Rep. Hirschauer to Fight for Smart Approach to Public Safety as Chair of New Gun Violence Prevention Committee

Posted on January 22, 2025 by Office of Maura Hirschauer

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

Fiscal Responsibility, Living Costs, Gun Safety Among Top Priorities for Rep. Hirschauer in New Term

Posted on January 9, 2025January 10, 2025 by Office of Maura Hirschauer

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

Hirschauer Passes “Karina’s Bill” to Protect Domestic Violence Survivors From Firearms

Posted on January 7, 2025January 10, 2025 by Office of Maura Hirschauer

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.”

Hirschauer-Backed Medical Debt Plan Delivers for Over $72 Million in Relief 52,000 Illinoisans

Posted on November 20, 2024 by Office of Maura Hirschauer

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

Hirschauer Enacts Reforms to Make Healthcare More Affordable, Expand Access to Care

Posted on July 11, 2024October 28, 2024 by Office of Maura Hirschauer

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois families will have access to better and more affordable health care coverage under new laws backed by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, aiming to reduce costs and hold big insurance companies accountable.

“The Healthcare Protection Act brings groundbreaking changes to our healthcare system. By eliminating junk insurance, abolishing step therapy and prior authorization for mental health, tackling ghost networks, and reducing insurance premiums to make healthcare better and more affordable, we will significantly enhance healthcare in Illinois,” said Hirschauer. “This is a pivotal moment for healthcare equity, setting a new standard for future improvements to ensure a healthier Illinois.”

The Hirschauer-backed House Bill 5395 and House Bill 2499 were signed into law Wednesday, delivering a series of major reforms to make health care coverage better and more affordable. The new Health Care Protection Act would create a rate review process requiring insurance companies to justify premium increases, and empowering state watchdogs to reject unwarranted hikes that simply pad profits.

Additionally, the measure curbs gimmicks insurance companies use to deny access to medically necessary treatments, procedures, and prescription medications, including step therapy—where insurance companies require a patient to ‘try and fail’ with cheap, ineffective treatments before covering the prescribed treatment or medication. Under the Healthcare Protection Act, doctors and patients will now be empowered to make important medical decisions—not insurance companies.

These measures also stop insurance companies from selling inadequate short-term healthcare plans that provide little or no coverage.

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

Hirschauer Responds to SCOTUS Action on Illinois Gun Law

Posted on July 2, 2024July 3, 2024 by Office of Maura Hirschauer

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court declining to take up a challenge on an Illinois law that bans certain semi-automatic rifles and large-capacity magazines, leaving the Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA) intact.

“This is a victory for families and communities across Illinois. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision not to challenge the Protect Illinois Communities Act supports the commonsense framework that weapons of war have no place in our neighborhoods. Here in Illinois, we have seen firsthand the traumatic effects that assault weapons have on our communities. Today is a reaffirmation that no person should have to look for active shooters along parade routes, in grocery aisles, or places of worship, and that no parent should have to drop their child off at school and fear they might not see them again. I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to leave PICA intact, prioritizing the safety of our families over the interests of an out-of-touch gun lobby. However, our work here in Illinois is not done. We must remain steadfast in tackling the everyday gun violence that affects so many communities in our state. Now more than ever, we must see actionable change — we owe it to all whose lives have been irreversibly touched by gun violence.”

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
331-465-9661

SC-no-PICA-2024-July Download

Hirschauer: Supreme Court Ruling Signals Illinois Can Act to Get Guns Away from Abusers

Posted on June 21, 2024July 2, 2024 by Office of Maura Hirschauer

BATAVIA, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement Friday after the Supreme Court sided overwhelmingly with gun safety advocates and survivors of domestic violence by upholding federal protections preventing abusers from possessing firearms:

“The United States Supreme Court spoke clearly and forcefully in favor commonsense gun safety, with justices from every end of the ideological spectrum upholding efforts to get guns out of the hands of domestic abusers.

“While this ruling is a great relief for survivors of gender-based violence, the federal protections affirmed today merely preserve the status quo—and for tens of thousands of women and families, it is clear that this is not enough. We now know without question that we can do more, and we must. Here in Illinois, we should move forward by enacting Karina’s Bill, which will provide clear guidance for getting guns out of the hands of abusers, and ensure those weapons are removed sooner—all within a framework that justices have now overwhelmingly endorsed.

“The Supreme Court has shown us that we can enact Karina’s Bill with confidence, knowing that the gun lobby’s bad faith claims have been rejected by the nation’s highest court. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this important legislation into law as soon as possible.”

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

Rahimi-Karina’sBill-2024-June Download

Hirschauer Prioritizes Efforts to Help Families Save, Strengthen Schools, and Invest in Safe Communities

Posted on May 29, 2024June 21, 2024 by Office of Maura Hirschauer

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is highlighting efforts to cut costs for families, improve access to healthcare, strengthen local schools, and keep families safe during the recent legislative session.

“My top priority as a lawmaker is to ensure the health and safety of my neighbors and I believe these priorities are reflected in our budget. Our state budget is both socially and fiscally responsible,” said Hirschauer. “By investing in our schools and upping funds to improve public safety, we’re on a healthy path to seeing communities statewide see relief.”

