News, State Representative Maura Hirschauer, Page 14

I am honored, in this historic moment, to take the oath of office to represent the hard working people of Illinois House District 49. Today, on the heels of the passage of historic criminal justice reform, the 102nd General Assembly elected Emanuel Chris Welch, to be the first Black Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. As Chairman Justin Slaughter said this morning, we went from protest to progress. Together as a General Assembly, and with guidance and support from our communities, we will navigate the challenges ahead with grace, grit, and unity.

I look forward to starting our work in the 49th district to help our constituents lead full, equitable, healthy lives. I am grateful for your continued support. I want to give a special note of gratitude to my family, who joined me on the house floor via zoom. It was lovely to celebrate this moment, that we all worked so hard for, with them, together, although we are apart.

Throughout the course of our campaign I had the opportunity to meet many of you; you were generous with your time at the doors and on the phone. I listened to your concerns about the pandemic, access to healthcare, and our state finances. Above all you expressed the need for honest, transparent, ethical leadership and I promise to provide that.

There is much work to be done, and I will center your voices, ideas, and needs in every decision I make. I look forward to introducing you to our amazing district team. We cannot wait to get to work, helping our communities access the support they need to lead full, equitable, healthy lives. I am grateful for your continued support.Thank you for allowing me to represent you in the 102nd General Assembly.

There is much work to be done, and I will center your voices, ideas, and needs in every decision I make.

New State Rep. Maura Hirschauer Takes Office with Focus on COVID Relief, Health Care Affordability

The General Assembly shall convene each year on the second Wednesday of January

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Elementary school teacher and community activist Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, was sworn in as a new state representative Wednesday, taking office committed to work on relief for families and small businesses struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic and fight for
quality, affordable health care.
Hirschauer released the following statement:

“I’m honored to serve our west suburban families as our community navigates the challenges of the
COVID-19 pandemic. This past year has tested our resilience in ways that none of us imagined: the loss of lives and livelihoods, job loss and income uncertainty, small business closures, disruption of our children’s education, the inability to see loved ones in assisted living facilities and so much more.

“As I met with so many residents of our community, I heard their stories of grief, of fear and anxiety, but also of hope for an end to the pandemic in 2021 and revival of our economy. It’s my priority to make sure families and businesses in greatest need have access to emergency resources so that we make it through this unprecedented crisis together.

“The current pandemic has magnified issues within our health care system. I will fight to hold prescription drug manufacturers and insurance companies accountable for out-of-control costs. I also recognize that more must be done to address health care disparities, including access to telehealth and mental health services.

“Additionally, as a mom, former educator and community activist, I am calling on my new colleagues
in the General Assembly to enact tougher ethical standards for politicians. Those who abuse the
public’s trust should face appropriate consequences and be stripped of perks like a taxpayer-funded pension. It’s crucial that our tax dollars are spent wisely and with accountability, especially given the economic circumstances we face.”

“There is no doubt this is a difficult time for our state, and I’m ready to get to work to fight for affordable health care, provide much-needed COVID relief for families and businesses and improve Illinois’ economic health.”

“There is no doubt this is a difficult time for our state, and I’m ready to get to work to fight for affordable health care, provide much-needed COVID relief for families and businesses and improve Illinois’ economic health.”