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What’s Happening in the 49th District!

Updates from Representative Hirschauer

Contents
Reflection
In Springfield

Around the District
District Office in Action
Upcoming Events
Notices of Funding Opportunities
Scholarships Available
Internships Available
Employment Opportunities

Reflection

March was Women’s History month and I spent time reflecting on important contributions that women made throughout our history. I want to share one very special reflection.
I often say that I am who I am because of the strong women who came before me. These two fierce young women – who came after me – also play a huge role in shaping me not only as a mom, but as a leader and legislator. I would like to take time today to honor my daughters, who push me out of my comfort zone, hold my feet to the fire on tough issues, and show me everyday what leadership looks like.
 
“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” – Unknown

In Springfield

March was a busy month for passing legislation through the House. My bill HB5193, a bill to add safe gun storage to the school safety curriculum code passed with bi-partisan support on the house floor and has now passed Committee in the Senate and is headed to the floor. Promoting positive messages about keeping children and communities safe through safe gun storage is a key strategy to reducing unintentional gun injuries and death, death by homicide, and suicide. 

HB4332, a bill that will tackle our ongoing nursing shortage by breaking down barriers and opening pathways to future employment in the nursing sector, also passed the House with bipartisan support. The COVID-19 pandemic has proved to be an opportunity to re-examine the way we do many things here in Illinois. The CNA/MA workforce has provided critical care to our homebound and elderly community during the COVID-19 pandemic and their numbers are waning. This bill will help increase our nursing pipeline and help medical professionals reflect the communities they serve.  The bill has passed the Senate Executive Committee and is headed to the floor.

Reproductive health care is under attack across the country and we cannot count on the Supreme Court to uphold our fundamental right to make personal decisions about our reproductive health. That is why I passed HB1464 to protect qualified Illinois health care providers from attacks on their licensure from extreme politicians in neighboring states. Illinois sits as a beacon of safety for reproductive freedom and we must stand strong behind our providers who are committed to providing safe, accessible reproductive health care. My colleagues and I were proud to pass this bill to protect health care providers and shine our beacon of reproductive freedom a bit brighter.

Finally, we recently took necessary action to address the ongoing issues regarding the unemployment trust fund, which took a hit due to the pandemic. By doing so we made a clear commitment to good government and fiscal responsibility by paying off debts early to yield significant savings for Illinois taxpayers. 
SB2803 dedicates $2.7 billion of ARPA funds to help replenish the unemployment trust fund after a global pandemic forced businesses to shut down. The bill also supplements our current FY22 budget with new payments for pensions, the Prepaid Tuition Fund, and the state’s group insurance plan — yielding more than $1 billion in savings. All told, this is another step toward stronger credit, paying down debt, and developing the financial stability we need to get to work for families.

I am here to listen to the needs of all constituents. Feel free to reach out to my office at 331-465-9661 for any issues or concerns. I am here to serve.

Maura

Around the District

District 49 Chiefs of Police Roundtable March 14, 2022
Representative Hirschauer met virtually with the Chiefs of Police from IL-49 to talk about their concerns and learn about the ongoing issues in our police departments. The Chiefs brought attention issues that impact their departments along with recommendations to move forward as a state. Rep Hirschauer is committed to continue listening and learning from our local police departments to better serve the IL-49th district and to taking that feedback to Springfield. Thank you Chief Passarelli, Chief Ullrich, Chief Krawczyk, Chief Fisher, Chief Cross, Chief Eul, and Deputy Chief Shackelford for taking time to talk about your police departments.
Representative Hirschauer joins Lieutenant Governor at the Wilma Rudolph Learning Center to Celebrate Women’s History Month March 14, 2022
Rep. Hirschauer had the privilege of representing not just the 49th, but women throughout the state and history as part of Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton‘s Women’s History Month visit at Wilma Rudolph Learning Center. Students from William H. Brown School of Technology also joined the assembly.
With their school’s namesake as a role model demonstrating that they can do anything, these kids show every day that they’re advocating for themselves and ready for the next challenge.
Schools are Maura’s favorite places to visit because, as a former teacher, she knows that investment in the education of tomorrow’s leaders is essential to the health and prosperity of our state.
Moms Demand Action Advocacy Day March 23, 2022
Representative Hirschauer was a panelist for Moms Demand Action Advocacy Day. The Representative informed constituents about ongoing legislation to prevent gun violence in the community. She emphasized the need for education on safe gun storage to prevent further death of young children and suicide. Representative Hirschauer says that now is the time to advocate for bills like HB5193  for schools to have safe gun storage information more available for families and HB4729 to fund gun storage campaigns to reduce gun violence all throughout Illinois.  Rep. Hirschauer is grateful for all the work Moms Demand Action does in our community to reduce gun violence and save lives.

