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
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
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
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:
Call out President Trump for pardoning the confessed and convicted criminals charged for their actions on Jan. 6, 2021, including those who beat and killed police officers in the U.S. Capitol.
Challenge the administration’s immoral efforts to block lifesaving services for people in need and for working families, jeopardizing the economy and the services people depend on for everything from food assistance, to healthcare, to housing assistance, and more.
Oppose the dangerous Trump trade agenda, which will raise costs on everything local families purchase, increase housing costs, raise the price of home energy, and dramatically increase inflation pressures on families’ budgets.
Rebuke the president’s efforts to double down on a broken immigration system, and his unconstitutional order to strip away citizenship protections in the United States Constitution.
Fight against Trump’s anti-DEI rhetoric that, in reality, are attacks on the workplace protections, equal pay, and longstanding policies that enhance opportunity for all.
“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.
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 #104 West Chicago IL 60185
As federal immigration raids have been initiated in Illinois, State Rep. Maura Hirschauer is encouraging residents to understand their rights under Illinois state law. This resource page offers trusted information from Illinois law and community organizations. This page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. It includes important resources to help you understand your rights, along with links to trusted partners and organizations for additional support.
Everyone in the U.S., regardless of immigration status, has constitutional rights and protections. The information here is designed to help you stay informed about your rights, prepare for potential encounters with ICE, and navigate the challenges of mass deportation threats. While fear tactics are being used to create anxiety within our community, this page serves as a resource to help you stay informed and prepared with up-to-date information.
In Illinois, law enforcement is largely prohibited from participating in immigration enforcement. This protects not only undocumented individuals but also U.S. citizens who may be concerned about their immigrant family members.
Key Protections under Illinois Law:
The TRUST Act Illinois law enforcement agencies cannot engage in immigration enforcement operations. This helps build trust between communities and law enforcement.
The VOICES Act Officers must follow procedures to protect immigrants who are victims of violent crime or human trafficking and who have assisted law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting certain types of crimes.
The Way Forward Act (2021) This law strengthens protections by authorizing the Illinois Attorney General to investigate and enforce compliance with the TRUST Act and VOICES Act.
What Illinois Local Law Enforcement Can and Can’t Do:
Cannot stop, arrest, search, or detain individuals solely based on citizenship or immigration status.
Cannot generally assist with federal civil immigration enforcement operations.
Can only make arrests based on a criminal warrant or probable cause that a criminal offense has occurred.
Guardianship documents allow you to legally designate a trusted adult to care for your children if you are unable to do so. These documents can specify who will make decisions about your children’s education, healthcare, and daily needs. To learn more please visit the Illinois Legal Aid: Getting Guardianship of a child website.
Know Your Rights: Health Care and Health Insurance
You have the right to healthcare regardless of your immigration status. Some states require hospitals to ask patients about their immigration status. If you are asked for your immigration status, you do not have to provide it, and a healthcare provider cannot refuse to treat you because you declined to share your immigration status information. For additional information, please visit the National Immigration Law Center website.
Know Your Rights: If You Are Arrested or Detained by Immigration
You can call the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) hotline number at 1-800-898-7180 (toll-free) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to get information on your case’s status.
ICE Requirements for Conducting Warrantless Arrests and Vehicle Stops
The National Immigrant Justice Center discussed the Castanon-Nava Settlement Agreement. According to the Castanon-Nava Settlement Agreement, ICE is required to follow certain guidelines when making arrests without a judicial warrant, especially in the “Chicago area of responsibility,” which includes Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, and Kentucky, until May 2025. These requirements include:
Violations and Remedies: If ICE fails to properly document the arrest, it is considered a violation of policy, which may lead to the individual’s release. Additionally, repeated violations can result in further legal action.
Mandatory Documentation: ICE must complete Form I-213, explaining why the warrantless arrest took place, detailing the location (such as a business, public area, or residence), and whether the arrested individual was an employee of the company or a resident of the household.
Explanation of the Arrest: ICE must clearly explain why they believed the individual would flee if a judicial warrant were issued later. They must also identify themselves as ICE officers and provide a documented explanation for the arrest.
Mientras se inician redadas federales de inmigración en Illinois, la representante estatal Maura Hirschauer está alentando a los residentes a comprender sus derechos según la ley estatal de Illinois. Esta página de recursos ofrece información confiable de organizaciones comunitarias y legales de Illinois. Esta página tiene fines educativos e informativos únicamente y no pretende ser asesoramiento legal. Incluye recursos importantes para ayudarle a comprender sus derechos, junto con enlaces a socios y organizaciones confiables para obtener apoyo adicional.
