Category: Legislation
Representative Hirschauer’s leadership on HB1464 was featured in this article from Capitol News Illinois! Learn more about this legislation and how Illinois is supporting women and their reproductive rights while many states are trying to remove these essential health services.
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April 27 – Mobile DMV – Senator 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
Description Deadline
Senior Citizens Tax Deferral Program March 1
R3 RESTORE. REINVEST. RENEW. March 1, 2pm
We Need Diverse Books (K-12 educators) March 4
Back to Business (B2B) March 7
DCEO (State + Federal) Various
Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance Various
Description Deadline
Early Childhood Caregivers March 1
Conservation Achievement (Illinois Conservation Foundation) March 1
Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement March 4
DCFS (DCFS Case, youth 16-21) March 31
Today, the Governor outlined a fiscally and socially responsible budget proposal that demonstrates that Illinois is on the strongest financial footing we’ve had in decades. We can use this surplus to invest in the people and communities who need help the most, be great stewards of our debt, and set the stage for future growth.
After almost two years of struggling through a global pandemic, working families are in desperate need of support. I appreciate that the governor’s proposal includes using much of this surplus to provide direct tax relief to families and their everyday needs. Illinoisans are feeling the pain of inflation while still recovering from the financial hit of the pandemic. The Governor’s proposal for a 1-year moratorium on state grocery taxes and a 1-year freeze on the gas tax will give families assistance in these unprecedented times.
Throughout the pandemic our students and teachers have suffered through interrupted learning; and working families have struggled to find and maintain affordable childcare. I am glad to see Governor Pritzker is calling for half a billion dollars to fund preK-12 schools, which includes $150 million for early childhood education. Prioritizing state dollars to support our talented students, teachers, administrators, and support staff is critical to growing a strong and bright future.
However, to truly make a difference in the lives of Illinois families, we cannot ignore the importance of early intervention services and affordable day care. Throughout the pandemic our littlest and most vulnerable learners have received interrupted early intervention care. Disparities in development and kindergarten readiness, already wide, are growing deeper and more stark with underfunding of critical programs. Child care providers, early childhood educators, and caregivers need well-funded support to grow programs to meet the needs of Illinois families. I urge the Governor to expand the 10% increase for early education to include Early Intervention (EI) services and the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
Governor Prizker presented us with a budget that puts the needs of Illinoisans first. His proposal marks an optimistic start to our budgeting process and I look forward to digging into the details to ensure that folks in the 49th District have the support they need to thrive.
“After almost two years of struggling through a global pandemic, working families are in desperate need of support. I appreciate that the governor’s proposal includes using much of this surplus to provide direct tax relief to families and their everyday needs.”
WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – To help manufacturers reinvest in the local workforce and build a greener economy, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, supported legislation to provide tax incentives for auto producers and manufacturers in the electric vehicles industry.
“The popularity of electric vehicles is on the rise, and this gives Illinois auto makers the opportunity to bring more jobs to our communities while investing in sustainable energy,” Hirschauer said. “This legislation will reward manufacturers who choose to do business in Illinois and create jobs for our local communities.”
Hirschauer is a sponsor of the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois), creating tax credits for manufacturers who add or create new jobs in Illinois. The tax credits can be used for various operating costs like job training and construction costs. This legislation passed both the house and senate during October’s veto session and has been sent to the governor.
“As we continue to recover from the pandemic, it is essential to give our local business owners and manufacturers the opportunity to get back on track and reinvest in the economy,” Hirschauer said. “With initiatives like REV Illinois, our state can reward our local manufacturers and attract new businesses and opportunities for employment.”
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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 Legislation Supports Manufacturers, Economic Growth 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.”
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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.
This picture – our 6 year old Teddy soaking in a beautiful Illinois sunset – is one image I held in the forefront of my mind when I voted yes on SB2408 last night. The time for small steps has passed. Scientists have rung the alarm for our planet, for the future of our children and grandchildren, stating that we are on a code red for humanity. Our planet is burning, and increasingly severe weather is hurting our communities and agriculture.
Late last night my colleagues and I answered the call, passing SB2408, a nation-leading climate and equitable jobs bill. We made the critical decision to save our planet while being financially responsible. We set Illinois on a path to a greener future by delivering 100% carbon free power by 2045 while creating new jobs that are rooted in equity.
