June 2026 News

español

With summer underway and students enjoying a well-deserved break, our communities are coming together for a season filled with celebrations, events, and opportunities to connect. I look forward to seeing many of you out in the community this summer.

My office is always here to help connect residents with state resources and services for families, and individuals. If you have questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

49th District News

Big Boy in West Chicago

The City of West Chicago welcomed 61,000 visitors to see Big Boy, the largest operating steam locomotive in the world, on its journey across the nation for the Union Pacific America’s 250th Anniversary Tour. Huge shout out to all the city staff who made an incredibly well-run event!

For more information regarding the event click here.

New District Office Interns

Our office has 4 amazing interns this summer! Kayla Zamora, Zoya Photowala, Megan Fox, and Lexie Horne are excited to assist in serving the residents of the 49th District.

Service and Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer with WeGo Together for kids

WeGo Together for Kids has a number of opportunities for those who want to give back to the community, including a Mobile Rx every month.

Sign up to volunteer here

Snap Listening Sessions

Join the University of Illinois for SNAP Listening sessions throughout the month of June. This is an opportunity SNAP recipients to share their perspectives and experiences.

Celebrating Grant Recipients in the 49th District

IDNR Biodiversity Field Trip Grants

The Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant program announced its grants to schools in the 49th bringing $6,270.95 back to your schools in the district! 

  • Evergreen Elementary School, West Chicago
  • West Chicago Community High School
  • Vanguard Gifted Academy, Batavia
  • Kenyon Woods Middle School, South Elgin

See the full list HERE and learn about next year’s application HERE

OSFM Small Equipment Grants

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal announced the 2026 Small Equipment Grant recipients, bringing over $76,600 back to D-49! 

See full list HERE

  • Bartlett FPD
  • West Chicago FPD 
  • Batavia Fire Dept
  • South Elgin & Countryside FPD

Illinois America 250 Public Art Projects Grant

The Illinois Arts Council in partnership with the Office of the Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois Humanities awarded grants to twenty-two public art projects throughout Illinois to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Congrats to awardee Batavia Artists Association NFP Inc., for their $15,000 grant!

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grants

IL DCEO awards a number of grants for local governments and community groups. Deadlines are fast approaching, be sure to apply today.

Apply for IL DCEO Grants here

Construction Notice: US Route 20/Lake Street Bartlett IL

Construction will begin in July on US Route 20/ Lake Street in Bartlett. From Oak Avenue to Bartlett Road, you’ll see traffic light modernization and new street lighting. This project is expected to run through October of 2027.

Upcoming Community Events

End of Session Townhall 6/30

Join Representative Hirschauer at her End of Session Town Hall on Tuesday, June 30 at 7:00 pm in the Bartlett Public Library. We hope to see you there!

Register HERE

Document Shredding 9/5

Join our office on September 5 at the West Chicago Public Library for free document shredding from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.

Mobile DMV 10/26

Rep Hirschauer is bringing the DMV to the Hanover Township Senior Center from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm on October 26. Appointments are Required- click below for more information.

Mobile DMV information



Noticias de Junio 2026

Ahora que el verano ha comenzado y los estudiantes disfrutan de un merecido descanso, nuestras comunidades se reúnen para vivir una temporada llena de celebraciones, eventos y oportunidades para conectar. Espero ver a muchos de ustedes en la comunidad durante este verano.

Mi oficina está siempre a su disposición para ayudar a conectar a los residentes con recursos y servicios estatales destinados a familias y particulares. Si tiene alguna pregunta o necesita ayuda, no dude en ponerse en contacto con nosotros.

Noticias del Distrito 49

La locomotora “Big Boy” en West Chicago

La ciudad de West Chicago recibió a 61,000 visitantes para ver la “Big Boy” —la locomotora de vapor en funcionamiento más grande del mundo— durante su recorrido nacional como parte de la gira “America’s 250th Anniversary Tour” de Union Pacific. ¡Un gran reconocimiento a todo el personal de la ciudad que hizo posible un evento tan bien organizado!

Para más información sobre el evento, haga clic aquí.

Nuevos pasantes en la oficina del distrito

¡Nuestra oficina cuenta con 4 pasantes increíbles este verano! Kayla Zamora, Zoya Photowala, Megan Fox y Lexie Horne están entusiasmadas por ayudar a servir a los residentes del Distrito 49.

Oportunidades de servicio y voluntariado

Sea voluntario con “WeGo Together for Kids”

“WeGo Together for Kids” ofrece varias oportunidades para quienes deseen retribuir a la comunidad, incluyendo un evento mensual de farmacia móvil (Mobile Rx).