Todos en los EE. UU., independientemente de su estatus migratorio, tienen derechos y protecciones constitucionales. La información aquí está diseñada para ayudarlo a mantenerse informado sobre sus derechos, prepararse para posibles encuentros con ICE y afrontar los desafíos de las amenazas de deportación masiva. Si bien se utilizan tácticas de miedo para crear ansiedad dentro de nuestra comunidad, esta página sirve como recurso para ayudarlo a mantenerse informado y preparado con información actualizada.
En Illinois, a las autoridades policiales se les prohíbe en gran medida participar en la aplicación de la ley de inmigración. Esto protege no sólo a las personas indocumentadas sino también a los ciudadanos estadounidenses que puedan estar preocupados por sus familiares inmigrantes.
Protecciones clave bajo la ley de Illinois:
La Ley De Confianza Las agencias policiales de Illinois no pueden participar en operaciones de control de inmigración. Esto ayuda a generar confianza entre las comunidades y las autoridades.
La Ley Voces Los agentes deben seguir procedimientos para proteger a los inmigrantes que son víctimas de delitos violentos o trata de personas y que han ayudado a las autoridades a investigar o procesar ciertos tipos de delitos.
Ley Del Camino A Seguir (2021) Esta ley fortalece las protecciones al autorizar al Fiscal General de Illinois a investigar y hacer cumplir la Ley TRUST y la Ley VOICES.
Lo que las autoridades locales de Illinois pueden y no pueden hacer:
Nopuede detener, arrestar, registrar o detener a personas únicamente por su ciudadanía o estatus migratorio.
Nopuede generalmente ayudar con las operaciones federales de control de inmigración civil.
Sólo se pueden realizar arrestos con base en una orden penal o causa probable de que se haya cometido un delito penal.
ACTUALIZACIÓN DE NOTICIAS : Ampliación de la Deportación Acelerada
“El 21 de enero, el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional amplió el uso de un proceso llamado “expulsión acelerada”, poniendo a los miembros indocumentados de la comunidad en mayor riesgo de ser sometidos a un proceso de deportación rápida. Estos cambios entrarán en vigor a partir del 21 de enero de 2025. Se trata de una situación en rápida evolución que cambiará en base a las acciones de la administración presidencial.”(National Immigration Law Center, 2025)
Crear un Plan de Seguridad
Inicie un plan familiar y hable con sus hijos al respecto para asegurarse de que todos sepan qué hacer en caso de una emergencia.
Los documentos de tutela le permiten designar legalmente a un adulto de confianza para que cuide a sus hijos si usted no puede hacerlo. Estos documentos pueden especificar quién tomará decisiones sobre la educación, la atención médica y las necesidades diarias de sus hijos. Para obtener más información, visite el sitio web Illinois Legal Aid: Getting Guardianship of a Child .
Conozca Sus Derechos: Atencion Medica y Seguro Medico
Usted tiene derecho a recibir atención médica independientemente de su estatus migratorio. Algunos estados exigen que los hospitales pregunten a los pacientes sobre su situación migratoria. Si le preguntan su estatus migratorio, no tiene que proporcionarlo y un proveedor de atención médica no puede negarse a tratarlo porque usted se negó a compartir su información sobre su estatus migratorio. Para obtener información adicional, visite el sitio web de National Immigration Law Center.
Conozca Sus Derechos: Si es Arrestado o Detenido por Inmigracion
Localizador de detenidos en línea de ICE (https://locator.ice.gov/odls/homePage.do) para encontrar un adulto que esté bajo custodia de inmigración. O llame a la oficina local de ICE (https://www.ice.gov/contact/ero). Asegúrese de tener anotado el número de registro de extranjero, si lo tiene.
Puede llamar a la línea directa de la Oficina Ejecutiva para la Revisión de Inmigración (EOIR) al 1-800-898-7180 (gratuito) las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana para obtener información sobre el estado de su caso.
Requisitos de ICE para Realizar Arrestos y Detenciones de Vehículos sin Orden Judicial
Requisitos de ICE para Realizar Arrestos y Detenciones de Vehículos sin Orden Judicial
Según el acuerdo de conciliación Castanon-Nava, ICE está obligado a cumplir ciertos requisitos al realizar arrestos sin orden judicial, especialmente en la “área de responsabilidad de Chicago”, que incluye Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas y Kentucky hasta mayo de 2025. Estos requisitos incluyen:
Documentación Obligatoria: ICE debe completar el formulario I-213, especificando por qué se realizó el arresto sin orden judicial, detallando la ubicación (como un negocio, área pública o residencia) y si la persona arrestada era empleado de la empresa o residente de la vivienda.
Explicación del Arresto: ICE debe explicar claramente la razón por la cual creían que la persona podría huir si se emitiera una orden judicial más tarde. Además, deben identificarse como oficiales de ICE y proporcionar una justificación documentada del arresto.