Thank you to Representatives Evans, Gabel, Hoffman, and Williams for the hours of negotiations, advocacy and work put into this bill. And thank you to Speaker Welch for prioritizing and standing strong for this critical work. Together we took the first critical step towards a sustainable, healthy planet for children across Illinois.
“Our planet is burning, and increasingly severe weather is hurting our communities and agriculture.”
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:
“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.”
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.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To ensure education in Illinois reflects the diversity of the state, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, sponsored a new state law that requires Asian American history to be added to the school curriculum.
“This historic measure will make Illinois the first state in the country to require Asian American history to be taught in schools,” said Hirschauer. “We are in an unfortunate time when people of Asian descent are facing discrimination solely based on their ethnicity. This bill will not only work to combat discrimination against Asian Americans, but also ensure that people of every background in Illinois are recognized for their contributions in national and world history.”
The Hirschauer-backed House Bill 376, also known as the Teaching Equitable Asian American History Act, was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker after receiving strong bipartisan support in both chambers of the General Assembly. Starting with the 2022-2023 school year, all public elementary and high school students will be required to complete a unit on Asian American history, including the history of Asian Americans in the Midwest and Illinois.
“Asian American history is American history,” said Hirschauer. “This legislation will not only better educate our youth, but also give Asian American students the chance to see their culture represented in the classroom. I am happy to see this much-needed legislation signed into law.”
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 Legislation to Teach Asian American History Signed into Law appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Hormonal contraceptives will soon be available without a doctor’s prescription in Illinois under a new law backed by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia.
“Birth control is not only a safe and effective way to prevent unintended pregnancy, but also commonly used to manage painful periods and symptoms of certain medical conditions,” said Hirschauer. “Birth control saves and changes lives, and it should be easily accessible. This new law reduces barriers to reproductive health care, giving more women the ability to choose the birth control method that’s best for their health, lifestyle and priorities.”
Signed into law on Thursday, the Hirschauer-sponsored House Bill 135 creates a pathway for pharmacists to dispense hormonal contraception in Illinois. By making birth control available over the counter, the measure eliminates the need to visit a doctor’s office to obtain or renew a prescription.
“There are a variety of circumstances that may make it difficult for women to fit in a doctor’s appointment, including a busy work schedule, lack of child care or unreliable transportation,” said Hirschauer. “Allowing women to get birth control directly from a pharmacist is a critical step toward improving equitable access to reproductive health care in Illinois, and I am glad to see this bill signed into law.”
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 Law to Improve Access to Birth Control appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Survivors of sexual assault will receive up-to-date information about Illinois’ online tracking system for evidence collection kits under legislation introduced by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, which was signed into law on Friday.
“Survivors who report a sexual assault deserve assurance that their case will be handled appropriately and promptly,” said Hirschauer. “Being able to track their evidence kit and trust it’s being processed can help survivors move forward with confidence, but only if they know they have this option.”
In 2020, the Illinois State Police launched an online tracking system called CheckPoint, which allows survivors of sexual assault to monitor their evidence kit in real time throughout the analysis process. Hirschauer’s House Bill 1739 pushes hospital staff and law enforcement to explain how to use the tracking system in their interactions with survivors.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the measure into law on Friday.
“It’s critical that our state laws on sexual assault take into account the human element of this horrific crime, and that we’re providing comprehensive, trauma-informed care for each and every survivor,” said Hirschauer. “This new law empowers survivors, ensures they’re not kept in the dark because of bureaucracy and helps them regain a sense of control.”
“It’s critical that our state laws on sexual assault take into account the human element of this horrific crime, and that we’re providing comprehensive, trauma-informed care for each and every survivor. This new law empowers survivors, ensures they’re not kept in the dark because of bureaucracy and helps them regain a sense of control.”
I visited Hanover Township and learned about the various services it offers to our constituents. Aging Services, Community Health, and Youth and Family services name just a few. Hanover Township has friendly staff and volunteers ready to assist. Thank you for the wonderful tour of Hanover Township, Supervisor McGuire and staff! 
On Fridays, the District Office staff is getting into the community. Recently they were at St. Andrew Church in West Chicago helping prepare for their Saturday community food distribution. Thanks to the hard work of volunteers, St. Andrew Church is able to feed over 400 families. If you are interested in volunteering opportunities contact us at 331-465-9661. You can also reach out to St. Andrew Church directly at 630-231-3787.