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

Hirschauer Pushes Expanded Emergency Preparedness for Teachers

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is continuing her efforts to
make classrooms safer, advancing a new bill to ensure more teachers are prepared to prioritize
student safety in an emergency situation.

“My work in Springfield is rooted in the kitchen table issues discussed in my neighborhood
every night. Parents, teachers and students alike are more fearful than ever to attend school
without the thought of ‘Will I be safe today?’ This bill reflects a serious effort to close gaps we
see locally that will have an impact statewide, ensuring every community, school, and student
feels seen and protected.”

Hirschauer passed House Bill 1787 out of the Education Policy Committee last week, ensuring
substitute teachers and semi-permanent educators receive the same lockdown and emergency
preparedness training as full-time teachers. As a former teacher and champion of commonsense
gun safety laws, Hirschauer developed this measure in coordination with Moms Demand Action
in order to continue developing a more comprehensive approach to student safety.

“I’m a staunch advocate for protecting our schools, and this measure is another way we can
prioritize our students’ safety,” said Hirschauer. “I’ll continue to work towards policies that
intersect the dangers of firearms, children, and schools because our kids deserve to enjoy the
same safety that we once did when we were growing up.”

Hirschauer Impulsa la Ampliación de la Preparación Para Emergencias Para los Maestros.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – La representante estatal Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, continúa sus esfuerzos para hacer las aulas más seguras, promoviendo un nuevo proyecto de ley para asegurar que más maestros estén preparados para priorizar la seguridad de los estudiantes en una situación de emergencia.

“Mi trabajo en Springfield está basado en los temas de la mesa de cocina que se discuten todas las noches en mi vecindario. Padres, maestros y estudiantes están más temerosos que nunca de asistir a la escuela sin la pregunta de ‘¿Estaré seguro hoy?’ Este proyecto de ley refleja un esfuerzo serio para cerrar las brechas que vemos localmente, lo que tendrá un impacto a nivel estatal, asegurando que cada comunidad, escuela y estudiante se sienta visto y protegido.”

Hirschauer aprobó el Proyecto de Ley 1787 en el Comité de Política Educativa la semana pasada, asegurando que los maestros sustitutos y los educadores semi-permanentes reciban la misma capacitación en medidas de emergencia y cierre que los maestros de tiempo completo. Como exmaestra y defensora de las leyes sensatas de seguridad con armas, Hirschauer desarrolló esta medida en coordinación con Moms Demand Action para continuar desarrollando un enfoque más integral sobre la seguridad estudiantil.

“Soy una defensora firme de la protección de nuestras escuelas, y esta medida es otra forma de priorizar la seguridad de nuestros estudiantes”, dijo Hirschauer. “Continuaré trabajando hacia políticas que aborden los peligros de las armas de fuego, los niños y las escuelas, porque nuestros hijos merecen disfrutar de la misma seguridad que tuvimos nosotros cuando crecíamos.”

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

Representative Hirschauer Advances Bill Recognizing Missing Soldiers, Support for Veteran Families

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Aiming to pay tribute to past servicemen and women who never returned
home, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is working to create a new observance honoring
missing soldiers, prisoners of war and veteran families experiencing grief.

“This measure is a small but powerful way to ensure we never forget the sacrifices of those who
never came home, and the loved ones who continue to grieve their absence,” said Hirschauer.
Hirschauer passed House Bill 1312 out of the State Government Administration Committee with
bipartisan support. Her bill would designate the third Friday of September of each year as
POW/MIA Recognition Day in honor of missing service members and families of prisoners of
war (POW) and those missing in action (MIA).

The measure specifically calls on the governor to request a portion of the day be dedicated to
personal reflection on the challenging circumstances of POWs and MIA members of the U.S.
armed forces, encouraging all Illinoisans to reflect on these soldiers’ services.

