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“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

Policy and Change

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Policy and Change

Thoughts and prayers? Two children were killed and at least 17 others injured when a gunman fired several rounds of bullets through the open windows of a Catholic church this morning. Thoughts and prayers have not and will not extinguish the gun lobby’s stranglehold on this country. We must stand up and pass real, comprehensive, nation-wide gun safety policies: a national assault weapon and high capacity magazine ban, and universal background checks.

Instead, we have a federal government defunding valuable and proven community violence intervention programs, and encouraging deregulation of firearms by eliminating the $200 tax stamp on suppressors, short-barreled rifles and shot guns. The steps taken by President Trump puts all of our communities at risk — we cannot stand by and watch as our federal gun safety policy buckles under the gun lobby’s pressure.

Here in Illinois we have taken the steps to keep our communities safe: from banning assault weapons and high capacity magazines in the Protect Illinois Communities Act, to keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous abusers in Karina’s Law, to mandating the safe storage of firearms when children are present in the Safe at Home Act. We are working every single day to save lives from gun violence. Make no mistake, there is more work to do. As the chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Policy, I am committed to doing that work. 

We must value our children over our guns. We must commit to creating a world in which parents can drop their children off at school, at church, at playgrounds — without fear of gunfire. My heart breaks for the families who lost their precious babies today, and for the school community whose lives will be forever changed. We will honor their lives, not with thoughts and prayers alone, but with a commitment to action and change.

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

Hirschauer Joins Over 400 State and Local Officials to Support Families of Deceased Veterans

Posted on by Intern Rep Hirschauer
Hirschauer Joins Over 400 State and Local Officials to Support Families of Deceased Veterans

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WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – In an effort organized by the Veterans Survivor Coalition, State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, joined over 400 veterans organizations, state, and local officials around the country in signing onto a bipartisan letter supporting legislation to expedite the issuing of a veteran’s death certificate. 

The letter explains how families of deceased veterans are subject to waiting times of four to eight weeks before death certificates are signed, preventing grieving families from accessing benefits, making arrangements, and coming to terms with their loss. HR 4398, which has recently been introduced by Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer, goes even further, seeking to reduce this burden by requiring Department of Veteran Affairs(VA) physicians to sign death certificates for veterans who pass from natural causes within 48 hours of notification (a shorter timeframe than the 72 hours requested in the Veterans Survivor Coalition letter). 

Representative Hirschauer looks forward to seeing Illinois’ Congressmembers also signing on to this legislation to support our Veterans and their families.

The full text of the letter and a copy with the signers’ names can be found below.

“Dear Representative Emmer: 

On behalf of the over 400 veterans organizations, state and local officials, covering all 50 states, who advocate for the dignity and well-being of our veterans and their families, we strongly support legislation requiring Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) physicians to sign the death certificate of a veteran who passes away of natural causes within 72 hours of notification. 

Today, far too many veteran families are burdened by avoidable delays during one of the most difficult moments in their lives. Under the current system, it can take four to eight weeks for a death certificate to be signed—often by a medical examiner unfamiliar with the veteran, rather than the VA physician who cared for them. This delay prevents grieving families from accessing survivor benefits, settling estates, and gaining closure, compounding their emotional loss with unnecessary financial and logistical stress. 

This is not a complicated issue—it is a solvable one. VA physicians, who served as the veteran’s primary care providers and know their medical history, should be the ones to sign the death certificate promptly. Requiring this to happen within 72 hours of notification would offer a timely, compassionate resolution and remove a heavy burden from families who have already sacrificed so much. 

We extend our sincere thanks to you for taking the lead on this critical piece of legislation. Your leadership reflects a deep and unwavering commitment to the men and women who serve in our armed forces. From the moment they take their oath to the moment they are laid to rest, you have stood by them and their families—ensuring their service is honored not just in words, but through action. Your support is a powerful reminder that our nation’s duty to our veterans does not end when their service does. 

This legislation is a clear example of bipartisan compassion and commonsense reform. We urge Congress to move swiftly to pass it, ideally under unanimous consent, and give our veteran families the respect and support they deserve.

Thank you again, Representative Emmer, for championing this issue and for your continued leadership on behalf of our nation’s heroes. Your commitment ensures that we, as a country, not only honor their service—but stand by their families through every step of the journey.”

