military and Illinois National Guard, from owning a firearm. Among other functions, the legislation strengthens firearm restraining order laws and holds gun manufacturers accountable for marketing firearms products using deceptive marketing tactics.

“As a state representative, my top priority is to protect and advocate for the safety of children and families within our community. Every day assault weapons roam our streets is a day we cannot guarantee the wellbeing of those we hold dear,” Hirschauer said. “This assault weapons ban will undoubtedly save many innocent lives and protect communities across the state. I urge my colleagues to stand behind this historic proposal and help protect the people of Illinois.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer Sends Assault Weapons Ban to Governor

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185