Hirschauer to Prioritize Childcare, Education and Environmental Policy on Key Committees

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.

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer to Prioritize Childcare, Education and Environmental Policy on Key Committees

(D-Batavia)
49th District

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

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Passes Bill Requiring Five Days of Paid Time Off For Employees

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.

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer to Prioritize Childcare, Education and Environmental Policy on Key Committees

(D-Batavia)
49th District

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

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer to Prioritize Childcare, Education and Environmental Policy on Key Committees

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — In response to recent statements by the Kane County Sheriff misrepresenting the Protect Illinois Communities Act, the state lawmakers representing Kane County issued a letter to county residents to clarify the law and ensure its enforcement in the interest of public safety. Signatories include state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, state Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, and state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville.

“The Protect Illinois Communities Act was the culmination of hundreds of hours of negotiations among survivors, law enforcement and other stakeholders. This landmark legislation will vastly improve public safety and reduce gun violence. Illinoisans spoke out against assault weapons and we answered their call. It is time for every elected official to do the same,” said Hirschauer, a chief co-sponsor of the Protect Illinois Communities Act. “As Kane County’s state representatives, we are eager to collaborate with the Illinois State Police, the Governor’s Office, the Attorney General, the Kane County Sheriff, and local law enforcement to ensure that this life-saving law is successfully implemented.”

In the letter, the lawmakers disprove misinformation about the Act and highlight recent state investments in mental health services and law enforcement as important components of gun violence prevention. The letter can be found here.

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer to Prioritize Childcare, Education and Environmental Policy on Key Committees

(D-Batavia)
49th District

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

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

Illinois House Democratic Women’s Caucus ElectsLeadership for 103rd General Assembly

Originally published at IllinoisHouseDems.com

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois House Democratic Women’s Caucus (IHDWC) recently
elected their leadership team for the 103rd General Assembly. They are:

  • State Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, D-Downers Grove, Chair
  • State Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Champaign, Vice Chair
  • State Rep. Dagmara Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, Secretary
  • State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, Treasurer

“I am honored by the trust my colleagues have placed in me,” Stava-Murray said. “Crafting
policy to promote the interests of women statewide, especially in the post-Dobbs age, is an
important responsibility, and one that will impact the lives of half our state’s population. The
intrinsic set of issues that women face in our society present unique obstacles for advocates and
policymakers to overcome. I welcome the challenge, and I am eager to get started.”

“I am honored to be joining the leadership of the Women’s Caucus and bringing my experience
and perspective to the fights ahead of us,” Ammons said. “Women have always played a critical
role in the fight for equality, justice and a better future for women, minorities and all those who
find their lives wrought by injustice. I am excited to work with my colleagues and the rest of the
caucus in advancing legislation that will lift up women across Illinois.”

“Illinois women, and women of color in particular, face unique challenges that necessitate
collaborative and creative policy solutions,” Avelar said. “As the secretary of the Women’s
Caucus, I am ready to listen to and learn from my sisters-in-service so that we can formulate
legislation that uplifts women across the state. Our diversity is our greatest strength, and I will
work tirelessly to make sure the work of the Women’s Caucus reflects as such.”

“Through my work as a community activist and as a state representative, I know first-hand what
a tremendous impact women leaders have on their communities and the state of Illinois as a
whole,” Hirschauer said. “As a member of the IHDWC leadership team, I am deeply committed
to continuing that legacy so that women of all backgrounds have equal opportunities to grow and
thrive.”

The IHDWC works to promote the leadership of women elected to the Illinois House of
Representatives and to craft inclusive policy outcomes for the state. The caucus is working to
address systemic challenges for women, and to provide resources to elevate the role of women in
public service.

Hirschauer to Prioritize Gun Violence Prevention, Working Families in Second Term

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — After taking the oath of office for the 103rd General Assembly, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement: “I am incredibly thankful that my neighbors have once again entrusted me to represent their needs and interests in Springfield.