Violaciones y Remedios: Si ICE no documenta correctamente el arresto, se considera una violación de la política, lo que puede llevar a la liberación de la persona detenida. Además, los violaciones repetidas pueden resultar en más medidas legales.
Donde puedo encontrar ayuda legal gratuita ó de bajo Costo?
Visite la página de Asistencia Legal de The Resurrection Project para encontrar un proveedor de servicios legales de inmigración gratuitos cerca de usted.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, will continue her fight for smart policies that keep every community safe as chair of the new House Gun Violence Prevention Committee.
“I am honored to be appointed chairwoman of this critical, new committee. Firearms are now the number one cause of death of our children both in our state and our country. And while we have made recent strides enacting common sense gun safety policies here in Illinois, there is more work to be done,” Hirschauer said. “Gun violence looks different in communities across our state, but it affects everyone. This committee was made to ensure that we create and implement common sense policies in an open transparent process with input from constituents, law enforcement, and state agencies. Our number one job in Springfield is to keep our constituents safe. The rippling trauma of gun violence echoes across our communities, and the work of our committee will honor the voices of survivors, and the stories of those we have lost.”
Hirschauer has spent her time in Springfield fighting for positive change and demanding commonsense gun safety laws. A founding member of the Kane and Kendall County chapter of Moms Demand Action, Hirschauer took her fight to Springfield where she has been instrumental in the passage of Illinois’ assault weapons ban, regulations stopping the flow of untraceable ‘ghost guns,’ and most recently the passage of Karina’s Bill, which strengthens protection orders to get guns out of the hands of domestic abusers.
Hirschauer will continue this work, and collaborate with colleagues and activists from across the state, as chair of the new Gun Violence Prevention Committee, which will be the House’s primary committee dealing with the issue of gun violence.
“I will make it my priority to listen to all Illinois residents and create and pass laws that will protect us and our communities,” Hirschauer said. “The bills we pass in the General Assembly have real life and death consequences and I am honored to lead the conversations in the House on common sense gun safety policies. I look forward to digging into a wide variety of legislative ideas from safe storage to community violence prevention initiatives and beyond.
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 #104 West Chicago IL 60185
Batavia, Ill. – As communities brace for the threat of federal immigration raids, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer is encouraging residents to know their rights under Illinois state law intended to check unlawful harassment and racial profiling.
“I care deeply about the safety and well-being of my constituents; and I will do all that I can to protect the hard-working people and families of the 49th district,” said Hirschauer. “The Trump Administration is threatening to target our immigrant communities here in Illinois with raids and deportation. As we move forward these next four years, it’s important that our immigrant communities know their rights, and my office is here to offer support. Illinoisans believe in taking care of their neighbors; it is the Midwest way, and it is now more important than ever.”
Rep. Hirschauer is reminding residents of their rights under Illinois state law, including the Illinois Trust Act and the VOICES Act, which protects all residents from warrantless arrest in a variety of safe spaces, including churches, schools, hospitals, and group homes.
Additionally, immigrant-rights experts are reminding residents to:
Refuse to open the door to their home unless presented with a warrant signed by a judge.
Exercise the right to remain silent and not answer questions.
Do not sign anything without speaking to an attorney.
If detained, get a lawyer trained in immigration law. Call the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights helpline at 1-855-435-7693 to connect with experts in immigration law.
Hirschauer Recuerda Residentes de sus Derechos Mientras se Acercan las Incursiones Contra Inmigrantes
Batavia, Ill. – Mientras las comunidades se preparan por las amenazas de incursiones de oficiales federales de inmigracion, el/la rep. estatal [name] motiva a sus residentes para reconocer sus derechos bajo la ley del estado de Illinois que intenta detener el acoso injustificado o la persecución racial.
“Me importa profundamente la seguridad y bienestar de mis constituyentes y voy hacer todo lo que pueda para proteger a las personas y familias trabajadoras del distrito 49,” dijo Hirschauer. “La administración de Trump está amenazando nuestras comunidades de inmigrantes aquí en Illinois con incursiones y deportaciones. En lo que avanzamos estos próximos 4 años, es importante que nuestras comunidades de inmigrantes conozcan sus derechos y mi oficina estará aquí para ofrecer soporte. Los residentes de Illinois creen en cuidar a sus vecinos; es la manera medio oeste y es más importante ahora que nunca.”
Hirschauer recuerda a sus residentes de sus derechos bajo la ley del estado de Illinois, incluso la Ley de Trust y la ley VOICES de Illinois, que protegen a los residentes de la detención injustificada en espacios seguros como iglesias, escuelas, hospitales, y hogares comunes.
También, expertos de derechos de inmigrantes recuerda residentes a:
Dejar de abrir la puerta a su hogar a menos que se presente una orden judicial firmada por un juez.