“By formally recognizing this day, we urge the governor and all Illinoisans to reflect on the
courage of these individuals and the pain endured by their families and loved ones,” said
Hirschauer. “I am honored to bring this legislation in front of our chamber’s body to reflect our
state’s unwavering support for those who serve and protect us.”

Representante Hirschauer Avanza Proyecto de Ley Reconociendo a los Soldados Desaparecidos, Apoyando a las Familias de Veteranos

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Con el objetivo de rendir homenaje a los hombres y mujeres que sirvieron y nunca regresaron a casa, la Representante Estatal Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, está trabajando para crear una nueva conmemoración en honor a los soldados desaparecidos, prisioneros de guerra y las familias de veteranos que experimentan el duelo.

“Esta medida es una forma pequeña pero poderosa de asegurarnos de que nunca olvidemos los sacrificios de aquellos que nunca regresaron a casa, y de los seres queridos que siguen sufriendo por su ausencia”, dijo Hirschauer.

Hirschauer aprobó el Proyecto de Ley 1312 en el Comité de Administración del Gobierno Estatal con apoyo bipartidista. Su proyecto de ley designaría el tercer viernes de septiembre de cada año como el Día de Reconocimiento a los POW/MIA (Prisioneros de Guerra y Desaparecidos en Acción) en honor a los miembros del servicio desaparecidos y las familias de prisioneros de guerra (POW) y aquellos desaparecidos en acción (MIA).

La medida específicamente solicita al gobernador que dedique una parte del día a la reflexión personal sobre las difíciles circunstancias de los POW y los miembros MIA de las fuerzas armadas de EE. UU., alentando a todos los habitantes de Illinois a reflexionar sobre los servicios de estos soldados.

“Al reconocer formalmente este día, instamos al gobernador y a todos los habitantes de Illinois a reflexionar sobre el coraje de estas personas y el dolor que han soportado sus familias y seres queridos”, dijo Hirschauer. “Es un honor presentar esta legislación ante nuestro cuerpo legislativo para reflejar el inquebrantable apoyo de nuestro estado hacia aquellos que sirven y nos protegen.”

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

Preconsruction Notice- Butterfield Road: Warrenville, Wheaton & Aurora

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Illinois Department of Transportation – From April 2025 to September 2025, improvements will be made along IL 56 (Butterfield Road) from 0.4 miles west of IL 59 to East Naperville Road within the cities of Warrenville, Wheaton, and Aurora in DuPage County. The project will include a 6.15-mile overlay and ADA ramp improvements, hot mix asphalt surface removal and replacement, pedestrian ramps, pavement patching, and pavement markings.

Once completed, this project will enhance the operations of the transportation route. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office.

Aviso de Construccion – Butterfield Road: Warrenville, Wheaton & Aurora

Departamento de Transporte de Illinois – Desde abril de 2025 hasta septiembre de 2025, se realizarán mejoras a lo largo de la IL 56 (Butterfield Road) desde 0.4 millas al oeste de la IL 59 hasta East Naperville Road, dentro de las ciudades de Warrenville, Wheaton y Aurora en el condado de DuPage. El proyecto incluirá una superposición de 6.15 millas y mejoras en las rampas ADA, remoción y reemplazo de la superficie de asfalto de mezcla en caliente, rampas peatonales, reparación de pavimento y marcas viales.

Una vez finalizado, este proyecto mejorará las operaciones de la ruta de transporte. Nos disculpamos por cualquier inconveniente que esto pueda causar. Si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud, comuníquese con nuestra oficina.

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

Preconstruction Notice – Neltnor West Chicago

Spanish

Illinois Department of Transportation – From April 2025 through November 2025, improvements will be made along IL 59 (Neltnor Boulevard) from south of Heritage Woods Drive to North Batavia Road within the City of West Chicago and the Village of Warrenville. The project will include a 5.78-mile overlay and ADA improvements. Work will involve hot mix asphalt (HMA) surface removal and replacement, patching, detector loop replacement, pavement markings, sidewalk and curb removal and replacement, drainage structure adjustments, and minor traffic signal improvements.