This is a responsibility that I do not take lightly, and I promise to continue serving with the honor and integrity our community deserves.

“As your state representative, my highest priority is to support working families and children across Illinois. This includes continuing our efforts to further reduce gun violence, strengthen our public education system, increase access to affordable health care, and improve affordability for working families. Though we have made tremendous progress on many of these fronts, our fight is far from over. I am confident that with continued collaboration and compromise among legislators on both sides of the aisle, Illinois’ future is as bright as ever.”

Hirschauer to Prioritize Childcare, Education and Environmental Policy on Key Committees

UPDATE: Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Banning Assault Weapons and Sale of High-Capacity Magazines

 

Original release, Jan 6, 2023
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.
— After months of negotiation and advocacy, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, helped pass the Protect Illinois Communities Act Tuesday. The bill now heads to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk for signature.

“Gun violence touches all corners of our state, from urban centers to rural towns and everywhere in between. For far too long, we’ve let these weapons of war roam our streets and enact unspeakable violence against innocent people,” Hirschauer said. “Today, the Illinois General Assembly said no more. No more senseless violence. No more assault weapons. Though this ban cannot bring back those whose lives were lost to gun violence, the bill we passed today will undoubtedly save many lives and prevent unspeakable tragedy for generations to come,”

The Protect Illinois Communities Act is the culmination of months of negotiation among advocates, survivor groups, the Senate and the Governor. The proposal will ban the sale of weapons such as assault rifles, high-capacity magazines, and rapid-fire modifications that make semiautomatic weapons function like automatic weapons. The bill also creates a state police anti-trafficking unit to collaborate with federal law enforcement agencies to combat the flow of illegal guns across state lines, and expands and strengthens Illinois’ red flag law.

“I am immensely proud of my colleagues in both chambers for standing up for the safety and wellbeing of Illinois families and communities,” Hirschauer said. “But today’s action will not and can not be the end of our work to prevent gun violence. We have a long road to go to keep guns off our streets and protect those we hold dear. Today we celebrate. Tomorrow, we get back to work.”

For more information on Hirschauer’s legislative agenda, please visit www.ilga.gov.

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer to Prioritize Childcare, Education and Environmental Policy on Key Committees

(D-Batavia)
49th District

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

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer-Backed Assault Weapons Ban Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A comprehensive proposal sponsored by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, to prohibit the sale of assault weapons, among other gun safety regulations, was passed by the Illinois House of Representatives Thursday.

“Losing a loved one to gun violence is an unthinkable reality that far too many Illinoisans must grapple with each day. We grieve for the children and family members lost too soon, for the survivors whose scars are both mental and physical,” Hirschauer said. “By passing the Protect Illinois Communities Act, we will prevent many of these horrific tragedies by removing weapons of war from our streets and keeping guns out of the wrong  hands. Today’s vote will both improve the safety of our communities while also honoring the lives lost to and changed by gun violence.”

The Protect Illinois Communities Act prohibits the sale of assault weapons, extended ammunition magazines and rapid-fire modifications. The bill also creates a state police anti-trafficking unit to collaborate with federal law enforcement agencies to reduce and prevent the flow of illegal guns over state lines. Finally, the legislation also strengthens Illinois’ red flag law to keep guns out of the hands of those who are a danger to themselves or others.

“Gun violence is a complex public health and safety crisis that deserves holistic, multifaceted policy solutions. Though today’s action will undoubtedly save lives and lead to safer communities, we must continue to take meaningful action to end gun violence across Illinois,” Hirschauer said. “I wholeheartedly urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass the Protect Illinois Communities Act and help lead us toward a safer Illinois. Our families, our children and our lives depend on it.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer to Prioritize Childcare, Education and Environmental Policy on Key Committees

(D-Batavia)
49th District

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

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Defends Reproductive Health Rights

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Upon the passage of the Patient and Provider Protection Act by the Illinois House of Representatives, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, released the following statement:

“Illinois is a state where everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, is welcome to access the health care they need to live as their truest selves. Today, the Illinois House of Representatives reaffirmed that truth by passing the Patient and Provider Protection Act. Among other provisions, this legislation strengthens and expands reproductive freedoms and access to reproductive and gender-affirming health care.