Ejercer el derecho a permanecer en silencio y no responder a las preguntas.
No firmar nada sin hablar con un abogado.
Si es arrestado, obtenga un abogado cualificado en la ley de inmigracion. Llame a la línea de asistencia de la Coalición de Derechos para Inmigrantes y Refugiados 1-855-435-7693 para conectarse con expertos en la ley de inmigracion.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, will continue her efforts to develop fiscally and socially responsible budgets, protect communities from gun violence, and help families make ends meet in a new term in the Illinois House.
“It is truly an honor to continue representing the communities of the 49th District, and to be back in Springfield doing the work that I love to do for Illinois families and constituents,” said Hirschauer. “This session, I will prioritize fiscal responsibility so we can provide economic relief to the people of Illinois. I will continue to fight for commonsense gun safety policies that will keep our communities safe, and focus on access to affordable healthcare for all.”
Hirschauer began a new term Wednesday, with a focus on protecting access to the critical service people need to be their best during difficult financial times. Over her time in the House, Hirschauer has championed balanced budgets that also make smart investments in local schools, in affordable college education, and in healthcare and senior care. That will remain a top priority as finances tighten and federal leaders push severe cuts to the resources working families and seniors need.
Hirschauer will also continue working to crack down on hidden ‘junk fees’ that increase the cost of everyday essentials. In 2024, Hirschauer eliminated a state grocery tax to help offset some rising costs in fluctuating markets. She also worked to address the rising cost of healthcare, by controlling premium increases, cracking down on gimmicks that deny people access to care, and getting junk insurance plans out of the market.
“As inflation and costs increase, I strive to maintain an economy that will support working people and families in my district who are struggling to put food on their tables and make ends meet,” said Hirschauer. “I will continue my work on passing a statewide safe firearm storage policy that will save lives. Our number one job in the General Assembly is to keep our constituents safe and provide support for them and their families to live full and healthy lives. I look forward to continuing the work of the people.”
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 #104
West Chicago IL 60185
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, delivered Karina’s Bill (HB4144), legislation that will protect domestic violence survivors from firearms. The product of years of negotiation and advocacy by Hirschauer along with domestic violence and gun violence prevention advocates, Karina’s Bill will clarify and strengthen the law regarding the firearm remedy in criminal and civil orders of protection.
“After years of fighting in Springfield and in the courts, and after extensive negotiation and advocacy, the passage of Karina’s Bill marks a significant step forward in protecting domestic violence survivors from firearms,” Hirschauer said. “This survivor-centered bill honors the memory of Karina Gonzalez and her daughter Daniela who were murdered by an abuser who should have never had access to a firearm.
Everyone who dreams of a future without gender-based violence knows that we cannot erase tragedies in the past, but we can and we must work to build a better future in memory of victims, survivors, and all who love them. The passage of Karina’s Bill is a long overdue step in that direction.”
Karina’s Bill combats the deadly combination of guns and domestic violence by strengthening the firearm remedy within the order of protection process and empowering judges with the ability to order the removal of guns from abusers who have been deemed a credible danger. The bill also clarifies the process for survivors, judges, and law enforcement when the firearm remedy is involved in criminal and civil orders of protections. Research has shown that the presence of a gun in a home where domestic abuse occurs increases the risk of homicide by 500%.
“In a domestic abuse situation, a gun becomes a means of control. It is used to stop survivors from leaving threatening situations, it can perpetuate the cycle of abuse, and ultimately it can turn a dangerous situation into a deadly situation,” Hirschauer said. “This bill is about protecting survivors. And most importantly, it is about valuing women’s lives more than we value guns.”
BATAVIA, Ill. – More than 52,000 Illinois families have had old medical bills wiped out under a new debt relief plan backed by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia.
“Even families that have worked hard and done everything right can face crushing medical debt because of insurance company red tape and gimmicks,” Hirschauer said. “Medical debt is one of the most common causes of bankruptcy, and hits communities of color even harder. I am proud to support this program as it will give back to our communities living in poverty and relieve that financial burden caused by medical bills.”
Hirschauer passed House Bill 5290 last May, creating the Illinois Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program, which will eliminate up to $1 billion in medical debt by purchasing old bills from debt collectors and hospitals for just pennies on the dollar. The state recently announced relief for 52,745 residents, totaling $72 billion in savings for families, with more relief forthcoming.
“The constant cycle of medical bills adds up for those who may not have the luxury of health insurance, but even then, the gimmicks that hospitals, insurance companies, and medical facilities use to debt people needs to be stopped,” Hirschauer said. “That is why this is only one step in a bigger plan to reduce medical debt for families who really need it and allow them to feel relief before the holidays.”
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 #104 West Chicago IL 60185