District Office in Action

March 24th, 2022
Batavian Ethan Tarver completed his Eagle Scout Project in collaboration with Suicide Prevention Services of America and Chief of Staff Miguel was present to witness.  The informative event included a screening of The S Word, a film that amplifies the voices of attempted suicide survivors, followed by a live panel that talked about ways to reach out to people who are in need of help. The overarching message was, “Do not fear using the word suicide.” We are proud of Eagle Scout Ethan for having this difficult conversation with the Batavia community. This is what advocacy looks like!
District 49 is expanding our staff! If you have a passion for serving the community and are interested in the ways our state office can serve constituents, then this could be an opportunity for you! We are currently accepting local applicants for a Constituent Service and Community Outreach Coordinator, as well as for Fall Interns. Contact the office at 331-465-9661 with questions or submit a cover letter, resume, and references to office@repmaura49.com.

Upcoming Events

April 27 – Mobile DMV
with Senator Karina Villa
10am-2pm
West Chicago Public Library
118 W Washington St, West Chicago
Whole Family Health Fair
Food Distribution and Health Resources
Saturday Apr 30, 8am-12pm
St. Andrew Church
155 N Prince Crossing Rd, West Chicago
Veterans’ Breakfast
Saturday June 4, 9am-11am
VFW West Chicago
431 N Neltnor Blvd, West Chicago

Around the State

Notices of Funding Opportunities

Description Deadline
IDOA Specialty Crop Block Grant April 15
Illinois BioDiversity Field Trip Grant January 31, 2023
DCEO (State + Federal) Various
Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance Various
Upcoming: IDOA Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA)
 

Scholarships

Description Deadline
Conference of Women Legislators (COWL) April 15
Aspiring Black CPA Scholarship May 1
 

Internships

DCFS Academic Internships – Fall April 15
District Office Academic Internships – Fall Submit resume & cover letter to office@repmaura49.com
 

Employment

Illinois Solar Energy Association Virtual Solar Job Fair April 14
Work For Illinois – State Employment Portal
Constituent Service and Community Outreach Coordinator ongoing until position is filled
 

June 4, 2022 @ 9:00 am 11:00 am

**Note the Date Change**

Representative Hirschauer is a member of the Illinois House of Representatives Veterans’ Affairs Committee. She is inviting local veterans to share their thoughts on legislation and how it affects military veterans, their families, and communities, over breakfast at the VFW in West Chicago.

If you are unable to attend, but would care to share ways that legislation could help veterans, please contact our office.

This event has passed and registration has now closed. If you would like to be notified of future Veterans events, please call 331-465-9661 or email office@repmaura49.com and ask to be added to our veteran contact list.

At our last breakfast, Representative Stephanie Kifowit, USMC Veteran 90-94 and chair of the Illinois House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, attended and spoke as a special guest. We hope she will be able to join us again! We also heard about the Road Home Program at Rush which offers valuable services for veterans in the space of mental health.

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

331-465-9661

View Organizer Website

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791

431 N Neltnor Blvd
West Chicago, Illinois 60185 United States
+ Google Map

December 16, 2021 @ 9:00 am 11:00 am

“Coffee & Conversation” mobile-office hours are coming up! If you would love to book a few minutes with Maura to pitch a legislative idea, share a compliment or concern on state matters, or get help with a state agency (Unemployment, business, housing or utility assistance, FOID cards, etc) we can help with that!

Maura and staff will be available the mornings of Tues Dec 14 in West Chicago and Thurs Dec 16 in St.Charles. Register for an appointment or just stop by (time preference given to individual appointments). https://tiny.one/RepMauraAppt

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

331-465-9661

View Organizer Website

St.Charles Public Library – Study Room 5

1 S 6th Ave
St.Charles, Illinois 60174 United States
View Venue Website

December 14, 2021 @ 9:00 am 11:00 am

“Coffee & Conversation” mobile-office hours are coming up! If you would love to book a few minutes with Maura to pitch a legislative idea, share a compliment or concern on state matters, or get help with a state agency (Unemployment, business, housing or utility assistance, FOID cards, etc) we can help with that!

Maura and staff will be available the mornings of Tues Dec 14 in West Chicago and Thurs Dec 16 in St.Charles. Register for an appointment or just stop by (time preference given to individual appointments). https://tiny.one/RepMauraAppt

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

331-465-9661

View Organizer Website

Kindred Coffee Roasters

148 W Washington St, Ste 200
West Chicago, Illinois 60185 United States
6304730657
View Venue Website

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – To raise awareness for Suicide Prevention Month, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is highlighting resources for those struggling with their mental health.

“Mental health emergencies affect all people, regardless of income, race, gender or background and are heightened by a stigma surrounding receiving help,” said Hirschauer. “This month is a time to recognize the internal struggles people face every day and also promote ways we can support and help those currently facing mental health struggles.”

While suicide prevention is important to talk about every month, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people to openly talk about their struggles and provide support and resources to those needing them. The National Alliance on Mental Illness has provided the following tips and resources for those currently facing mental health struggles:

  • If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
  • If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255)
  • If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.