Endorsement letterDownload

Hirschauer se une a más de 400 funcionarios estatales y locales para apoyar a las familias de los veteranos fallecidos

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – En un esfuerzo organizado por la Coalición de Veteranos Sobrevivientes, la representante estatal Maura Hirschauer, demócrata por Batavia, se unió a más de 400 organizaciones de veteranos, funcionarios estatales y locales de todo el país para firmar una carta bipartidista que apoya la legislación para agilizar la emisión del certificado de defunción de un veterano.

La carta explica cómo las familias de los veteranos fallecidos están sujetas a tiempos de espera de cuatro a ocho semanas antes de la firma de los certificados de defunción, lo que impide que las familias en duelo accedan a beneficios, hagan trámites y asuman su pérdida. La HR 4398, presentada recientemente por el congresista de Minnesota Tom Emmer, va aún más allá, buscando reducir esta carga al exigir a los médicos del Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos (VA) que firmen los certificados de defunción de los veteranos que fallecen por causas naturales dentro de las 48 horas posteriores a la notificación (un plazo más corto que las 72 horas solicitadas en la carta de la Coalición de Veteranos Sobrevivientes).

El Representante Hirschauer espera con interés que los congresistas de Illinois también firmen esta legislación para apoyar a nuestros veteranos y sus familias.

El texto completo de la carta y una copia con los nombres de los firmantes se encuentran a continuación.

Estimado Representante Emmer:

En nombre de las más de 400 organizaciones de veteranos, funcionarios estatales y locales de los 50 estados, que abogan por la dignidad y el bienestar de nuestros veteranos y sus familias, apoyamos firmemente la legislación que exige que los médicos del Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos (VA) firmen el certificado de defunción de un veterano que fallezca por causas naturales dentro de las 72 horas posteriores a la notificación.

Hoy en día, demasiadas familias de veteranos se ven agobiadas por retrasos evitables durante uno de los momentos más difíciles de sus vidas. Con el sistema actual, la firma de un certificado de defunción puede tardar de cuatro a ocho semanas, a menudo por un médico forense que no conoce al veterano, en lugar del médico del VA que lo atendió. Esta demora impide que las familias en duelo accedan a las prestaciones de supervivencia, liquiden sus herencias y logren un cierre, lo que agrava su pérdida emocional con un estrés financiero y logístico innecesario.

Este no es un problema complicado; tiene solución. Los médicos del VA, que fueron los médicos de cabecera del veterano y conocen su historial médico, deberían Sean quienes firmen el certificado de defunción con prontitud. Exigir que esto ocurra dentro de las 72 horas posteriores a la notificación ofrecería una solución oportuna y compasiva, y aliviaría una pesada carga para las familias que ya han sacrificado tanto.

Le expresamos nuestro sincero agradecimiento por liderar esta crucial legislación. Su liderazgo refleja un profundo e inquebrantable compromiso con los hombres y mujeres que sirven en nuestras fuerzas armadas. Desde el momento en que prestan juramento hasta el momento de su sepultura, usted los ha apoyado a ellos y a sus familias, garantizando que su servicio sea honrado no solo con palabras, sino con hechos. Su apoyo es un poderoso recordatorio de que el deber de nuestra nación para con nuestros veteranos no termina con su servicio.

Esta legislación es un claro ejemplo de compasión bipartidista y reforma sensata. Instamos al Congreso a que actúe con rapidez para aprobarla, idealmente por consenso unánime, y a que brinde a nuestras familias de veteranos el respeto y el apoyo que merecen.

Gracias nuevamente, Representante Emmer, por defender este tema y por su continuo liderazgo en nombre de los héroes de nuestra nación. Su compromiso. garantiza que nosotros, como país, no solo honramos su servicio, sino que también apoyamos a sus familias en cada paso del camino”.

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

Cook County Launches Measles Awareness Toolkit to Combat Misinformation and Promote Vaccination

Posted on by Intern Rep Hirschauer
Cook County Launches Measles Awareness Toolkit to Combat Misinformation and Promote Vaccination

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WEST CHICAGO, IL – Despite being eradicated in 2000, measles has made a return. Since the start of 2025, the CDC has reported over 1,000 measles cases nationally, including three deaths. This marks a significant increase compared to the 289 cases in 2024 and 59 in 2023. Only 5% of those infected were reported to have received any vaccination. In Cook County alone, over 12,000 children remain unvaccinated, a number that has doubled over the last 10 years. This is particularly concerning, as CDC data shows that children ages 0–19 account for 66% of cases, and 1 in 5 children under age 5 who contracted measles required hospitalization.

The Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has released a new Measles Awareness Toolkit in response to this increase. Driven by an increase in misinformation regarding vaccines and declining vaccination rates, this toolkit aims to help schools, municipalities, and community-based organizations raise awareness about the importance of measles vaccination.

While measles can cause serious complications, it is preventable. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective and typically provide lifelong immunity. The first dose is recommended at 12–15 months of age, and the second dose is given between 4–6 years. These vaccines have been safely used for over half a century and remain one of the most effective tools in public health.

Your decision to vaccinate protects not only yourself but also your community. The CCDPH emphasizes, “Measles is not a harmless childhood illness. It’s one of the most contagious diseases we know. If one person is infected, 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people nearby will also get sick.”

Residents without a healthcare provider can call Cook County Health at 312-864-1111 for assistance with vaccination.

To access the full toolkit and learn more about how to protect your family and community, visit CookCountyPublicHealth.org/MeaslesToolkit.

El Condado de Cook Lanza un Kit de Concientización sobre el Sarampión para Combatir la Desinformación y Promover la Vacunación

WEST CHICAGO, IL – A pesar de haber sido declarada eliminada en el año 2000, el sarampión ha regresado. Desde comienzos de 2025, los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) han reportado más de 1,000 casos de sarampión a nivel nacional, incluyendo tres muertes. Esto representa un aumento significativo en comparación con los 289 casos en 2024 y los 59 en 2023. Solo el 5% de las personas infectadas tenían algún historial de vacunación. En el Condado de Cook, más de 12,000 niños siguen sin estar vacunados—una cifra que se ha duplicado en los últimos 10 años. Esta situación es especialmente preocupante, ya que los datos de los CDC muestran que los niños de 0 a 19 años representan el 66% de los casos, y 1 de cada 5 niños menores de 5 años que contrajeron sarampión requirieron hospitalización.

El Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Cook (CCDPH, por sus siglas en inglés) ha lanzado un nuevo Kit de Concientización sobre el Sarampión en respuesta a este aumento. Impulsado por el crecimiento de la desinformación sobre las vacunas y el descenso en las tasas de vacunación, este kit tiene como objetivo ayudar a escuelas, municipios y organizaciones comunitarias a crear conciencia sobre la importancia de la vacunación contra el sarampión.

Aunque el sarampión puede causar complicaciones graves, es una enfermedad prevenible. Dos dosis de la vacuna MMR (sarampión, paperas y rubéola) son 97% efectivas y, por lo general, proporcionan inmunidad de por vida. Se recomienda aplicar la primera dosis entre los 12 y 15 meses de edad, y la segunda entre los 4 y 6 años. Estas vacunas se han utilizado de manera segura durante más de medio siglo y siguen siendo una de las herramientas más eficaces en salud pública.

Decidir vacunarse no solo protege a uno mismo, sino también a la comunidad. El CCDPH enfatiza: “El sarampión no es una enfermedad infantil inofensiva. Es una de las enfermedades más contagiosas que conocemos. Si una persona está infectada, 9 de cada 10 personas no vacunadas que se encuentren cerca también se contagiarán.”

Los residentes que no tienen un proveedor de atención médica pueden llamar a Cook County Health al 312-864-1111para recibir ayuda con la vacunación.

Para acceder al kit completo y obtener más información sobre cómo proteger a su familia y comunidad, visite: CookCountyPublicHealth.org/MeaslesToolkit.

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

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

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Passes First-of-its-Kind Safe Gun Storage Bill

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Passes First-of-its-Kind Safe Gun Storage Bill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is fighting to keep guns out of the wrong hands, protect children from accidental shootings, and track lost and stolen firearms by passing a new ‘safe storage’ bill through the House and Senate.

“We’ve heard too many tragedies involving firearms that could have easily been prevented,” said Hirschauer. “I’m pleased that we’re moving forward with this legislation where I anticipate the governor will agree with its importance. Putting a law like this in our books means we’re taking the necessary steps to address the deadly implications of firearms not being properly stored and falling into the wrong hands.”

Hirschauer passed Senate Bill 8, known as the Safe Gun Storage Act, which will enhance gun storage safety and address stolen firearm requirements with the ultimate goal to prevent access to firearms by minors, at-risk individuals, and those prohibited from possessing them. The bill would require firearm owners to secure their weapons in a locked container, rendering them inaccessible and unusable to anyone except the owner or an authorized user.

Additional provisions in House Bill 850 will tighten lost and stolen gun reporting requirements.