Regístrese como voluntario aquí

Sesiones de escucha sobre SNAP

Acompañe a la Universidad de Illinois en las sesiones de escucha sobre SNAP durante el mes de junio. Es una oportunidad para que los beneficiarios de SNAP compartan sus perspectivas y experiencias.

Para más información sobre el evento, haga clic aquí.

Celebrando a los beneficiarios de subvenciones en el Distrito 49

Subvenciones del IDNR para excursiones sobre biodiversidad

¡El programa de subvenciones para excursiones sobre biodiversidad de Illinois (Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant) anunció fondos para escuelas del Distrito 49, destinando un total de $6,270.95 a las escuelas de nuestra zona!

Evergreen Elementary School, West Chicago

West Chicago Community High School

Vanguard Gifted Academy, Batavia

Kenyon Woods Middle School, South Elgin

Vea la lista completa AQUÍ y obtenga información sobre la solicitud para el próximo año AQUÍ.

Subvenciones del OSFM para equipos pequeños

La Oficina del Jefe de Bomberos del Estado de Illinois (OSFM) anunció los beneficiarios de las subvenciones para equipos pequeños de 2026, ¡destinando más de $76,600 al Distrito 49!

Vea la lista completa AQUÍ

Bartlett FPD (Distrito de Protección contra Incendios)

West Chicago FPD

Batavia Fire Dept (Departamento de Bomberos)

South Elgin & Countryside FPD

Subvención para proyectos de arte público “Illinois America 250”

El Consejo de las Artes de Illinois (Illinois Arts Council), en colaboración con la oficina del gobernador JB Pritzker e Illinois Humanities, otorgó subvenciones a veintidós proyectos de arte público en todo Illinois para conmemorar el 250.º aniversario de la Declaración de Independencia. ¡Felicidades a la organización Batavia Artists Association NFP Inc. por haber recibido una subvención de $15,000!

Subvenciones del Departamento de Comercio y Oportunidades Económicas de Illinois (IL DCEO)

El IL DCEO otorga diversas subvenciones a gobiernos locales y grupos comunitarios. Los plazos de solicitud vencen pronto; asegúrese de presentar su solicitud hoy mismo.

Solicite las subvenciones del IL DCEO aquí

Aviso de obras: US Route 20/Lake Street en Bartlett, IL

En julio comenzarán las obras en la US Route 20/Lake Street, en Bartlett. Entre Oak Avenue y Bartlett Road, se llevarán a cabo trabajos de modernización de semáforos e instalación de nuevo alumbrado público. Se prevé que este proyecto se extienda hasta octubre de 2027.

Próximos eventos comunitarios

Reunión pública de fin de sesión legislativa (30 de junio)

Acompañe a la representante Hirschauer en su reunión pública de fin de sesión el martes 30 de junio a las 7:00 p. m. en la Biblioteca Pública de Bartlett. ¡Esperamos verle allí!

Regístrese AQUÍ

Destrucción de documentos (5 de septiembre)

Visite nuestra oficina el 5 de septiembre en la Biblioteca Pública de West Chicago para el servicio gratuito de destrucción de documentos, de 9:00 a. m. a 12:00 p. m.

Unidad móvil del DMV (26 de octubre)

La representante Hirschauer traerá la unidad móvil del DMV al Centro para Personas Mayores de Hanover Township (Hanover Township Senior Center) el 26 de octubre, de 10:00 a. m. a 2:00 p. m. Es necesario concertar cita; haga clic a continuación para obtener más información.

Información sobre la unidad móvil del DMV

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

Veterans Advisory Committee and Roundtable

August 19 @ 11:00 am 12:00 pm CDT

The Veterans Community Advisory Committee is a place for veterans and/or their families
to share their thoughts and experiences on Illinois legislation and how it affects military veterans, their families, and communities. We look forward to seeing you to discuss the concerns you have for the veteran community and to discuss ideas on how to work toward improvements.

This event will be in-person at Hanover Township, 250 S Route 59 in Bartlett.
It is open to the public and pre-registration is appreciated but not required.
Please fill out the Registration below let us know you’re coming:

Free

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

331-465-9661

View Organizer Website

Hanover Township Town Hall – Downey Hall

250 S. Route 59
Bartlett, Illinois 60103 United States
+ Google Map
(630) 837-0301
View Venue Website
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

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.