“We have the ability to save someone’s life by sharing information on prevention, noticing signs of major depression, and ensuring those struggling in our lives have the resources they need to move forward,” continued Hirschauer. “This month is a good time to check in with those in your lives and community to ensure we are supporting everyone as much as we can. Getting help is heroic.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. 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

The post Hirschauer Recognizes Suicide Prevention Month appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – To increase access to vital mental health services, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, sponsored a new law to expand insurance coverage for mental health services.  

“Accessibility to mental health care, especially as we continue to recover from the pandemic, is essential,” Hirschauer said. “Under new law, people will now have access to necessary mental healthcare and know that their insurance will cover it.”

House Bill 2595 expands the standards for medically necessary treatment of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders and requires insurers to cover medically necessary treatment. It also prohibits insurers from limiting the duration of benefits or coverage for the treatment of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders and conditions. The law will take effect starting Jan. 1, 2023.

“Despite mental conditions not being visible, they are just as important and need to be covered by insurance, just like any other disorder or illness,” Hirschauer said. “This new law will give those suffering with mental, emotional, nervous, or substance abuse disorders the care they need to regain control of their health.”

# # #

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. 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

The post Hirschauer Sponsored Law Improves Accessibility to Mental Health Care appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

Whole Family Health Fair, Aug 14, 8:30am-12pm, St.Andrew's/St.Andres Lutheran Church, 155 N Prince Crossing Rd, West Chicago IL 60185, Logos of many sponsoring organizations

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – As part of her commitment to bringing accessible services to her constituents, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is hosting a Family Health Fair on Saturday, August 14 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in West Chicago.

“As we get ready to send our children back to school and we are also seeing a new rise in COVID-19 cases, I want to make sure the entire family is ready and healthy for the forthcoming school year, not just the kids,” said Hirschauer. “This health fair is a way for families to not only get free health check-ups, but learn how to stay healthy for the rest of the year.” 

Hirschauer’s Health Fair will be on Saturday, August 14 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, located at 155 N. Prince Crossing Rd. in West Chicago. Families will be able to get free vaccines, food from the local food pantry, school supplies, baby supplies, a health check and information about local services to ensure longevity and good health. Since the event will have children present, masks will be required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

“I am excited to bring these resources to the people of the 49th District,” said Hirschauer. “I encourage anyone who can to come check out the fair and learn ways to stay healthy.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. 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

The post Hirschauer to Host Family Health Fair appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

Maura Portrait

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is fighting to keep guns out of the hands of potentially violent individuals,

having recently voted to pass a measure to strengthen specific firearm restrictions for people who pose a risk to themselves or others.

“When someone is exhibiting dangerous behaviors, taking appropriate precautions is critical for their own safety and the safety of everyone around them,” said Hirschauer. “A short-term hold on the person’s ability to purchase or possess a firearm may very well prevent a catastrophic shooting event, but it’s incumbent on those closest to them and law enforcement officials working together—and quickly—to respond if someone is a possible threat.”

Hirschauer is sponsoring House Bill 1092, which expands the scope of Illinois’ “red flag” law, under which close family or household members can petition a judge to temporarily remove guns from a person who poses a threat to others or themselves. Red flag laws, also known as Extreme Risk Protection Order laws, have received renewed attention recently, as Indiana’s version could have potentially prevented an April mass shooting at a FedEx facility had it been used to its fullest extent.

The Hirschauer-backed House Bill 1092 strengthens the original Illinois law that took effect in 2019, expanding who can petition the courts for a firearms restraining order to include former spouses and partners who share a child with a potential shooter. To ensure law enforcement officers are familiar with how the law is supposed to work, the measure creates a training program for local authorities, as well as a public awareness campaign to empower more people to use it.

“Red flag laws are intended to help people in crisis access mental health services and supports while unarmed, so they can reclaim their gun rights when they’re no longer a risk,” said Hirschauer. “By educating both law enforcement and the public on how to use the state’s law effectively, this measure will help curb gun violence and save lives in our communities.”

House Bill 1092 passed the House last week and now awaits consideration in the Senate.

“Red flag laws are intended to help people in crisis access mental health services and supports while unarmed, so they can reclaim their gun rights when they’re no longer a risk. By educating both law enforcement and the public on how to use the state’s law effectively, this measure will help curb gun violence and save lives in our communities.”

 

Mental Health Advisory Committee flyer

May 20, 2021 @ 7:00 pm 8:00 pm

The Joint Advisory Committees will advise both State Representative Hirschauer (49th) and State Senator Villa (25th). The purpose of the advisory committees is to listen to the voices of our districts and ensure effective representation.

The Mental Health Advisory Committee meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7pm.
If you have not participated in these meetings before, please email mentalhealth.49th@gmail.com to sign up for the Zoom link.

State Senator Karina Villa

(630) 326-9319

View Organizer Website

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

331-465-9661

View Organizer Website

Zoom