Once completed, this project will enhance the operations of the highway facility. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office.

Aviso Previo de Construccion – Neltnor West Chicago

Departamento de Transporte de Illinois – Desde Abril 2025 hasta Noviembre 2025, se realizarán mejoras a lo largo de IL 59 (Neltnor Boulevard) desde el sur de Heritage Woods Drive hasta North Batavia Road, dentro de la ciudad de West Chicago y el pueblo de Warrenville. El proyecto incluirá una capa de 5.78 millas y mejoras de alteraciones. El trabajo consistirá en la remoción y reemplazo de la superficie de asfalto mezclado en caliente (HMA), parches, reemplazo de lazo detector, marcas viales, remoción y reemplazo de aceras y bordillos, ajustes de estructuras de drenaje y mejoras menores en las señales de tráfico.

Una vez completado, este proyecto mejorará las operaciones de la vía. Pedimos disculpas por cualquier inconveniente que esto pueda causar. Si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud, por favor, contacte a nuestra oficina.

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 Reacts To Governor’s Budget Address

Spanish

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement
Wednesday in response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s annual budget address:

“I have always believed that our state finances should be run the way smart, hard-working Illinoisans run their household budgets: spend wisely, pay our bills on time, and save for a rainy day. Using the resources we have available, we must take care of children, combat rising costs for families and seniors, and plan for the future.

“We begin this process with a strong foundation set by the smart, balanced budgets that restored our credit to an A-rating while making investments in our schools, healthcare, and community safety. Illinoisans shouldn’t have to choose between a compassionate state and a responsible state; we can, and we will be both.“I’m glad to see the governor shares my vision for a balanced budget that holds the line on taxes and continues our work to bring down costs. Now, the real work begins. I’ll be going line-by-line through the budget to make it even better, more efficient, and more responsive. I am a working mom; I know how difficult these rising costs are on a family budget. You can trust that Illinois families will be at the forefront of my mind as we work towards a state budget that works for you.”

Declaración De la Representante Estatal Maura Hirschauer

Hirschauer Reacciona al Discurso de Presupuesto del Gobierno

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – La rep. estatal Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, publicó la siguiente
declaración el miércoles respondiendo al discurso del presupuesto anual del Gob. JB Pritzker:

“Siempre he creído que la economía estatal debe administrarse de la misma manera de un
presupuesto del hogar de los ciudadanos inteligentes y trabajadores de Illinois: gastar
sabiamente, pagar las cuentas a tiempo, y ahorrar para los tiempos difíciles. Con los recursos
disponibles, tenemos que cuidar a los hijos, combatir los costos en aumento para familias y
personas mayores y planear el futuro.

“Comenzamos este proceso con una base sólida establecida por los presupuestos inteligentes y
equilibrados que restablecieron nuestra calificación crediticia estatal a un nivel A mientras
invertimos en nuestras escuelas, salud médica, y en la seguridad comunitaria. Los ciudadanos de
Illinois no deberían tener que elegir entre un estado compasivo y un estado responsable;
podemos y seremos ambos.

“Me alegra ver que el gobierno comparte mi visión de un presupuesto equilibrado que mantenga
fija la línea de impuestos y siga nuestro trabajo para reducir costos. Ahora, empieza el trabajo
verdadero. Voy a revisar cada línea del presupuesto para hacerlo mejor, más eficiente, y más
receptivo. Soy una mamá trabajadora; yo se que es difícil enfrentar los costos en aumento para el
presupuesto de una familia. Puede confiar en que las familias de Illinois van a estar en el frente
de mi mente mientras trabajamos para lograr un presupuesto estatal que funciona para usted.”

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

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

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

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:

“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

How to Support West Chicago Apartment Fire Victims

Yesterday, nearly 100 of our neighbors in West Chicago became homeless due to a large fire consuming their homes. The support in the community is immense, with over 40 representatives of organizations present on calls to organize the followup to the first responses from West Chicago Fire Protection District,   West Chicago Police Department, and the Red Cross of Illinois.