“Commonsense gun safety and the rights of law-abiding gun owners are not mutually exclusive —in fact they are one and the same,” said Hirschauer. “This bill codifies the storage practices that most safe gun owners do instinctively. Making these best practices universal will help save lives.”

Senate Bill 8 passed out of the Senate chamber last month. Hirschauer successfully led the measure through the House Wednesday, where it now awaits the governor’s signature for final consideration.

“Commonsense gun safety and the rights of law-abiding gun owners are not mutually exclusive —in fact they are one and the same,” said Hirschauer. “This bill codifies the storage practices that most safe gun owners do instinctively. Making these best practices universal will help save lives.”

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 Spearheads Safe Storage Bill

Posted on by Intern Rep Hirschauer
Hirschauer Spearheads Safe Storage Bill

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A dedicated advocate for commonsense gun laws that prioritize public safety while adhering to constitutional rights, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is spearheading a measure that aims to keep firearms out of reach of small children and at-risk minors. 

“When we address a topic as contentious as guns and ownership rights, it is extremely important to hear concerns on both sides of the aisle. It’s possible to have smart gun reform that still protects 2A rights, and that’s exactly what we’re working toward, ” said Hirschauer. “We’ve had many positive and productive conversations. I look forward to getting this legislation through the finish line to truly prioritize public safety in our communities.”  

Senate Bill 8, known as the Safe Gun Storage Act, aims to enhance gun storage safety and address stolen firearm requirements with the ultimate goal to prevent access to firearms by minors, at-risk individuals, and those prohibited from possessing them. The bill would require firearm owners to secure their weapons in a locked container, rendering them inaccessible and unusable to anyone except the owner or an authorized user.

“We’ve heard too many tragedies of firearms landing in the wrong hands. This is a smart way we can work toward a solution to keeping guns away from children and those who absolutely should not have access to a weapon,” said Hirschauer. “This legislation is a baby step in the realm of keeping our kids safe and away from nonsensical gun violence.”

Senate Bill 8 favorably passed out of the Senate Chamber and awaits House consideration. 

More information regarding Senate Bill 8 found here!

Hirschauer Lidera Proyecto de ley Sobre Almacenamiento Seguro de Armas

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – Como defensora comprometida de leyes de armas con sentido común que priorizan la seguridad pública mientras respetan los derechos constitucionales, la representante estatal Maura Hirschauer, demócrata de Batavia, está liderando una medida que busca mantener las armas de fuego fuera del alcance de niños pequeños y menores en situación de riesgo.

“Cuando abordamos un tema tan polémico como las armas y los derechos de propiedad, es sumamente importante escuchar las preocupaciones de ambos lados del espectro político. Es posible lograr una reforma sensata sobre armas que también proteja los derechos de la Segunda Enmienda, y eso es exactamente hacia lo que estamos trabajando,” dijo Hirschauer. “Hemos tenido muchas conversaciones positivas y productivas. Espero con entusiasmo que esta legislación avance hasta la meta para realmente priorizar la seguridad pública en nuestras comunidades.”

El Proyecto de Ley del Senado 8, conocido como la Ley de Almacenamiento Seguro de Armas, busca mejorar la seguridad en el almacenamiento de armas y abordar los requisitos sobre armas robadas, con el objetivo de prevenir el acceso a armas por parte de menores, personas en situación de riesgo y aquellas a quienes la ley les prohíbe poseerlas. El proyecto requeriría que los propietarios de armas aseguren sus armas en un contenedor cerrado con llave, de modo que sean inaccesibles e inutilizables por cualquier persona que no sea el propietario o un usuario autorizado.

“Hemos escuchado demasiadas tragedias sobre armas que terminan en las manos equivocadas. Esta es una forma sensata de avanzar hacia una solución para mantener las armas lejos de los niños y de quienes absolutamente no deberían tener acceso a ellas,” señaló Hirschauer. “Esta legislación es un pequeño paso dentro del esfuerzo por mantener a nuestros niños seguros y alejados de la violencia armada sin sentido.”

El Proyecto de Ley del Senado 8 fue aprobado favorablemente en la Cámara del Senado y ahora espera consideración en la Cámara de Representantes.

¡Mas información de Ley del Senado 8 está aquí!

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

NOTICE: Aurora DMV is Moving and Upgrading

Posted on by Intern Rep Hirschauer
NOTICE: Aurora DMV is Moving and Upgrading

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The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office has announced that the Aurora DMV located at 339 E. Indian Trail will be relocating to a new facility and reopening as a DMV+ location, designed to offer expanded services in a more modern and spacious setting. The current DMV location will close at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025.