			
Mobile Driver Services Facility

October 26 @ 10:00 am 2:00 pm CDT


Need to update your driver license or license plate sticker? Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Mobile Facility will be at Hanover Township Senior Center on October 26th from 10am-2pm.

DMV services available include:

  • Vision Screening
  • REAL ID (Appropriate documents required, see below)
  • Driver’s License (Renewal, Duplicate, Corrected)
  • State Identification Card (First Time, Renewal, Duplicate, Corrected)
  • Vehicle Registration Renewal Stickers (Registration expiring within the current year)
  • Organ & Tissue Donor/Voter Registration (Only with License or ID Application)
  • Seniors age 65 and older (no charge for state ID)
  • Seniors age 75 and older must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility to renew driver’s license

Important Notes:

  • NO CASH ACCEPTED: ILSOS accepts checks, money orders, major credit cards such as (Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover Card, Diners Club), RFID payments like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay.
  • Seniors age 75 and older must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility to renew driver’s license
    • Recent legislation that passed, if signed by the governor, will not go into effect until July 1st, 2026
  • To renew a current lllinois driver’s license or ID card, a valid driver’s license or ID card must be presented.
  • To apply for a duplicate or corrected driver’s license or ID card, two forms of identification must be presented. Acceptable forms of identification, or visit ilsos.gov.

REAL IDs

Secretary of State Mobile DMVs offer customers the option of receiving a “REAL” driver’s license/ID or a “Standard” driver’s license/ID.

The Real ID Act is an Act of Congress establishing requirements that driver licenses and identification cards issued by Illinois meet certain verification criteria of personal information when applying. While a REAL driver’s license/ID is optional, it is needed to access federal government facilities and for boarding airline flights in the United States as of May 7, 2025.

Use of a passport will substitute if an individual chooses not to have a REAL identification.

Real ID/DL Acceptable Documents (download here)
Standard ID/DL Acceptable Documents (download here)
Free

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

331-465-9661

View Organizer Website

State Senator Karina Villa

(630) 326-9319

View Organizer Website

Appointments for Mobile DMV Required

Call 331-465-9661 to schedule an appointment.

Appointments for Mobile DMV Required

Call 331-465-9661 to schedule an appointment.

Appointments for Mobile DMV Required

Call 331-465-9661 to schedule an appointment.

End of Session Town Hall

June 30 @ 7:00 pm 8:00 pm CDT

Join Representative Hirschauer for an end-of-session town hall on legislation, budget, community safety, and pressing topics of Illinois’ 49th District. Register with your topics of priority and your specific questions to ensure they are discussed that evening.

This event will be presented in person, in English, with automated captions available on Zoom in many languages. If you would like in-person interpretation to another language, please register by June 26 for accommodations. Automated translations may be inaccurate. If something seems alarming or out of context, please contact our office for clarification and we will consult an interpreter to facilitate understanding of your concerns and Rep Hirschauer’s response.

Register below. Zoom links will be sent the day of the event.


Acompañe a la Representante Hirschauer en una reunión pública a fin de sesión sobre legislación, presupuesto, seguridad comunitaria y temas urgentes del Distrito 49 de Illinois. Inscríbase con sus temas prioritarios y sus preguntas específicas para asegurarse de que se aborden esa noche.

Este evento se presentará en inglés con subtítulos automáticos disponibles en varios idiomas. Si desea interpretación en persona a otro idioma, registraste antes del 26 de junio para realizar adaptaciones. Las traducciones automáticas pueden ser inexactas. Si algo le parece alarmante o fuera de contexto, comuníquese con nuestra oficina para obtener una aclaración y consultaremos con un intérprete para facilitar la comprensión de sus inquietudes y aclarar la respuesta de la Representante Hirschauer.

Se requiere registro a continuación. Los enlaces de Zoom se enviarán el día del evento.


Free

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

331-465-9661

View Organizer Website

Hanover Township Town Hall – Downey Hall

250 S. Route 59
Bartlett, Illinois 60103 United States
+ Google Map
(630) 837-0301
View Venue Website

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

Freezing Congressionally-approved funding is not fiscal responsibility, it’s abandonment.
(excerpts from video):

I am very proud to be the representative of West Chicago, a vibrant community in western DuPage County. In West Chicago we have a saying, “West Chicago has heart; West Chicago tiene corazón.” and in West Chicago we DO have heart: the beating heart of the community is our schools.

Our schools do more than educate: They feed hungry families, they provide mental health care, they create leadership opportunities for students and parents. They help solve transportation challenges. They support families facing food and housing instability. They truly wrap their arms around the whole child and the whole family. And because of that, they have earned trust in our community.

