Tag: education

Freezing Congressionally-approved funding is not fiscal responsibility, it’s abandonment.

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
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

Hirschauer and Legislators Across the Country Urge the Restoration of Already-Budgeted Child Care Funding

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer and Legislators Across the Country Urge the Restoration of Already-Budgeted Child Care Funding

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, is one of over 200 lawmakers from all 50 states to sign a comprehensive letter organized by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX), the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), and the Child Care for Every Family Network urging the federal government to restore childcare funding.

“It’s simply unacceptable that families nationwide are now in a position where their child’s future is jeopardized by the federal government, who has inhumanely made it their mission to remove the most basic of support systems for children and their families—especially children who live with disability, chronic illness, or are facing traumatic conditions such as poverty—by no fault of their own,” said Hirschauer. “It’s terrifying to see the safety nets parents and children count on daily unravel right before our eyes.”

In January, the Trump administration announced its intention to cut childcare funding in five states, including Illinois. The funding freeze will affect over 100,000 Illinois families, more than 152,000 children, and 275 organizations statewide. Additionally, the federal government’s “Defend the Spend” policy is targeting social services and childcare programs by forcing agencies to provide excessive and unnecessary documents before receiving any kind of funding, causing nationwide delays.

Hirschauer serves as vice-chairman for the House Child Care Accessibility & Early Childhood Education and has been integral to passing progressive measures that protect and support young families, children, and education access. Recently, Hirschauer passed House Resolution 621, calling for the immediate release of the $10 billion in child care funds frozen across democratic-majority states, including over $1 billion to Illinois families and children facing poverty, chronic illness or disability.

“Child care costs remain the biggest bill for families across the state—no matter their income or situation. As a mother myself, I’ve seen firsthand how working parents pay more for day care than they do for health insurance—even housing in some cases. I’m proud to stand alongside over 200 lawmakers to call out this grotesque move that directly harms our nation’s children. They deserve to grow up in a country that supports them, not one that sweeps the most vulnerable of lives under the rug.”

The collaborative letter can be read here.

Child care costs remain the biggest bill for families across the state—no matter their income or situation. As a mother myself, I’ve seen firsthand how working parents pay more for day care than they do for health insurance—even housing in some cases.

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

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

Bartlett Public Library District

800 S. Bartlett Road
Bartlett, Illinois United States
60103
View Venue Website

“Do not turn away.”

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
“Do not turn away.”

That’s what I tell people who pass through our community of West Chicago on Route 59 or Route 38 on their way to other places. Take a detour, and explore our historic community that was built up and around the railroads, and by immigrants from all over the globe. Wander through our downtown, grab a strong coffee from our local coffee shop, enjoy homemade gorditas and deliciously soft concha.

West Chicago is normally a quiet town, but if you look closer you will now see unmarked SUVs, trucks and vans with tinted windows patrolling our tree lined streets, circling neighborhood schools, spreading fear with every turn. Do not turn away. These are ICE agents, and they are here simply because West Chicago is a largely Latino community. They are not armed with judicial criminal warrants; they are armed with guns and pepper spray. These agents are not protecting our community from criminals; they are abducting fathers on their way home from school drop-off, aunts and uncles leaving a shift at a local factory, college students attending early morning classes.

Do not turn away—pay attention to the cries of our neighbors. They have been living peacefully, working hard, paying taxes, raising their families, going to church. The vast majority of people here are citizens, while others dream of a path. Everyone in West Chicago now feels as if their world has turned upside down. They are terrified of leaving their house and never seeing their children again. They are not criminals—they are your neighbors and ICE is holding them hostage.

The federal administration’s deployment of ICE in our peaceful neighborhoods is not keeping us safe, in fact it is doing quite the opposite. There is no part of “Operation Midway Blitz” that is aimed at solving the systemic issues in our immigration system. Instead, the “blitz” has left our families and neighborhoods vulnerable. Unaccountable, masked ICE agents are undermining years of work by our law enforcement to build trust with the communities they serve. Families are too afraid to call the police – even in dire emergencies. The fear tactics of ICE have forced our neighbors to think twice before calling for help.

Our current immigration policy is broken, and instead of rolling up his sleeves, doing the work of governing, and offering solutions to fix it, President Trump is choosing to target and torture the very immigrant community that weaves the fabric of this nation. It is a cowardly and weak choice, and above all it is a dangerous one. Every single person in our community is put in harm’s way when ICE agents roam our neighborhoods. 

Sadly, our community is not alone. ICE agents are terrorizing communities throughout our state; towns like Elgin, Aurora, Franklin Park, Glendale Heights and Addison; and neighborhoods throughout the city of Chicago.