New Address:
970 N. Lake St., Suite B
Aurora, IL

Reopening Date and Time:
Monday, April 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

Need Assistance? For more information or help with services:
Call: 800-252-8980
Visit: ILSOS.gov

AVISO: ¡La Oficina del DMV en Aurora se Está Mudando y Mejorando!

La Oficina del Secretario de Estado de Illinois ha anunciado que la oficina del DMV de Aurora, ubicada en 339 E. Indian Trail, se trasladará a una nueva instalación y reabrirá como una ubicación DMV+, diseñada para ofrecer servicios ampliados en un espacio más moderno y amplio. La ubicación actual del DMV cerrará a las 12:00 p.m. el viernes 11 de abril de 2025.

Nueva Dirección:
970 N. Lake St., Suite B
Aurora, IL

Fecha y hora de reapertura:
Lunes, 14 de abril de 2025, a las 2:00 p.m.

¿Necesita ayuda? Para más información o asistencia con los servicios:
Llamar: 800-252-8980
Visitar: ILSOS.gov

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

State Rep. Maura Hirschauer’s POW/MIA Recognition Bill Passes House Unanimously, Now Advances to the Senate

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State Rep. Maura Hirschauer’s POW/MIA Recognition Bill Passes House Unanimously, Now Advances to the Senate

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Following the announcement last week in the press release, Hirschauer Advances Bill regarding its committee passing, State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, announced today that House Bill 1312 has successfully passed both its committee and the full House with unanimous support. The legislation, which amends the state Commemorative Dates Act, now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Key Legislative Changes

House Bill 1312 permanently redesignates POW/MIA Recognition Day by requiring the governor to annually proclaim the third Friday of September as a day of official remembrance. This change marks a departure from the current practice of issuing a resolution every year to designate the day. The shift to a permanent designation reflects the call from service members and their families for a consistent, lasting tribute to the sacrifices of U.S. armed forces personnel who are prisoners of war (POW) or missing in action (MIA).

Honoring Personal Legacies

A special acknowledgment was made for Bill and Traci Wood, who led in the legislative effort by bringing their advocacy to Hirschauer’s Veterans Advisory Committee. Their personal connections to the issue are profound—both have uncles still missing in action from the Vietnam War. The legislation pays tribute to Bill’s uncle, Air Force Maj. Ronald Mayercik, and Traci’s uncle, Thomas Pilkington of the United States Navy. Their advocacy underscores the seriousness of honoring the legacy of those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.

“I would especially like to recognize Bill and Tracy Wood,” Rep. Hirschauer said. “Their dedication and personal connection to this cause remind us of the real impact these legislative changes have on families across Illinois. In honor of their uncles and all those families, I ask for your vote.”
– Transcript clip from floor speech, April 7, 2025

Next Steps

With its unanimous, bipartisan approval in the House, this legislation now advances to the Senate. Rep. Hirschauer and her supporters remain confident that the Senate will share their commitment to honoring our service members and supporting veteran families.

El proyecto de ley de reconocimiento POW/MIA de la Representante Estatal Maura Hirschauer aprueba la Cámara de manera unánime y ahora avanza al Senado

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Tras el anuncio la semana pasada Hirschauer Avanza Proyecto, de su aprobación en el comité, la Representante Estatal Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, anunció hoy que el Proyecto de Ley de la Cámara 1312 ha pasado exitosamente tanto su comité como la Cámara completa con apoyo unánime. La legislación, que modifica la Ley de Fechas Conmemorativas del estado, ahora avanza al Senado para su consideración adicional.

Principales cambios legislativos
El Proyecto de Ley de la Cámara 1312 redesigna permanentemente el Día de Reconocimiento POW/MIA al requerir que el gobernador proclame anualmente el tercer viernes de septiembre como un día de recuerdo oficial. Este cambio marca una desviación de la práctica actual de emitir una resolución cada año para designar este día. El cambio a una designación permanente refleja el llamado de los miembros del servicio y sus familias a un homenaje consistente y duradero a los sacrificios del personal de las fuerzas armadas de EE. UU. que son prisioneros de guerra (POW) o desaparecidos en acción (MIA).

