Month: August 2021

Hirschauer Highlights New Vax Verify Program from Illinois Department of Public Health

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Highlights New Vax Verify Program from Illinois Department of Public Health

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – Illinois residents can now check their vaccination status and pull up their vaccine card online through a new program from Illinois Department of Public Health and supported by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia.

“As the Delta variant of COVID-19 surges and more businesses and events require vaccination status for entry, the new Vax Verify system makes proving vaccination status easy,” said Hirschauer. “Vax Verify is a safe, secure and simple way to pull up your vaccination card if needed, without worrying about confidential information becoming public.”

The Vax Verify program, created by the Illinois Department of Public Health, allows any Illinois resident over the age of 18 to check their vaccination status online. To use Vax Verify, residents must complete a one-time confidential verification process. After verification, residents will be able to view their own record in the Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange (I-CARE). Interested residents can begin verifying their account or view their vaccine status at https://idphportal.illinois.gov.

“Nearly seven million Illinois residents have already gotten the COVID-19 vaccine,” continued Hirschauer. “Vax Verify just continues to simply the process of being vaccinated and putting Illinois on the right track to opening safely.”

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 Highlights New Vax Verify Program from Illinois Department of Public Health appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

Hirschauer Highlights Back to Business Program Grants

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Highlights Back to Business Program Grants

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – As businesses continue to recover from the pandemic, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is encouraging small businesses to apply for the Back to Business grant program (B2B) from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

“Our small businesses are the backbone of our communities and help drive economic recovery,” Hirschauer said. “The Back to Business grant program will help the most vulnerable small businesses get back on track and create more jobs.”

B2B allocates $250 million for small businesses that have experienced significant losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses that belong to the restaurant and tavern, hotel, and arts industries will have priority status for grants. DCEO will also be partnering with community-based organizations like Small Business Development Centers and other community partners to reach the most at need businesses. The application opens on Aug. 18, 2021. Business owners can obtain more information about the application process at dceo.illinois.gov.

“The road to recovery has to lift up our small businesses that have been hurt the most during the pandemic,” Hirschauer said. “The families who have invested their lives to the economic development of our communities must take priority for state investment, and we cannot continue to let them bear the brunt of the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.”

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 Highlights Back to Business Program Grants appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

Hirschauer Hosts Free Community Shred Day

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Hosts Free Community Shred Day

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. –  To help local residents safely dispose of old documents, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is hosting a Free Community Shred Day on Aug. 28 at Leman Middle School in West Chicago. 

“This shred event is an easy way to get rid of old, sensitive documents without worry,” Hirschauer said. “Instead of simply throwing out old bills, tax returns or any other documents with confidential or personally identifiable information, residents can bring their old papers to Leman Middle School and dispose of them safely.”

Hirschauer is hosting a Free Community Shred Day in partnership with state Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, on Aug. 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Leman Middle School, located at 238 E. Hazel St. in West Chicago. The event is free and open to the public. Residents can bring up to 3 boxes or 2 paper bags of old documents with all paperclips and staples removed previously. Attendees are encouraged  to take precautions against COVID-19 by wearing a personal protective mask since children or other vulnerable individuals might be present. 

“Identity theft can affect anyone and shredding old documents can help reduce the chances of scammers or criminals getting ahold of personal information,” Hirschauer said. “I encourage all local residents to take advantage of this opportunity to protect themselves against identity theft and to make their homes cleaner by getting rid of old documents in a safe manner.”

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 Hosts Free Community Shred Day appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

Hirschauer to Host Family Health Fair

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer to Host Family Health Fair

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.

Hirschauer-Backed Comprehensive Gun Safety Legislation Signed into Law

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer-Backed Comprehensive Gun Safety Legislation Signed into Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Combining her advocacy and work to end gun violence, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, supported  a comprehensive gun safety legislation package that was signed into law Monday by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“Gun violence is a multifaceted and complex issue that must be addressed on all fronts, from supporting law enforcement with the tools and technology they need to solve gun crimes and track illegally trafficked guns, to funding mental health, community-based violence intervention programs, and education,” said Hirschauer  “House Bill 562 is not a magic fix for the gun violence that plagues our state. It is, however, a crucially important step that we are taking today to prevent mass tragedies and everyday gun violence, and keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous people.”

House Bill 562, supported by Hirschauer, takes several steps to combat gun violence and streamlines the FOID applications process by:

  • Requiring federal background checks for all private gun sales
  • Directing $9 million in funding for mental health to communities most impacted by gun violence
  • Allowing for a single FOID/CCL card
  • Strengthening requirements for the Illinois State Police to monitor state and federal databases for people prohibited from owning guns
  • Creating a database of stolen guns
  • Allowing for voluntary fingerprinting as an incentive for reduced application fees and automatic renewal of gun licenses
  • Creating an appeals board for FOID applicants

“The gun violence that plagues our state takes many forms: suicides, homicides, intimate partner violence, police shootings—all of them are lethal,” said Hirschauer. “It is our job, as legislators, to enact public policies that will keep Illinoisans safe, and I will continue to fight for strong, common sense gun violence prevention initiatives. House Bill 592 is a step in the right direction, but we have a  lot more tough work to do.”

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-Backed Comprehensive Gun Safety Legislation Signed into Law appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.