Please, do not turn away. Witness the educators, administrators and childcare workers who are working overtime—arriving early and staying late—to ensure that students are safely cared for during the school day. Notice the factory workers, who despite the real fear of ICE abduction, continue to show up to do their essential jobs and keep our economy moving. Recognize the laborers who persist on job sites building integral infrastructure, or maybe even improving and repairing your own home. Observe the small business owners who open their doors even as the threat of ICE looms.

Do not turn away, take action. Join community members who have organized to keep watch, document stops, and support each other through fear and uncertainty. Donate to your local foodbank. Shop and eat at immigrant owned businesses and restaurants. And most importantly, spread truth. ICE is not in our community serving judicial criminal warrants. ICE is not detaining violent offenders. Instead, they are stripping away due process rights, profiling people simply based on the color of their skin, and forcing entire communities to live in fear. That does not keep our communities safe—we do. Please join us.

edited version published Chicago Sun-Times, 10/4/25

Maura State IL Icon

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

Changing Behavior: How the Illinois Tollway’s “If Only” Campaign Aims to Save Lives

Posted on by Intern Rep Hirschauer
Changing Behavior: How the Illinois Tollway’s “If Only” Campaign Aims to Save Lives

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New Campaign Highlights the Social Impact of Speeding Through Real Stories  

The Illinois Tollway has launched its “If Only” campaign to combat speed-related crashes and promote safer driving habits. The initiative underscores a simple but powerful message: speeding has consequences, so slow down and save lives. 

“Speeding and unsafe driving behaviors affect not just the driver but everyone around them – other drivers, passengers and first responders,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “We’re calling on everyone to be part of the solution.”

Safe Driving Tips

  • Be aware of your speed and adjust it accordingly: Know how fast you’re going. Consider the number of vehicles on the road, the speed of other vehicles and road conditions.
  • Give space to speeding drivers: Speeding drivers may lose control of their vehicle more easily.
  • Obey speed limits: Speeding is linked to aggressive driving. It’s also illegal and expensive if you get a ticket.
  • Pay attention to other drivers: If a speeding driver is tailgating you, use judgment to safely steer away.
  • Leave extra time to travel: You never know how traffic hazards like crashes or weather conditions may impact your trip.

The “If Only” campaign is intended to evoke a sense of reflection, regret and personal responsibility through authentic and compelling perspectives of people who have been deeply impacted by speed-related crashes. The new campaign seeks to inspire drivers to reconsider their behaviors behind the wheel by focusing on the potential unintended consequences of speeding – not only for themselves but for those sharing the road with them. 

For more details on the “If Only” campaign and how to get involved, visit If-Only-Campain – Illinois Tollway

Cambiando comportamientos: cómo la campaña “Si Tan Solo” de la Autopista de Illinois busca salvar vidas

Nueva campaña destaca el impacto social del exceso de velocidad a través de historias reales

La Autopista de Illinois ha lanzado su campaña “Si Tan Solo” para combatir los accidentes relacionados con el exceso de velocidad y promover hábitos de conducción más seguros. La iniciativa transmite un mensaje simple pero poderoso: el exceso de velocidad tiene consecuencias, así que reduce la velocidad y salva vidas.

“El exceso de velocidad y los comportamientos de conducción inseguros no solo afectan al conductor, sino a todos los que lo rodean: otros conductores, pasajeros y los socorristas,” dijo Cassaundra Rouse, directora ejecutiva de la Autopista de Illinois. “Hacemos un llamado a todos para que formen parte de la solución.”

Consejos para una conducción segura

  • Sé consciente de tu velocidad y ajústala según las condiciones: Conoce a qué velocidad vas. Ten en cuenta la cantidad de vehículos, la velocidad del tráfico y el estado de la carretera.
  • Deja espacio a los conductores que van con exceso de velocidad: Pueden perder el control de su vehículo con mayor facilidad.
  • Respeta los límites de velocidad: El exceso de velocidad está relacionado con la conducción agresiva. También es ilegal y costoso si recibes una multa.
  • Presta atención a los demás conductores: Si alguien está manejando demasiado cerca de ti, utiliza tu juicio para alejarte de forma segura.
  • Sal con tiempo: Nunca sabes cómo un accidente o el clima pueden afectar tu viaje.

La campaña “Si Tan Solo” busca provocar reflexión, arrepentimiento y un sentido de responsabilidad personal a través de testimonios reales y conmovedores de personas que han sido profundamente impactadas por accidentes relacionados con el exceso de velocidad. Esta nueva campaña pretende inspirar a los conductores a replantearse sus comportamientos al volante, enfocándose en las posibles consecuencias no intencionadas del exceso de velocidad — no solo para ellos mismos, sino para todos los que comparten la vía.

Para más detalles sobre la campaña “Si Tan Solo” y cómo participar, visita: Campaña Si Tan Solo – Autopista de Illinois.

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

End of Session Town Hall

End of Session Town Hall

June 23, 2025 @ 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.