Rindiendo homenaje a los legados personales
Se hizo un reconocimiento especial a Bill y Traci Wood, quienes lideraron el esfuerzo legislativo al llevar su defensa al Comité Asesor de Veteranos de Hirschauer. Sus conexiones personales con el tema son profundas: ambos tienen tíos aún desaparecidos en acción de la Guerra de Vietnam. La legislación rinde homenaje al tío de Bill, el Mayor de la Fuerza Aérea Ronald Mayercik, y al tío de Traci, Thomas Pilkington de la Armada de los Estados Unidos. Su defensa resalta la seriedad de honrar el legado de aquellos que han sacrificado tanto por nuestra nación.

“Me gustaría reconocer especialmente a Bill y Traci Wood”, dijo la Representante Hirschauer. “Su dedicación y conexión personal con esta causa nos recuerdan el verdadero impacto que estos cambios legislativos tienen en las familias de todo Illinois. En honor a sus tíos y a todas esas familias, les pido su voto.”
– Fragmento de discurso en el pleno, 7 de abril de 2025

Próximos pasos

Con su aprobación unánime y bipartidista en la Cámara, esta legislación ahora avanza al Senado. La Representante Hirschauer y sus seguidores siguen confiados en que el Senado compartirá su compromiso de honrar a nuestros miembros del servicio y apoyar a las familias de los veteranos.

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 Advances Language Access Bill for Renters Through Housing Committee

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Hirschauer Advances Language Access Bill for Renters Through Housing Committee

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Taking steps to eliminate language barriers in housing and rental agreements for non-English speakers, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, advanced a measure aimed at expanding online resources by requiring housing authorities to provide sample leases and agreements in multiple languages.

“This measure ultimately breaks down language barriers in leasing agreements so house and rental hunting is more accessible for families who do not speak English as their first language,” said Hirschauer. “Legal agreements can be confusing even for native English speakers, so for families that primarily speak another language, not having clear information can put them at risk of misunderstanding their rights, obligations, or facing eviction without knowing why.”

Currently, housing authorities are not required to create sample lease agreements. House Bill 1610 would change the law to require these authorities — who assist from investigating housing issues to leasing property —to have sample leases and rental agreements available online in the three most common non-English languages spoken within its jurisdiction.

House Bill 1610 advanced through the Housing Committee with the help of DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform, a local non-profit in Hirschauer’s district. 

“This is a step forward in inclusive housing rights by requiring multilingual rental and leasing language be available online, so anyone going through this type of process can understand what they’re signing,” said Hirschauer. “Making this a consistent accessible resource for renters eases an often stressful process for non-native speakers.”

Hirschauer avanza proyecto de ley de acceso al lenguaje para inquilinos a través del Comité de Vivienda.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Tomando medidas para eliminar las barreras lingüísticas en los acuerdos de vivienda y alquiler para personas que no hablan inglés, la representante estatal Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, promovió una medida destinada a expandir los recursos en línea, exigiendo que las autoridades de vivienda proporcionen ejemplos de contratos de arrendamiento y acuerdos en varios idiomas.

“Esta medida, en última instancia, elimina las barreras lingüísticas en los contratos de arrendamiento para que la búsqueda de vivienda y alquiler sea más accesible para las familias que no hablan inglés como su primer idioma”, dijo Hirschauer. “Los acuerdos legales pueden ser confusos incluso para los hablantes nativos de inglés, así que para las familias que hablan principalmente otro idioma, no tener información clara puede ponerlas en riesgo de no entender sus derechos, obligaciones o enfrentar un desalojo sin saber por qué.”

Actualmente, las autoridades de vivienda no están obligadas a crear ejemplos de contratos de arrendamiento. El Proyecto de Ley 1610 cambiaría la ley para exigir que estas autoridades — que asisten desde la investigación de problemas de vivienda hasta el arrendamiento de propiedades — tengan disponibles en línea ejemplos de contratos de arrendamiento y acuerdos de alquiler en los tres idiomas no ingleses más hablados dentro de su jurisdicción.

El Proyecto de Ley 1610 avanzó a través del Comité de Vivienda con la ayuda de la DuPage Federation sobre la Reforma de Recursos Humanos, una organización sin fines de lucro local en el distrito de Hirschauer.

“Este es un paso adelante en los derechos inclusivos de vivienda al exigir que el lenguaje multilingüe en los contratos de alquiler y arrendamiento esté disponible en línea, para que cualquier persona que pase por este tipo de proceso pueda entender lo que está firmando”, dijo Hirschauer. “Hacer que este recurso accesible y consistente para los inquilinos facilite un proceso que a menudo es estresante para los hablantes no nativos.”

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