SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, will continue to seek bipartisan solutions to strengthen Illinois’ Medicaid program as a new member of the Medicaid Working Group.

“All Illinoisans, regardless of race, income level, or zip code, deserve access to affordable health care. Though Illinois has made great progress expanding health care coverage these last few years, there is still much more work to be done,” Hirschauer said. “Medicaid serves our most vulnerable Illinoisans in a variety of ways, from community violence intervention programs, to life saving health care, and early childhood services for our youngest Illinoisans. As a member of the Medicaid Working Group, I will work to strengthen and improve access to these essential health care services.”

The Medicaid Working Group is a collection of Democratic lawmakers tasked with reviewing Medicaid legislation, rules, and policies. The group also proposes legislation based on their review to expand access to health care services, preserve existing health care coverage, and increase equity within Illinois’ health care system.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, released the following statement in response to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget address on Wednesday:

“As we embark on this year’s budget negotiations, I will advocate for a fair and responsible budget that funds key human services, uplifts working families, and keeps Illinois on a path of fiscal responsibility and financial growth.

“We must continue to rebuild Illinois’ fiscal house and revitalize the workforce that has gone to bat for us during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. This includes investing in workforce development within education, health care, and child care so that we can continue to benefit from these critical industries. As we craft this year’s budget, we must prioritize public education funding and expanding safe, affordable child care because we know access to education and child care allows for upward mobility and better health and economic outcomes for our children and families. Moreover, we must continue to bolster community safety by tackling the root causes of violence so that all Illinoisans, regardless of zip code, can feel safe going to school, work, and more.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come up with a budget that not only meets the needs of our communities, but prioritizes the health, safety, and wellbeing of Illinois’ most vulnerable.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. —State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, will work to improve Illinois’ public school system, prioritize affordable childcare, and advocate for policies that protect the environment as a member of crucial House committees focused on education, child welfare and energy.

“With a new session underway, I am ready to work and pass legislation that will help move our state forward. Students statewide deserve the same opportunities regardless of their zip code,” Hirschauer said. “I plan on working to ensure our schools stay strong and improve our opportunities for students all over Illinois.”

Hirschauer will serve as the vice chair of the Child Care Access and Early Childhood Education Committee where she will focus on bringing quality, affordable childcare to Illinois families, and supporting the needs of our critical early childhood workforce. Additionally, she will serve on the budget committees responsible for education and human services. Hirschauer will also serve on the Housing Committee and Environment & Energy Committee. 

Hirschauer will use her experience as an early childhood educator and first grade teacher to guide her committee work. She will advocate to bring more resources to special education, mental health, and early intervention services to eliminate the ever widening achievement gap.

In the Energy and Environment committee, Hirschauer will continue to support legislation that promotes clean energy solutions and establishes more renewable energy in Illinois.

“I am excited for the work ahead and look forward to working with my colleagues across the aisle to pass meaningful legislation,” Hirschauer said. “My goal is for Illinois to be the best state to raise your family – with abundant and affordable childcare, excellent schools and healthcare services, safe communities, and great jobs.”

For more information, please contact office@repmaura49.com.

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — Every employee of Illinois will be guaranteed at least five days of paid leave for personal every year use under legislation passed by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia

“As a working parent, I understand the struggles that follow unexpected illnesses and childcare,” said Hirschauer. “Unfortunately, we live in a society where not all parents can take leave to care for their sick children. That is why I fully back this legislation that allows parents to take off during those unfortunate and unexpected circumstances, and ensures all workers have time to tend to family or personal matters. Requiring that all employees receive paid leave is just one way that we are working to protect Illinois families.”

Hirschauer voted to pass Senate Bill 208, The Paid Leave for All Workers Act, which requires all employers to grant their employees working a minimum of 40 hours a week five days of paid leave per year for personal use. Under this legislation, workers can earn paid leave starting on their first day of employment, which translates to one hour of leave for every 40 hours of work.

Hirschauer’s vote also ensures that employees will be permitted to use their paid leave as soon as the 90th day of employment. However, employers hold the right to allow workers to use paid leave earlier. Paid leave may be used as employees desire to conduct any personal business without providing a reason for the absence or any documentation or certification.

Employers hold the authority to require employees to provide notice before taking paid time off. Up to 40 hours of unused paid leave can be carried over into the following year. However, employers will not be required to cash out the balance of an outgoing employee’s paid leave.

Employers who violate the act would be subjected to penalties, which include fines and compensatory damages for the affected employee.

For more information, please contact office@repmaura49.com.