Thank you to WeGo Together for Kids for coordinating donations and to New Hope Methodist Church for jumping in immediately and receiving donations for these displaced families and to all the community organizations that are supporting and will continue to support these neighbors in the coming weeks.

Donations Needed:

Monetary donations are needed and welcomed. Anything donated at this link between now and Dec 31 will go toward the fire victims (no need to choose a fund).

Clothing donations CLOSED at this time- please consider a monetary donation or check back if additional items are needed.

The following items are needed for victims of the Main Park Apartments fire. ONLY these items. Please do NOT donate summer clothing, shoes, etc. Families are homeless and have very limited space to store items.
Donations can be dropped off at New Hope Methodist Church, 643 E Washington, West Chicago, 9am-4pm.

NEW

Men’s underwear (boxer briefs): size S-2XL
Women’s underwear size S-XL
Children’s underwear all sizes
Socks for all genders

GENTLY USED

Sweatpants: Men’s size S-2XL, Women’s size S-XL, Kids all sizes
Sweatshirts and warm tops: Men’s size S-2XL, Women’s size S-XL, Kids all sizes
Men’s shoes: Sizes 7, 7.5, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 13
Women’s shoes: Sizes 6-9 fulfilled
Kids’ shoes: all sizes
Bras: preferably sports bra type in all sizes

Follow WeGo Together for Kids for the most up-to-date info on donations needed.

Hirschauer Highlighting Nearly  Million in Grants for Recreation Projects Throughout Illinois

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is excited to announce that the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Village of South Elgin, and Batavia Park District will be included in the $60 million state grant for parks districts and recreational departments in Illinois.

“I am excited to share that the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Village of South Elgin, and Batavia Park District will be the benefactors of this grant,” Hirschauer said. “This is an investment into the health and well-being of families in our community. Parks and recreational centers have always been a special place in our neighborhoods because they are a place where everyone can gather together to be active and present with their children and friends.”

Gov. Pritzker and the Department of Natural Resources are distributing nearly $60 million in grants for 118 local park projects throughout Illinois. These grants serve to help communities acquire land, and develop recreational opportunities for parks districts and recreational centers. Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Village of South Elgin, and Batavia Park District will all be receiving $600,000 in funding.

“This is an opportunity for our district to invest in renovations and services for members of our community,” Hirschauer said. “We must continue to fund projects that improve and expand services like pools and parks for families in our community to enjoy.”

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

Hirschauer Denounces Proposed Rail Merger

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, and other state and local officials joined the Coalition to Stop CPKC Monday to formally oppose the proposed merger of Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern Railroad. The Coalition, made up of the Villages of Bartlett, Bensenville, Hanover Park, Itasca, Roselle, and Schaumburg, the Cities of Elgin and Wood Dale, and DuPage County, condemns the merger due to the health and safety risks it poses to local communities.

“Though rail travel is important to state commerce, we cannot put profit over the health and safety of our communities. The proposed merger between Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern Railroad will greatly increase the amount of freight trains running through our communities, undoubtedly increasing the risk of derailment and other dangers,” Hirschauer said. “As we watch and pray for the victims of the disastrous chemical spill in Ohio, caused by a derailed train, we must take action to ensure a similar tragedy does not befall our communities because of this reckless proposal.”

The $31 billion merger would increase the risk of derailments by quadrupling the number of trains traveling through the listed communities, as well as increase traffic gridlock and noise pollution. The Coalition is advocating for the U.S. Surface Transportation Board to deny the merger.

“Aside from the serious health and safety concerns we have over the merger, there is also potential for severe environmental impact to the Fox River, similar to the mass wildlife deaths in Ohio,” Hirschauer said. “We’ve seen the devastating effects of train derailment and we want better for our communities.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. 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