Continuing her effort to rebuild Illinois’ fiscal house, Hirschauer passed a new state budget that trimmed nearly $75 million in administrative costs and grew the state’s rainy day fund. Hirschauer prioritized new investments in early childhood education, which will create new opportunities for 5,000 of Illinois’ youngest learners and allow working families much-needed access to childcare. Thriving schools lead to thriving neighborhoods, which is why Hirschauer supported an increase of $350 million for elementary and secondary schools, and additional access to college financial aid such as MAP Grants.

Hirschauer delivered major reforms to help cut the cost of living. A new $50 million child tax credit will help families raising young children as they face rising costs. Additionally, she supported a $10 million state investment that will eliminate $1 billion in family medical debt. Hirschauer also voted to eliminate a state sales tax on groceries and give local governments more tools to get serious about property tax relief.

Keeping communities safe is a constant priority for Hirschauer, which is why she supported smart investments in community-based approaches to violence prevention and funding to ensure that police have the resources they need to combat crime. Hirschauer voted to hire and train 200 new state troopers, and added funding to help local departments recruit and retain officers. As suburban libraries and religious organizations also see increasing threats of violence, Hirschauer worked to create new protections for library workers and new state resources to combat hate crimes.

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

Rep. Hirschauer Responds to Villa Park Tragedy

Posted on April 29, 2024April 29, 2024 by Office of Maura Hirschauer

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement regarding the tragic homicide that took place over the weekend in Villa Park.

“The murder of Julie Elguezabal is a tragedy and another unacceptable loss resulting from the intersection of domestic violence and firearms. While we collectively condemn this horrific act of violence, we must also collectively take action to right this wrong. Legislation that would remove firearms from the hands of domestic abusers remains stalled in the Illinois State Senate. Karina’s Bill (SB 2633) would allow judges to issue search warrants along with orders of protection so that law enforcement can search homes and immediately remove firearms from domestic abusers. Compared to this time last year, there is a 65% increase in the number of victims killed in firearm-related incidents across Illinois, according to The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence. We cannot let this trend continue and must pass this lifesaving bill this session.

In response to Julie Elguezabal’s murder, DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin was quoted as saying, ‘Perhaps a legislative fix or internal remedy could improve this outcome.’ On this point, I agree with the State’s Attorney — passing Karina’s Bill and giving law enforcement the tools they need to directly confiscate guns from domestic abusers will save lives. I encourage all of us in positions of leadership to ensure these safeguards are in place to protect survivors who are seeking to leave violent relationships.

Each day that passes without action on Karina’s Bill means more lives shattered and more futures stolen. We owe it to every victim and their families to ensure that they have the protection they need to reclaim their safety. My heart is with the family of Julie Elguezabal, and for hopefully the last time, I say: enough is enough. It is time that we pass Karina’s Bill and end the cycle of firearm-involved domestic violence homicides.”

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

Read SB 2633 on ILGA.gov

Hirschauer Cracks Down on Discrimination with New Protections for Reproductive Health Decisions

Posted on April 18, 2024May 9, 2024 by Office of Maura Hirschauer

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Reproductive health decisions will be better protected under a new bill passed by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, ensuring that employers, landlords, financial institutions, and others can never discriminate against a person on the basis of contraception decisions, utilization of abortion care, or fertility treatment including in vitro fertilization.

“No one should ever face stigma for making decisions about their own reproductive health. I’m proud to stand alongside my colleagues who have fought bravely to ensure that bodily autonomy is a fundamental right here in Illinois, and it will remain one,” said Hirschauer. “Discrimination has no place in our laws, our workplaces, or our communities. As other states turn back time and move backward towards antiquated law, we’re sending a clear message — everyone deserves the right to make decisions about their own bodies without fear of retribution or bias.”

In striking down decades of protections for reproductive rights, the Supreme Court’s 2020 Dobbs v. Planned Parenthood decision left a complicated legal landscape in which private medical decisions once shielded at the federal level are now far less settled.

Continuing her work to uphold the right to choose Illinois, Hirschauer voted to pass House Bill 4867, which protects a variety of reproductive health decisions under the state’s Human Rights Act. Current law prohibits a business from terminating an employee, a landlord from refusing to rent to a person, or other arbitrary denial of basic accommodation to a person because of pregnancy. Hirschauer voted to expand these protections to also prevent discrimination against people for utilizing reproductive health services including abortion care, contraception, or in vitro fertilization.

The legislation was backed by Planned Parenthood, the National Employment Lawyers Association, and the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

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

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)49th District

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia) 49th District

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)49th District

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia) 49th District

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)49th District

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)49th District

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia) 49th District

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)49th District

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia) 49th District

(D-Batavia)
49th District

(D-Batavia)
49th District

(D-Batavia)
49th District

(D-Batavia)
49th District

(D-Batavia)
49th District

(D-Batavia)
49th District

(D-Batavia)
49th District

(D-Batavia)
49th District

(D-Batavia)
49th District