The reason West Chicago School District 33 has been able to provide these life-changing services is they receive federal Full Service Community Schools grant dollars. And let me tell you: those dollars are stretched, maximised, and poured directly back into children and families.

Then, just days before winter break, everything changed. The rug was ripped out from West Chicago.

Effective December 31, 2025, the Donald Trump administration froze $18,500,000 ($18.5M) in Full Service Community School Grants across Illinois. And over the past year, the US Department of Education has cancelled hundreds of grants, serving schools from Metropolis to Chicago. Schools that depend on this funding to serve our most vulnerable children.

These are not items on a spreadsheet. These are children, these are our families, and these are real lives. This is not just happening in West Chicago, it is happening from Southern Illinois all the way to Northern Illinois.

Let’s be clear: feeding a hungry child is not political. Providing mental health care is not ideological. Helping a student learn English is not controversial. And offering after-school tutoring is not radical. It is compassionate. It is responsible. And it is necessary.

This is not fiscal responsibility.
This is abandonment.

We call on Congress to release every single dollar of Congressionally-approved funding for Illinois children.

We are not turning our backs on our kids here in Illinois. If Washington refuses to stand up for our families, we will stand up for ourselves. We will fight for our schools. We will fight for our communities. And we will fight for every child’s and family’s right to opportunity. That’s whaty HB5362 and HB5363 are so important: so as a state we can continue to fund the good work that Illinois’ schools are doing. Because in Illinois we do not balance our budget on the backs of families and children.

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

Mid-Session Town Hall

March 4 @ 7:00 pm 8:00 pm CST

Join Representative Hirschauer for a mid-session town hall on legislation, budget, community safety, and pressing topics of Illinois’ 49th District. Register with your topics of priority and your specific questions to ensure they are discussed that evening.

This event will be presented in person, in English, with automated captions available on Zoom in many languages. If you would like in-person interpretation to another language, please register by Feb 28 for accommodations. Automated translations may be inaccurate. If something seems alarming or out of context, please contact our office for clarification and we will consult an interpreter to facilitate understanding of your concerns and Rep Hirschauer’s response.

Register below. Zoom links will be sent the day of the event.


Acompañe a la Representante Hirschauer en una reunión pública a mitad de sesión sobre legislación, presupuesto, seguridad comunitaria y temas urgentes del Distrito 49 de Illinois. Inscríbase con sus temas prioritarios y sus preguntas específicas para asegurarse de que se aborden esa noche.

Este evento se presentará en inglés con subtítulos automáticos disponibles en varios idiomas. Si desea interpretación en persona a otro idioma, registraste antes del 28 de febrero para realizar adaptaciones. Las traducciones automáticas pueden ser inexactas. Si algo le parece alarmante o fuera de contexto, comuníquese con nuestra oficina para obtener una aclaración y consultaremos con un intérprete para facilitar la comprensión de sus inquietudes y aclarar la respuesta de la Representante Hirschauer.

Se requiere registro a continuación. Los enlaces de Zoom se enviarán el día del evento.


Free

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

331-465-9661

View Organizer Website

Hanover Township Town Hall – Downey Hall

250 S. Route 59
Bartlett, Illinois 60103 United States
+ Google Map
(630) 837-0301
View Venue Website

There is only a single, consolidated Dial-a-Ride program in Kane County

The Ride in Kane program, the local Dial-a-Ride service that provides curb-to-curb transportation to seniors and people with disabilities living in Kane County, has transitioned to a new, countywide coordinated ride model.

This change makes it easier for riders to register, schedule trips, and access public transportation for all eligible residents across Kane County.

See the Ride in Kane webpage, Dial-a-Ride Services: Kane County webpage or call the Ride in Kane information line at 630-762-2600 for further information or to request service.

Solo habra un servicio de Transporte a domicilio de Kane County, un cambio local a nivel de Condado.

El programa Ride in Kane, el servicio local de transporte a domicilio que ofrece transporte de puerta a puerta a personas mayores y personas con discapacidad que viven en el condado de Kane, ha adoptado un nuevo modelo de transporte coordinado a nivel de condado.

Este cambio facilita el registro, la programación de viajes y el acceso al transporte público para todos los residentes elegibles del condado de Kane.

Consulte la página web de Ride in Kane, Servicios de Transporte a Domicilio: Condado de Kane, o llame a la línea de información de Ride in Kane al 630-762-2600 para obtener más información o solicitar el servicio.

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