Registration is appreciated for in-person attendance, but required for virtual attendance. Zoom links will be sent the day of the event.

This event will be presented in English. Automated captions will be available in many languages via the virtual event. 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.

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.

Se agradece el registro para la asistencia en persona, pero es obligatorio para la asistencia virtual. Los enlaces de Zoom se enviarán el mismo día del evento.

Este evento se presentará en inglés. Se ofrecerán subtítulos automáticos en varios idiomas durante el evento virtual. Las traducciones automáticas pueden ser inexactas. Si algo le resulta alarmante o fuera de contexto, comuníquese con nuestra oficina para obtener aclaraciones; consultaremos con un intérprete para ayudar a comprender sus inquietudes y la respuesta de la Rep. Hirschauer.

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Free

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

331-465-9661

View Organizer Website

Bartlett Public Library District

800 S. Bartlett Road
Bartlett, Illinois United States
60103
View Venue Website

Spring Town Hall

Spring Town Hall

April 15, 2025 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm CDT

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.

Registration required below. Zoom links will be sent the day of the event.

This event will be presented in English with automated captions available in many languages. 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.

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.

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

Este evento se presentará en inglés con subtítulos automáticos disponibles en varios idiomas. 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 la respuesta del Representante Hirschauer.
Free

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

331-465-9661

View Organizer Website

Bartlett Public Library District

800 S. Bartlett Road
Bartlett, Illinois United States
60103
View Venue Website

Rep.Hirschauer Challenges Trump’s Extreme Attacks on Illinois Families, Communities, and the Rule of Law

Posted on by Intern Rep Hirschauer
Rep.Hirschauer Challenges Trump’s Extreme Attacks on Illinois Families, Communities, and the Rule of Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D- Batavia, condemned the destructive and unlawful orders President Donald Trump has issued during his first weeks in office, passing a series of formal resolutions aimed at calling out Trump’s extremism and moving Illinois in a fundamentally better direction.

“These actions taken by Trump and his administration directly affect the health, safety, and well-being of all Illinoisans,” Hirschauer said. “I am proud to represent the community of West Chicago, which like many cities in our state is a diverse and beautiful place, home to many first and second generation Americans. It is a community that is thriving because of the hard work of immigrants. But today, people in West Chicago, and communities across our state, don’t feel safe because of the Trump administration’s threats and hateful words. It is hard to leave your house for work everyday when there is an unmarked ICE vehicle roaming your neighborhood. It is nearly impossible to drop your children off at school with the threat of deportation looming over your head. I’m speaking up so people know that there are leaders in Illinois who will always stand up for them—even if that means standing up to the president himself.”

The Hirschauer-backed resolutions call out Trump, his extreme allies in Washington and the special interests supporting him. These measures also highlight efforts Illinois has taken to move in a better direction by prioritizing efforts to help families make ends meet, reduce the cost of living, and protecting access to lifesaving services.

Hirschauer voted to:

  • Call out President Trump for pardoning the confessed and convicted criminals charged for their actions on Jan. 6, 2021, including those who beat and killed police officers in the U.S. Capitol.
  • Challenge the administration’s immoral efforts to block lifesaving services for people in need and for working families, jeopardizing the economy and the services people depend on for everything from food assistance, to healthcare, to housing assistance, and more.
  • Oppose the dangerous Trump trade agenda, which will raise costs on everything local families purchase, increase housing costs, raise the price of home energy, and dramatically increase inflation pressures on families’ budgets.
  • Rebuke the president’s efforts to double down on a broken immigration system, and his unconstitutional order to strip away citizenship protections in the United States Constitution.
  • Fight against Trump’s anti-DEI rhetoric that, in reality, are attacks on the workplace protections, equal pay, and longstanding policies that enhance opportunity for all.

“I believe that even with Trump’s reckless actions, there’s still hope. I will always fight to keep our communities safe. I will always fight to help families make ends meet. And I will always fight to keep our communities home for everyone who wants to live peacefully.”

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

Scholarships for Dependents of Union Laborers

Posted on by Intern Rep Hirschauer
Scholarships for Dependents of Union Laborers

 

Chicago Area LECET offers THREE scholarship opportunities for dependents of Union Laborers!

  1. Academic-Based: 10, 2000$ scholarships awarded biased on Academics, Extracurriculars, and an Essay!
  2. Random Drawing: 10, 2000$ scholarships randomly awarded to the dependents of of members in good standing of a Chicago Laborer’s District Council Affiliated Union.
  3. Death/Disability: This Scholarship is only available to dependents of members in good standing who have been permanently disabled or killed as result of an accident on the job. 

Visit http://chicagolecet.org for more information

https://chicagolecet.org/programs-activities/scholarship-program/

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

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Fighting to Provide Educational Support Employees with Fair and Livable Wages

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