WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – As the weather begins to cool down, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is reminding residents to prepare for dangerous winter weather conditions like extreme cold, snow and ice.

“Traveling during the holiday season can be unpredictable, especially as temperature drops and winter weather conditions worsen,” Hirschauer said. “This upcoming holiday season, be sure to be prepared for winter weather both at home and while traveling.”

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) released their 2021 Winter Weather Preparedness Guide to help Illinoisans prepare for winter weather conditions. IEMA recommends that residents familiarize themselves with winter weather terms, local county names, health risks of cold weather, and prepare disaster kits for work and home. Emergency supplies kits should include a battery powered weather radio, nonperishable food items, medication, extra water, flashlights, first aid kit, pet supplies, facemasks and hand sanitizer.  For travel emergency kits, it is essential to also include a shovel, windshield scraper or brush, a tool kit, extra clothing or blankets, booster cables, and sand or cat litter.

 “As your family gathers to celebrate the holidays, be sure that they are preparing for the weather conditions and traveling safely,” Hirschauer said. “By spending the time to prepare now, families can ensure they have a safe and healthy holiday season.”

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. –State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is highlighting the open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance.

“This year, there are more plans for Illinoisans to choose from, so it is possible to find a plan that fits your needs,” Hirschauer said. “The plans included will protect those with preexisting conditions and help give options for preventative care.”

The Illinois Department of Insurance recently announced the Open Enrollment Marketplace which runs from Nov. 1, 2021 to Jan. 15, 2022. This change allows Illinoisans an additional month to enroll in health insurance through the ACA Marketplace. This year, consumers will have more options to choose from than the previous year. For more information about health insurance options under the ACA, visit www.healthcare.gov.

 “The best way to maintain your health is to make sure that you have coverage when you need it most,” Hirschauer said. “After navigating a global pandemic, I encourage everyone to make sure they are covered.”

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – To honor veterans this Veterans Day, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is celebrating the contributions of veterans and highlighting her work to support veterans.

“Veterans Day is a time to reflect and thank our service people who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedom,” Hirschauer said. “It is important to recognize the contribution of our veterans and highlight ways that veterans can access resources here in Illinois.”

Hirschauer, who sits on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, has supported numerous pieces of legislation to support the health and success of veterans as they return to their communities.  This year, Hirschauer supported HR 62 to investigate the COVID-19 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home and hold people accountable for the crisis. Hirschauer also co-sponsored HB 130 to grant Veterans of World War II property tax exemptions.

 “As we prepare to return to Springfield in January, veterans’ issues remain at the forefront of building a stronger Illinois,” Hirschauer said. “I will continue to support measures to ensure that our veterans receive the resources they deserve.”

​

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – To celebrate the essential role of manufacturing in the economy and the community, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is highlighting October as National Manufacturing Month.

“Manufacturers have always been essential to Illinois’ economy,” Hirschauer said. “After a tough year with limitations posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to highlight the resiliency and contributions that these manufacturers make in our communities.”

Hirschauer has supported numerous measures to help businesses and manufacturers get back on track after obstacles created by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Hirschauer supported House Bill 2454, creating the Back to Business grants for employers in manufacturing and numerous other industries. These programs will invest in local economic redevelopment, waive fees for businesses struggling due to the pandemic, and help businesses operate safely. Earlier this month, Hirschauer participated in a local manufacturing month tour of Suncast Corporation with students from Batavia High School. In total, this event hosted over 450 students from the local region to encourage students to explore high paying careers in manufacturing.

 “Manufacturers help to create local jobs and are the engines of numerous communities across the state,” Hirschauer said. “By supporting Illinois manufacturers this month and every month, we can build back a stronger economy.”

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – To promote the availability of mental health and school safety services for students, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is bringing awareness to the new Safe2Help Illinois program for K-12 students. 

“Unfortunately, we continue to see school shootings happen regularly throughout the United States,” said Hirschauer. “In response to these shootings and to prevent future crises, we need to ensure we are providing the best possible resources to all students to ensure preventative measures are in place before a tragedy occurs in one of our schools. This Safe2Help Illinois program is a step in that direction.”

In response to the fatal school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the Illlinois Terrorism Task Force led a working group made up of law enforcement and educators from around Illinois to identify school safety issues and come up with practical solutions. The Safe2Help hotline was a recommendation from the working group. The Safe2Help hotline is a 24-hour program where students can use a free app, text/phone, or the website (Safe2HelpIL.com) to share school safety issues in a confidential environment. Information obtained by Safe2Help Illinois will remain confidential to ensure student privacy and to protect the integrity of the program.  This program is not intended to suspend, expel or punish students; rather, the goal is to encourage students to “Seek Help Before Harm.”. Safe2Help Illinois is available 24/7, and at no cost to all school districts in the state. Once vetted, the information will be shared immediately with local school officials, mental health professionals and/or local law enforcement, depending on the nature of the information. The program also will help local officials by connecting them with mental health resources or other appropriate tools to intervene and help students before they harm themselves or others.For more information, visit: https://www.safe2helpil.com/

“While this new program is a huge step in the right direction to end school emergencies, more still needs to be done,” continued Hirschauer. “I will continue to fight for proper mental health resources that are accessible and affordable for all, and gun safety laws that will ensure tragedies like these will never have to happen again.” ​

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Maintaining her promise to fight climate change and vote for environmentally friendly legislation, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, was recently accounted as having a perfect voting record by the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC).

“Since coming into my role as Representative, I have always been focused on ensuring we are passing legislation that focuses on clean energy, reducing climate change and conserving our natural resources for future generations,” said Hirschauer. “I am honored to receive this recognition and I stay committed to fighting for our Earth.”

The Illinois Environmental Council works to promote policies aimed at safeguarding the Illinois environment and protecting it for future generations. Hirschauer voted for several pieces of legislation this past session supported by IEC including the SB 2408, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, that makes Illinois a national leader in renewable energy while also protecting and creating thousands of good-paying jobs across Illinois.

“Every time it counted, Rep. Hirschauer stood up for our environment, public health and meaningful action on the urgent climate crisis,” said IEC Executive Director Jen Walling. “Illinois will be a cleaner, safer place to call home because of the leadership Rep. Hischauer demonstrated this session, and we look forward to building on that legacy together in the future.”

###