“Abortion, contraception, PrEP and PEP medication and gender-affirming care are all forms of healthcare — often life-changing and lifesaving health care. By expanding access to these resources, vulnerable Illinoisans will receive the care they need to live happy and healthy lives. I urge the Senate to take up this bill to positively benefit all Illinoisans and help our state maintain its stature as a leader in reproductive freedoms and inclusive health care.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer to Prioritize Childcare, Education and Environmental Policy on Key Committees

(D-Batavia)
49th District

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

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Fights for Assault Weapons Ban, Gun Safety

CHICAGO, Ill. — As a long-time advocate for gun safety reform, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, participated in a hearing of the proposed assault weapons ban by the Judiciary – Criminal committee.

“Gun violence is a complex issue, and we cannot properly address it without hearing the input and experiences of survivors, the families of victims, health care professionals, and other stakeholders,” Hirschauer said. “Today we heard the stories of so many brave individuals who have lived through unspeakable tragedy. Their courage and honesty cannot be understated and will continually inspire my work to reduce gun violence and pass a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines.”

Hirschauer is a chief co-sponsor of House Bill 5855, also known as the Protect Illinois Communities Act. The proposal would ban assault weapons, large capacity magazines, and rapid-fire devices, strengthen firearm restraining order laws and hold gun manufacturers accountable for marketing firearms products using deceptive marketing tactics. The committee also passed House Joint Resolution 97, which mourns the lives lost in the Fourth of July shooting in Highland Park.

“Illinoisans have experienced too much gun violence, with impacts that go beyond the devastating loss of life or physical injury. Lingering trauma, from Chicago to East St. Louis to Aurora, destroys us from within. To force our constituents to endure these effects is negligent and reprehensible,” said Hirschauer. “Now is the time for Illinois’ leaders to set aside their differences and take concrete action to ban assault weapons and reduce the plague of gun violence that has been ravaging our communities.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer to Prioritize Childcare, Education and Environmental Policy on Key Committees

(D-Batavia)
49th District

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

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Supports Plan to Eliminate Pandemic Unemployment Debt

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — A bipartisan plan backed by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, to reduce Illinois’ unemployment insurance loan debt and invest in the state’s rainy day fund was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday.

“The COVID-19 pandemic brought us unprecedented challenges, and this proposal provides a solution to the financial problems our state has faced,” Hirschauer said. “This legislation is an incredible step toward strengthening the financial outlook of our state while supporting workers and saving businesses millions of dollars.”

Hirschauer supported Senate Bill 1698 which bolsters the health of the Unemployment Trust Fund by increasing the Target Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund balance and Taxable Wage Base, and outlines a $450 million interest free loan to Illinois’ Unemployment Trust Fund. Money paid back from the loan will be directed toward the state’s rainy-day fund. The bill also moves statutory hurdles that would have automatically raised taxes on employers and cut benefits for claimants. Payment of the remaining unemployment insurance loan debt and the $450 million loan are expected to be appropriated through a separate action in January 2023.

“This bill is a result of weeks of negotiations among legislators from both sides of the aisle, as well as business and labor groups. I am thankful for their hard work and willingness to set aside their differences for the good of the state,” Hirschauer said. “This proposal is a great step in the right financial direction, and I will continue to support legislation that protects the working families in our community.”

Senate Bill 1698 passed the Illinois General Assembly with bipartisan support. For more information on Hirschauer’s legislative agenda, please visit www.ilga.gov.

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer to Prioritize Childcare, Education and Environmental Policy on Key Committees

(D-Batavia)
49th District

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

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185